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Five most important free-agent Redskins of the 2021 offseason

By Jacob Camenker

LANDOVER, MD - SEPTEMBER 15: Brandon Scherff #75 of the Washington football team takes the field before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at FedExField on September 15, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - SEPTEMBER 15: Brandon Scherff #75 of the Washington football team takes the field before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at FedExField on September 15, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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MIAMI, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 13 Ryan Kerrigan #91 of the Washington Redskins rushes the quarterback against the Miami Dolphins in the second quarter at Hard Rock Stadium on October 13, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 13 Ryan Kerrigan #91 of the Washington Redskins rushes the quarterback against the Miami Dolphins in the second quarter at Hard Rock Stadium on October 13, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /

player. 58. . Edge Rusher. Washington Commanders. Ryan Kerrigan. 4

The importance of Ryan Kerrigan‘s free agency is less about him as a player. He’ll be coming off his age-32 season at the end of 2020 and likely doesn’t fit the Redskins’ long-term plans — unless he’s willing to take a backup’s salary to finish his career in Washington.

The Redskins have selected edge rushers Montez Sweat (2019) and Chase Young (2020) in the first round of the past two draft classes. This is in addition to having selected defensive linemen Jonathan Allen (2017) and Daron Payne (2018) in the first round of the previous two. They also have Matt Ioannidis under contract.

In essence, the Redskins won’t require the services of Kerrigan shortly if all goes to plan. They’ll also need to prepare to give Allen an extension that compensates him compared to his value. Considering that he had eight sacks as an interior rusher in 2019 and is a key defensive leader, his price could rise with another good season.

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So, keeping Kerrigan may not be in the Redskins’ future. But there are a few reasons that his pending free agency will be important. First, he has been with the team since being a first-round draft pick in 2011 and has functioned as a high-quality defender and locker room presence.

Second, he has been mostly reliable; before missing four of the final five games last year, Kerrigan had started 139 consecutive games for the Redskins. Missing that consistently available presence will be tough for the team.

Third, Kerrigan has always been productive. He has averaged 10 sacks per season, made four Pro Bowls, and has never had fewer than 5.5 sacks in a year. And even that career-low came in his only injury-shortened season.

There are a lot of positives surrounding Kerrigan. And if he’s willing to stay on at the right price as a backup and valuable veteran mentor, the ‘Skins could consider keeping him. But if he wants to chase a ring, he could also consider going elsewhere. Either way, his potential Washington departure will be noteworthy even if the team is set to be okay without him.

It’s also worth noting that Ryan Anderson, another pass rusher, will be a free agent in 2021. He had a career-high four sacks last season, but unless he fits better in the 4-3 defense than expected, either as an edge rusher or SAM linebacker, his loss will likely be less impactful despite him being six years Kerrigan’s junior.

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