There was some interesting movement within the NFC East today, although it may not have been great news for Washington Football fans.
Former first-round pick, and all-time sack leader, Ryan Kerrigan switched jerseys today and will don the “midnight green” for the Philadelphia Eagles. The former Washington stalwart inked a one-year contract as announced by the player and team today.
Ryan Kerrigan, Washington's all-time sack leader, announces on Instagram that he's signing with the #Eagles. pic.twitter.com/COVreNHRyI
— Jake Russell (@_JakeRussell) May 17, 2021
Kerrigan has been a steady presence for the “Burgundy and Gold” ever since he was selected by the team in the 2011 NFL Draft. The former 16th overall pick from Purdue has started at the right outside-linebacker position for the better part of a decade.
While in Washington, he eclipsed the franchise’s sack record of 91.5 set by Dexter Manley, and set the team’s benchmark at 95.5 sacks for his career. He leaves the team as it’s most productive pass rusher.
Ryan Kerrigan…
tough, productive, durable
– 95.5 sacks, most ever in Washington franchise history
– played in 156 of a possible 160 games in 10 yr career
NFL ranks since 2011:
– 5th most sacks
– 7th most tackles for loss pic.twitter.com/f3xPeAt8sP— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) May 17, 2021
His legacy in Washington will be one of consistency and persistence. Although he did not have the eye-popping sack totals of say, Lawrence Taylor, he did prove to be a model of consistent production. Between 2011-2018 he had no less than 7.5 sacks, and four seasons of double-digit QB takedowns (13.5, 11, 13,13).
What may be most impressive, is his streak of 139 consecutive starts, which is eye-opening considering the physicality of the position and how essential an edge-rusher is in today’s game. Year after year the “Heartbreak Kid” would line up with his hand in the dirt, and ward off any competition from young upstarts who wanted his position. He would also consistently reign terror on his opponents.
- Feed has no items.
Time for a Change
The break between Kerrigan and Washington comes at a natural time with the expiration of his contract. In 2015, he signed a five-year, 57 million dollar contract to continue his career in Washington. He was paid 24 million dollars in guaranteed money in 2016, and fulfilled all five years of his deal. He became an unrestricted free-agent this offseason.
According to Adam Schefter, Kerrigan drew interest from the Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles, and the Cincinnati Bengals. However, he opted for the city of “Brotherly Love” due to the opportunity of playing time. But the allure of remaining in the NFC East also must have weighed on him.
The decision to split was likely mutual between both team and player. Playing time was fleeting in DC, as he saw his play counts drop steeply over the last two seasons. In 2020, Kerrigan played the fewest snaps of his career with 398 total plays. Down from 642 in 2019, and 820 in 2018.
This, coupled with the rise of first-round selections Montez Sweat and Chase Young, expedited his exit from Washington. Kerrigan expressed interest to be traded in November, but coach Ron Rivera claimed that Kerrigan was a vital piece of the organization moving forward.
After the season, Kerrigan was told to explore his options, and so he did. It was reported that he visited the Bengals facility and that the Baltimore Ravens were intrigued. Therefore, his transition to the Eagles was somewhat of a surprise.
Washington also looked forward by drafting edge rushers William Bradley-King and Shaka Toney in this year’s draft. Writing on the wall an eventual split.
We at FPC Washington wish Kerrigan the best of luck. Just not when he plays the Washington Football Team.
Latest from Full Press Coverage Washington:
- “Way Too Early” Schedule Prediction for the Washington Football Team
- Rivera Adds Quality Depth in Leno, McCain
- Pro/Con: Should Washington Trade for Aaron Rodgers?
- Speed, Character, Versatility are Keys to Washington’s Draft
- Washington Football Team: What’s in a Name? Apparently a Lot