Ryan Kerrigan reportedly visited the Cincinnati Bengals on Wednesday as the former Washington pass rusher searches for a new team in free agency.
Kerrigan, 32, remains unsigned after the first wave of free agency. Washington’s all-time sack leader, Kerrigan is in search of a team that can provide more playing time next season. Kerrigan spent the 2020 season in a reduced role behind edge rushers Chase Young and Montez Sweat, playing only 38% of the team’s defensive snaps.
Despite the smaller workload, Kerrigan was still productive last season — recording 5 1/2 sacks, his same total as 2019. In Week 1 against the Philadelphia Eagles, Kerrigan broke Dexter Manley’s franchise record for most career sacks in a Washington uniform.
Kerrigan admitted to being frustrated with the smaller role last year and he reportedly requested a trade. Washington ended up keeping Kerrigan past the deadline, valuing the leadership and effort the former first-rounder provided.
Washington reportedly has an interest in retaining Kerrigan if Kerrigan accepts a rotational role. The team also needs a rotational pass rusher as 2017 second-rounder Ryan Anderson left for the New York Giants.
The Bengals, meanwhile, need pass-rushing help. They ranked dead last in team sacks per game last year (1.1). Cincinnati already spent part of free agency addressing the position, adding former New Orleans defensive end Trey Hendrickson.
The NFL Network first reported Kerrigan’s visit to the Bengals.
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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