The Washington Redskins are doing a near complete makeover of their defensive line. According to Andrew Brandt of MMQB, the Redskins have released defensive lineman Terrell McClain after one season with the team.
McClain signed a four-year deal worth $21 million as a free agent in 2017 after three seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. His short tenure with the Redskins did go quite well as both sides expected. He appeared in 12 games, starting two, registering 20 tackles and two sacks. He was the 120th rated interior defensive lineman in the league last season, according to Pro Football Focus.
After selecting defensive tackle Da’Ron Payne out of Alabama in the first round and Tim Settle out of Virginia Tech in the fifth round of last weekend’s NFL Draft, the Redskins needed to make room for their newcomers.
McClain initially was to receive a guarantee of $10.5 million which included his 2018 salary. However, the team and McClain agreed to a restructure of his contract in March that changed the guaranteed language for 2018, allowing Washington more flexibility to make a roster move. In total, the McClain made out with $7.5 million.
His $3.25 million salary for 2018 still will count against Washington’s salary cap unless they use his release as a post-June 1 designation.
The Redskins also released defensive tackle A.J. Francis, a former Gonzaga (D.C.) and University of Maryland product, according to JP Finlay of NBC Sports Washington.
Washington will head into training camp with a revamped defensive line that will include studs Jonathan Allen and Matt Ioannidis in addition to Payne and Settle and veterans Ziggy Hood, Anthony Lanier, Stacy McGee and recently re-signed Phil Taylor.
