Early 2021 NFL free agency rankings: George Kittle headlines top 70 players
By Samuel Teets
60. Ryan Kerrigan, DE/OLB, Washington Football Team
Washington used the 16th overall pick on Kerrigan in 2011. That’s the same draft that produced other star pass rushers like Justin Houston, Cameron Jordan, Von Miller, Robert Quinn, and J.J. Watt. Kerrigan’s 90 career sacks rank third amongst this class of legendary sack artists, only trailing Miller and Watt. Unfortunately, the Purdue product began showing some rust last year.
In 2019, Kerrigan set career-lows with 5.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and 25 tackles. He also only registered 14 quarterback hits. As Kerrigan nears his 32nd birthday, fans wonder how much longer he can compete at a Pro Bowl level.
Washington added quite a few players to their defensive front in recent drafts, meaning this is likely Kerrigan’s final season with the franchise. Kerrigan’s 90 sacks are second in franchise history, only trailing Dexter Manley’s 91. Sacks became an official stat in 1982.
59. Zach Cunningham, ILB, Houston Texans
A second-round selection from 2017, Cunningham is in the final year of his rookie contract. The Vanderbilt product hasn’t made the Pro Bowl like fellow Texans inside linebacker Benardrick McKinney, but Cunningham is arguably the better player. Cunningham makes plays all over the field and is coming off his best season in the NFL.
Free agency should treat Cunningham kindly. Houston gave McKinney a five-year, $50 million extension in 2018. That puts Cunningham in line to make between $12-14 million annually on his new deal. However, the 25-year-old might have to switch teams if he wants a massive payday.
The Texans already committed a larger percentage of their cap to other players over the past three years. Also, the team needs to get started on signing Deshaun Watson to an extension. With so little cap space available next year, Cunningham should hit the open market. The franchise tag is Houston’s best chance at keeping its star linebacker.