Grading the Chase Roullier extension for the Washington Football Team
Grading Chase Roullier’s extension with the Washington Football Team.
The Washington Football Team made a huge move on Saturday afternoon when they announced Chase Roullier had signed a four-year extension with the team.
Roullier, a sixth-round pick during the 2017 NFL Draft, has been Washington’s starting center for three and a half seasons. He has played 58 games in his career with 52 starts and he has started 45 of 48 games in his last three seasons. That includes this year, as he has played in 100 percent of the snaps ahead of the team’s Week 17 game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Roullier, 27, is a rock-solid center. He has improved each year and still has plenty of good football ahead of him. He has been a key cog in Washington’s offensive line, and head coach Ron Rivera was complimentary of Roullier and what he brings to the team in Washington’s announcement of the extension.
More from Riggo's Rag
- Highlighting the best Commanders 2023 NFL Draft betting props
- 3 late Commanders rumors drawing buzz ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft
- 4 bold predictions for the Commanders 2023 NFL Draft
- Commanders News: Chase Young trade, draft day, CB riser and Sam Howell
- Bet365 VA Bonus Code – Claim $200 Guaranteed With Sign-Up Bonus
"Chase has been a steady presence and leader on our offensive line all season. He is a great teammate and does everything the right way. We are glad to be able to reward a player who has spent his entire career here. He was well deserving of an extension, and I look forward to continuing to coach him as we work towards sustained success here in Washington."
That’s a great review from Rivera, so that should inspire confidence that Roullier passes more than the eye test. He’s a good fit for the team’s culture and during his career, he has allowed only five total sacks. That’s a good combination.
Even better, Roullier’s day appears to be a very reasonable one. According to Ben Standig of The Athletic, Roullier’s deal is worth $40.5 million over four years with $19 million guaranteed. That will make Roullier the 10th-highest-paid center in terms of average annual value (AAV). Considering that Roullier is probably a top-10 center and ranks fourth among centers in 2020, per PFF, this deal seems very reasonable.
The deal places Roullier between Cody Whitehair and Weston Richburg in terms of AAV. It seems like the perfect spot for Roullier, as the players with higher AAV than him are either better or comparable to him and those under him aren’t as good as him. In truth, this is a win-win deal for both sides, as they came to the perfect midpoint in contract talks.
Washington could’ve moved onto a younger, less proven option like Keith Ismael and let Roullier walk, but retaining continuity on the offensive line is always a good thing. Plus, they are set at center for the next few years, as Roullier will start and Ismael can back him up.
Washington is retaining a good, reliable, well-liked player on a deal that is roughly at — if not, below — market value. That’s an excellent move, and they deserve an A-range grade for the extension.
Next. Five bold predictions for Washington vs. Philly. dark