Washington Football Team: Players team could trade away before deadline

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Sep 13, 2020; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Football Team defensive end Ryan Kerrigan (91) celebrates after sacking Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz (not pictured) in the second quarter at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

EDGE Ryan Kerrigan

Ryan Kerrigan has been in Washington for the past 10 years. He is the franchise’s all-time sack leader with a mark of 93 and coming into the 2020 season, he was averaging 10 sacks per year.

Kerrigan has been one of the few constants on Washington during a tumultuous decade, but at 32 years old, he doesn’t have a lot left in the tank. Washington could certainly let his finish his career as a lifelong member of the team, but ahead of his 2021 free agency, he may have his sights set on targeting a Super Bowl ring before he calls it quits.

As it stands, Kerrigan isn’t getting a lot of playing time for the team. He is being 2019 and 2020 first-round picks Montez Sweat and Chase Young in the edge rush rotation and only played seven snaps against the Giants. He has played in 50 percent of the snaps in some other contests, but overall, his playing time is down.

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If Kerrigan wants to chase a title, Washington could allow him to do that by trading him. Teams are always looking for extra pass-rushing weapons and despite his limited playing time, Kerrigan has logged three sacks this season. He may need to rotate to stay more effective, but generally, he has been healthy and consistent during his career.

Dealing Kerrigan would sting a bit because of how loyal and solid he has been for the franchise, but if ever there was a time to move him, now would be it. Teams like the Seattle Seahawks, Tennessee Titans, and Indianapolis Colts could also use some extra pass rushers as they look to make playoff pushes, and Kerrigan would be a sensible addition for any of them.

At this point, Kerrigan probably wouldn’t fetch anything more than a late-round pick considering his age and contract status. Markus Golden, a younger player on a one-year deal, just got dealt to the Cardinals for a sixth-round pick, so Kerrigan would probably fetch a similar price or maybe a fifth-round pick.

If Washington doesn’t like that price, they could keep Kerrigan and hope to land a compensatory pick if he leaves. But for now, the possibility of trading Kerrigan can’t be discounted even though he is a consummate pro and good leader.

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