3 free agent edge rushers the Redskins should consider signing in 2019

3 of 4

DENVER, CO – DECEMBER 10: Outside linebacker Shane Ray #56 of the Denver Broncos celebrates a defensive pass broken up at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on December 10, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

Broncos. Shane Ray. 2. player. 45. . Edge Rusher

In 2016, it looked like Shane Ray was on his way to becoming a solid starting edge rusher in the NFL. Working across from Von Miller and in tandem with DeMarcus Ware, Ray notched a career-high 8.0 sacks and generated growth as a pass rusher. The former first-round pick appeared to be growing, and it seemed that he would soon be a quality starter for the Broncos.

That never quite panned out.

In the past two seasons, Ray hasn’t been able to do much. He has struggled to get on the field and stay on the field. In 2017, he missed half the season due to injuries and only was able to notch a single sack. In 2018, he ended up playing in a rotational role behind first-round stud Bradley Chubb, and that rendered him ineffective. Ray played just 23.5 percent of the defensive snaps and logged a single sack. It became clear that his Broncos career was coming to an end.

More from Riggo's Rag

Now, Ray seemed highly likely to hit the free agent market. And while his recent numbers haven’t been too promising, there’s a chance that in a bigger role, he could emerge as a potential starter as his early days in Denver suggested. Turning just 26 in May, Ray still has an immense amount of upside and some team out there could unlock it.

The Redskins may be willing to take a chance on a guy like Ray. They could use some depth on the edge, and Ray has just as much upside as anybody out there. He doesn’t have to turn into a starter, but he will have the upside to if necessary. But if he’s signed, he can either work in tandem with Ryan Anderson, a draft pick, or Smith (if he re-signs) and really function as a rotational edge rusher for the ‘Skins. He could take a cheap, short-term deal and see if he can up his value and try to hit free agency again in a year or two.

All Ray really needs is to be given a chance. We’ve seen what he can do when he is healthy and when he gets playing time. He’s the perfect buy-low candidate for a Redskins team that needs all the talent and depth they can get. If they don’t want to make a big splash on the edge, Ray would be the perfect candidate to come in and potentially emerge as a quality starter in the future.

Home/Commanders Free Agency