The Washington Redskins made a trade over the past weekend that had been looming for well over a year. Veteran left tackle Trent Williams was shipped out to the San Francisco 49ers, bringing back a fifth-round pick, as well as a third-round pick in 2021. It may not have been the level of compensation that the Redskins had initially hoped for, but it was definitely the best they could do, given the circumstances.
Now that Williams is out the door, is there one trade left to be made in Washington, though? Pro Football Focus asked the same question this week, pegging veteran DE Ryan Kerrigan as an interesting name that could pop up in a few trade scenarios going forward.
The Redskins are loaded up front with former first-rounders along the defensive line, and Chase Young is now added to the mix after being selected with the No. 2 overall pick in the draft. While it’s enticing to head into the season with Young, Kerrigan and 2019 first-rounder Montez Sweat forming one of the best edge rush trios in the league, a long-term team-building approach could make Kerrigan expendable and enticing for teams that may still have pass-rushing needs post-draft. Kerrigan took a step back last season, but he’s still a capable pass-rusher, notching at least 60 pressures in six of his nine seasons in the league.
While fans may argue that it would be criminal to trade Kerrigan away — a player who is a Redskin to the bone — it’s hard to argue that he may have a better opportunity to succeed elsewhere, and the asset that he delivers in return could be more valuable than what he presents to the team right now. In complete honestly, Kerrigan is no longer a pivotal player for the Redskins, as they have moved on to younger and more productive options at his position, so it could make sense to move him if the price is right.
Of course, that last bit is key. The price has to be right, and Ron Rivera and the Redskins have to feel that they are doing right by the player who has given his heart and soul to the team.
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