Redskins sign free agent linebacker DeMarquis Gates to roster

The Redskins have made another addition to their 90-man roster ahead of the 2019 NFL Draft.

The Washington Redskins need to keep spots open on their roster for the events in the coming weeks, including the 2019 NFL Draft and the undrafted free agent frenzy that follows the draft. But in the meantime, they have enough room to take on a few project players, or lower upside contributors who might be able to stick around as special teams players.

The Redskins have made a few such signings so far this year, capitalizing on the folding of the AAF to bring aboard defensive end Andrew Ankrah and offensive lineman Salesi Uhatafe. Now, the Redskins have made another depth signing, this time at inside linebacker, adding DeMarquis Gates to their roster. The team’s official Twitter page first reported the news.

Gates, 23, was a four-star recruit in high school, and although he tore his ACL during his high school career, he managed to latch on with a Power 5 team in college. He played college football for the Ole Miss Rebels. At Ole Miss, he carved out a role as a starter on the interior second level for three years, logging 282 total tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, and three forced fumbles over that time span.

Despite his efforts, Gates would go undrafted in 2018, and he’d spend the 2018 offseason with the Cleveland Browns. He was eventually let go by the cut deadline, and later in the year, he signed up to play for the American Alliance of Football.

Gates would suit up for the Memphis Express once in the AAF. Although official AAF stats are no longer available, Gates was documented to have shined in the team’s season opener, per Sudu Upadhyay of WMC5 News. In his first AAF game, Gates logged ten tackles, two forced fumbles, and a tackle for loss, solidifying himself as a defensive starter in the developmental league.

The AAF ultimately folded, and by extension, Gates was released to the open market. Now, for his efforts, the 6-foot-2, 221-pound linebacker will get a shot at training camp with the Washington Redskins. At a position that could use more solid depth, Gates has the potential to add it, if he continues to build on his recent progress.