Ryan Kerrigan has played his entire 10-year NFL career with the Washington Football Team. He is the franchise’s all-time leader with 95.5 sacks. So, when his name surfaced in trade rumors prior to the Nov. 3 trade deadline, the defensive end said it was a “weird feeling.”
Fortunately, he was not traded. The 32-year old was once deemed a cornerstone for Washington. However, as he ages the team has turned their pass rushing reigns to 2019 first-round draft pick Montez Sweat and 2020 second overall pick Chase Young.
Kerrigan’s playing snaps have largely diminished this season. Yet, he is second on the team with 5.5 sacks after picking up a sack in Washington’s 20-9 win over Cincinnati, Sunday.
His efficiency on the field and ability to play at a high level this late into his career sparked the trade rumors. But, Kerrigan rather remain in Washington. Head coach Ron Rivera has praised his influence on Young and Sweat.
“He’s been exactly what we hoped he would be,” Rivera said earlier this month per Nicki Jhabvala of the Washington Post. “He’s setting the example and he’s the right kind of guy that we have here.”
Ryan Kerrigan is in the final year of a five-year, $57.5 million deal. It remains to be seen what his future will look like after this season. Yet, for now he has relief of still playing in the burgundy and gold of Washington.
