Ryan Kerrigan leaves the Washington Football Team for the Philadelphia Eagles in free agency.
After spending a decade in the nation’s capital, former Washington Football Team star defensive end Ryan Kerrigan has agreed to a one-year deal to play for the division rival Philadelphia Eagles.
While Kerrigan saw his snap count dwindle under new head coach Ron Rivera a season ago, he still finished with 5.5 sacks, propelling him past Dexter Manley for the most in Washington franchise history with 95.5. The No. 16 overall pick out of Purdue in the 2011 NFL Draft was a four-time Pro Bowler in Washington uniform. This is a savvy free-agent signing by Philadelphia.
It may be strange to see Kerrigan play for The Birds this year, but the NFL is at its core a business.
WFT: Ryan Kerrigan signs one-year deal to play for the Philadelphia Eagles
Kerrigan will be entering his age-33 season out of Purdue. While he only started one of 16 games for Washington in 2020, he goes to a rebuilding situation in Philadelphia where he should get ample playing time. His position coach is former Washington player and college football icon Tracy Rocker. Perhaps Kerrigan’s veteran presence helps the Eagles defense round into form in 2021?
Philadelphia may be one of the worst teams in the NFC next year, but you could argue that the Eagles’ pass rush can be a team strength. Before adding Kerrigan, Philadelphia already employed one of the best defensive tackles in all of football in Fletcher Cox. Being able to get after the opposing quarterback could help shape an identity for a rebuilding team in need of a direction.
Washington fans may not like it, but Kerrigan lands in a great situation for him personally in Philly.