Commanders To Sign LB Nate Gerry
Veteran linebacker Nate Gerry is headed back to the NFC East. The Commanders are signing him, per Mike Kaye of Pro Football Network (Twitter link). 
Gerry, 27, began his career with the Eagles in 2017. He played almost exclusively on special teams as a rookie during the team’s Super Bowl run that year, but took on a larger defensive role with each passing year. In 2019, he played a full season for the first tine, starting 12 contests and setting career highs in tackles (78) and sacks (2.5) along the way. He was a full-time starter the following season, but that campaign was cut short due to an ankle injury.
In free agency. the former fifth-rounder signed with the 49ers. By July, however, he was cut, and remained sidelined throughout the entire 2021 season. Kaye adds that he had not fully recovered from the injury until this offseason (Twitter link). Now, he will look to add starting-caliber depth to Washington’s LB corps.
The Commanders are led at the position by the likes of veterans Cole Holcomb and David Mayo, and 2021 first-rounder Jamin Davis. Gerry – who, as noted (on Twitter) by ESPN’s Field Yates, was among several players the team worked out yesterday – could prove to be a valuable find if he is able to regain his form of years past. He will, at a minimum, provide more experienced depth in the middle of the team’s defense than the likes of UDFA Tre Walker, who reversed his retirement decision yesterday.
Washington entered the day with more than $13MM in cap space, so this deal won’t prevent any other additions. Per Kaye’s colleague Aaron Wilson, the team is cutting offensive lineman Tyrese Robinson to make room for Gerry’s arrival (Twitter link).
Minor NFL Transactions: 8/6/22
Today’s minor moves around the league:
Chicago Bears
- Signed: LB Javin White
- Waived (injury designation): LB Christian Albright
Cleveland Browns
- Activated from PUP list: WR David Bell
- Activated from reserve/NFI list: LB Anthony Walker
- Activated from reserve/non-football illness list: WR Javon Wims
- Placed on IR: DE Stephen Weatherly
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Released via injury settlement: OL Jared Hocker
New Orleans Saints
- Placed on reserve/retired list: LB Kiko Alonso (story)
- Signed: CB Quenton Meeks
- Placed on IR: OL Jerald Hawkins
New York Giants
- Placed on IR: OG Marcus McKethan (story)
Washington Commanders
- Activated from reserve/retired list: LB Tre Walker
Weatherly was in line for a rotational role with the Browns this season behind entrenched starters Myles Garrett and Jadeveon Clowney. The 28-year-old was coming off of a sack-less campaign with the Vikings last year, but has 73 games and 17 starts on his NFL resume. In his absence, the Browns will depend not only on another mostly healthy season for Clowney, but also third-round rookie Alex Wright and recent USFL signing Chris Odom in the edge rush department.
Just yesterday, Walker surprisingly ended his NFL career before it began, briefly becoming the second young Commander this offseason to hand up his cleats unexpectedly. Hours later, however, the UDFA changed his mind and asked to be reinstated. Having signed him to his rookie contract, Washington held the rights to the San Jose State alum and were free to bring him back into the fold. He will once again look to make the team’s roster – something he has a decent chance at, given the lack of proven options Washington has down the depth chart at ILB.
NFL Workout Updates: 8/5/22
Here’s a look at some of the notable workouts from around the league this week:
- After six years with the Raiders, running back Jalen Richard is searching for a new home. This week saw the 28-year-old workout with the Lions and Steelers, according to Aaron Wilson of Pro Football Network and Field Yates of ESPN. Richard has seen his production drop off drastically over the past two seasons, but has shown potential as a backup in the past topping out at 607 rushing yards in a season.
- The Steelers weren’t only looking at Richard, according to Yates. He reported that Pittsburgh also worked out former Giants running back Wayne Gallman. Gallman spent last season with the Falcons and Vikings after recording a 682-yard rushing season in New York, but couldn’t find a role with either team. The Steelers look to be trying to find some depth to compete behind starter Najee Harris.
- Another veteran searching for a new home, cornerback T.J. Carrie worked out with the Saints today, according to Yates. Carrie has found a strong role as a rotation cornerback over the years with the Raiders, Browns, and Colts. The Saints have a lot of youth at the top of their depth chart with second-year player Paulson Adebo and rookie Alontae Taylor favored to start opposite Marshon Lattimore. Perhaps the Saints are looking to add more veteran depth the room.
- The 49ers ended up signing Willie Snead today, but his workout today featured another veteran wide receiver, according to Yates. Former Jaguars wide receiver Dede Westbrook was apparently in competition with Snead for a roster spot that ended up going to Snead. Westbrook’s numbers have suffered greatly since tearing his ACL early in 2020. He’ll likely keep auditioning with teams in hopes of working his way back.
- After nabbing a Super Bowl ring with the Rams last year, cornerback Donte Deayon has been trying to find his way onto another roster. He worked out alongside three other defensive backs in Washington earlier this week, according to Nicki Jhabvala of the Washington Post. Apparently they were all competing for a roster spot that ended up going to De’Vante Bausby. Deayon will have to continue searching for his third NFL team.
