Ryan Kerrigan signs new deal with Washington Redskins
Thursday 30 July 2015 08:10, UK
The Washington Redskins have signed linebacker Ryan Kerrigan to a five-year contract extension on the eve of training camp.
Contract terms were not disclosed by the team but ESPN reports the extension is worth $57.5m, with $24.28m guaranteed, while Kerrigan will also receive a $16m signing bonus.
The 6-foot-4, 260-pound Kerrigan ranked second in the NFC last season with a career-high 13.5 sacks for the Redskins, who went 4-12 and finished last in their division for the sixth time in seven years.
Kerrigan, a first-round draft pick out of Purdue in 2011, has started all 64 games in his four-year career with Washington, totalling 38 sacks, 15 forced fumbles and two interceptions both returned for touchdowns.
Washington lost pass rusher Brian Orakpo in free agency and could not afford to do the same with Kerrigan, who had one year remaining on his rookie contract.
Head coach Jay Gruden was delighted to get the deal completed and is confident the 26-year-old Kerrigan has his best football ahead of him.
Gruden told the team's official website: "He can do it all. He's an accountable guy. He's never had an issue off the field here, being late to a meeting.
"Like I said, his work ethic is outstanding. He's a great example for younger players and he's going to get better as years go on.
"He can get to another level. We have to give him a better chance to get to another level. We've got to play with a lead, make teams have to throw, you know, in the fourth quarter, where he can get his numbers up."
Gruden also confirmed the team remains in discussions with three-time Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams about a possible extension. Williams' contract expires after the season and both sides have said they'd like to get a new one.
"He's in great shape and great spirits and he's going to work hard, no matter what the contract situation is. So we'll let that work out," Gruden said.
"We feel good about Trent as a left tackle. I think he's as good as anybody in the league."
