The Redskins made it a priority to sign linebacker Ryan Kerrigan to a contract extension before the season. He received a lot of cash, obviously, but it’s not an unfriendly deal by any means. Kerrigan hasn’t missed a game in his first four seasons and is coming off a 13.5-sack season. He’s also second in the NFL since 2011 in forced fumbles with 15. So, yes, he does make plays.
But whether or not he ranks among the NFL’s best? That’s a different discussion. When it comes to contracts, how a guy gets paid is not usually commensurate with his standing at that position. All about timing folks. Kerrigan gives the Redskins what they want: a very good linebacker who takes the approach they love.
The Redskins also have two other key players who can be free agents that they’d like to keep around: tackle Trent Williams and running back Alfred Morris. A team source said no extensions are imminent for either player.
Anyway, here’s the breakdown of Kerrigan’s five-year extension. Don’t get caught up too much in his cap standing for a couple reasons: Some other linebackers will earn big deals within the next couple seasons and the cap will increase. Also, it’s hard to find pass rushers so they’re going to sometimes be overpaid.
2016
Base salary: $5 million
Cap hit: $8.45 million
Roster bonus: $15,625 per game up to $250,000
Note: The base salary is fully guaranteed. Kerrigan’s cap hit is about $60,000 more than Brian Orakpo’s for Tennessee.
2017
Base salary: $8.25 million
Cap hit: $11.7 million
Roster bonus: $15,625 up to $250,000.
Note: As of now, Kerrigan’s cap hit this season will be the third-most in the NFL behind Justin Houston and Clay Matthews.
2018
Base salary: $9 million
Cap hit: $12.45 million
Roster bonus: $15,625 per game up to $250,000
Note: Kerrigan’s cap hit is second-highest this season, but his number trails Houston’s by nearly $7 million. Kerrigan’s hit would be approximately $1 million more than Matthews’ number.
2019
Base salary: $10.5 million
Cap hit: $13.95 million
Roster bonus: $15,625 per game up to $250,000.
Note: This is the highest Kerrigan’s cap hit will reach. Once again, his hit is second-highest in the NFL behind only Houston (by around $6 million). Keep in mind: Only eight linebackers are under contract for this season. Within a few years, Kerrigan’s standing will be pushed down. If for some reason the Redskins cut Kerrigan, they would save $10.75 million vs. the cap (but have $3.2 million in dead money). Also, Kerrigan is the only Redskins player currently under contract for this season.
2020
Base salary: $11.5 million
Cap hit: $11.75 million
Roster bonus: $15,625 per game up to $250,000.
Note: Only three linebackers are signed through this season, with Houston’s cap hit again topping No. 2 Kerrigan by nearly $6 million. The Redskins could cut Kerrigan before the season with no cap hit.