Why the Redskins should consider releasing Ryan Kerrigan

The hard facts

Tough decisions are often unpopular.  Fan’s are loyal, especially to long time players like Kerrigan.  With so much negativity surrounding the team in recent seasons, it’s only natural for fans to become emotionally attached to a hard-working, blue-collar guy like Kerrigan.   So popular sentiment among fans is the Redskins owe it to Kerrigan to be loyal.

I get it, in a perfect world, he’s the type player I’d prefer finish his career as a Redskin.  But the Redskins don’t play in a perfect world, far from it.  The fact is they were 3-13 last year.  The facts are that mediocre describes the “good” seasons the Redskins have had since Kerrigan joined the roster.  Can they really be much worse without him?

His loyalty to the Redskins and the community should be commended, the fans loyalty to him should be applauded, but this is a bottom-line business. Loyalty gets you beat.

Kerrigan has earned $55 million from the Redskins, his production has been compensated nicely. Don’t feel bad for him. His 91 will one day be in the ring of honor. Fans will proudly wear his jersey long after he’s gone and whether he retires a lifelong Redskins is a moot point.  His legacy has already been cemented. He has nothing more to gain or prove in D.C.

If you want what’s best for Kerrigan, then hope he goes to a team with a legitimate chance for a Super Bowl. If you want what’s best for the Redskins, even if it brings a lump to your throat, that decision may be to move on.