Minor NFL Transactions: 8/5/22
Here’s today’s minor transactions from around the league:
Chicago Bears
- Signed: DL Trevon Coley
- Waived: DT Auzoyah Alufohai, S Jon Alexander
Cleveland Browns
- Signed: CB Lavert Hill
- Waived: CB Reggie Robinson (with injury designation)
Dallas Cowboys
- Placed on active/PUP list: LB Anthony Barr
Detroit Lions
- Activated from active/PUP list: S C.J. Moore
Kansas City Chiefs
- Waived: DL Cortez Broughton (with injury settlement)
Miami Dolphins
- Signed: P Sterling Hofrichter
- Waived: P Tommy Heatherly
New Orleans Saints
- Placed on IR: S Smoke Monday
New York Giants
- Signed: OT Will Holden
- Waived: DE Niko Lalos, CB Jarren Williams
Philadelphia Eagles
- Placed on IR: TE Jaeden Graham
San Francisco 49ers
- Waived: WR Taysir Mack
Seattle Seahawks
- Signed: LB Joel Dublanko
- Released: TE Jake Hausmann
Washington Commanders
- Placed on reserve/retired list: LB Tre Walker
Minor NFL Transactions: 8/4/22
Today’s minor transactions:
Arizona Cardinals
- Signed: WR Marcell Ateman
- Released: OL Eric Smith
- Activated from PUP: TE Maxx Williams
Carolina Panthers
- Signed: CB Tae Hayes
- Waived: LS Thomas Fletcher
Dallas Cowboys
- Placed on PUP: LB Anthony Barr
Denver Broncos
- Signed: WR Darrius Shepherd
Los Angeles Rams
- Signed: WR Austin Trammell
- Waived/injured: TE Kyle Markway
New York Giants
- Claimed off waivers (from Browns): DB Nate Meadors
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Activated off NFI: S Minkah Fitzpatrick
San Francisco 49ers
- Placed on IR: TE Jordan Matthews (story)
Washington Commanders
- Signed: CB De’Vante Bausby
- Waived (injury designation): LB Drew White
Minor NFL Transactions: 8/3/22
Today’s minor moves
Baltimore Ravens
- Waived: WR Trevon Clark
Carolina Panthers
- Reverted to IR: WR Andrew Parchment
Cleveland Browns
- Signed: WR Daylen Baldwin
- Waived: S Nate Meadors
Denver Broncos
- Signed: RB Max Borghi
- Placed on IR: RB Damarea Crockett, WR Tim Patrick (story)
Detroit Lions
- Signed: WR Maurice Alexander
- Waived/injured: RB Greg Bell
Houston Texans
- Signed: LS Harrison Elliott
- Activated from PUP: DB Tristin McCollum
- Waived-injured: WR Davion Davis
Indianapolis Colts
- Signed: WR D.J. Montgomery
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Signed: G Beau Benzschawel
- Waived/injured: G Jared Hocker
Miami Dolphins
- Activated from NFI: DB Elijah Campbell
New Orleans Saints
- Waived: TE Brandon Dillon
New York Giants
- Placed on exempt/left squad: OT Matt Gono*
New York Jets
- Activated from NFI: RB Tevin Coleman, TE Jeremy Ruckert
Philadelphia Eagles
- Activated from PUP: TE Richard Rodgers
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Signed: RB Master Teague
- Placed on IR: RB Jeremy McNichols
Tennessee Titans
- Signed: DB Terrell Bonds, OL Willie Wright
- Waived/injured: DB Chris Williamson
- Placed on IR: C Daniel Munyer
Washington Commanders
- Signed: CB De’Vante Bausby
- Waived/injured: LB Drew White
*Per Dan Duggan of The Athletic (on Twitter), Gono has left the squad due to an undisclosed physical issue. The lineman will meet with a doctor tomorrow, which should provide some clarity.
Minor NFL Transactions: 7/30/22
We’ll keep track of today’s minor transactions here:
Arizona Cardinals
- Released: DE Matt Dickerson, TE David Wells
Buffalo Bills
- Signed: CB Jordan Miller
- Released: CB Travon Fuller
Detroit Lions
- Activated from non-football illness list: OT Dan Skipper
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Signed: OL Darryl Williams
- Released: TE Naz Bohannon
Los Angeles Rams
- Reverted to IR: RB Xavier Jones
Seattle Seahawks
- Placed on reserve/retired list: G J.R. Sweezy (story)
Washington Commanders
- Signed: OT Alex Akingbulu, OT Rashod Hill
- Released: OL Beau Benzschawel
- Placed on reserve/retired list: LB Ryan Kerrigan (story)
NFL Workouts: 7/29/22
Here’s a list of minor players who visited or worked out for an NFL team today:
Carolina Panthers
- CB Quenton Meeks, CB Isaiah Johnson, CB Duke Dawson (signed)
Green Bay Packers
Houston Texans
- DE Chris Odom, DB KiShawn Walker, DT Lorenzo Neal, DB Antoine Brooks
Jacksonville Jaguars
- K Elliott Fry (signed), K Chase McLaughlin, K Matt Ammendola, K Brandon Aubrey
Las Vegas Raiders
- LB Curtis Bolton, LB Omari Cobb
New York Giants
- RB Devontae Booker (story)
Pittsburgh Steelers
- RB Jordan Howard, RB Josh Adams, DT Mike Panasiuk, DT Hauati Pututau
Washington Commanders
- OT Tyree St. Louis, OT Alex Akingbulu, OT Rashod Hill
Howard had recently also worked out for the Saints, along with Bo Scarbrough, according to Nick Underhill at New Orleans Football Network. Howard has bounced between Philadelphia and Miami with limited success since averaging 1,123 rushing yards per season and totaling 24 rushing touchdowns in his first three seasons with the Bears. Injuries and limited productivity have really hurt Howard’s success over the past three years.
Ryan Kerrigan Announces Retirement
Following an 11-year career spent entirely in the NFC East, Ryan Kerrigan is walking away. The longtime Washington pass rusher signed a ceremonial contract with the team Friday to announce his retirement.
Kerrigan, 33, will retire as Washington’s all-time sack leader. The former first-round pick collected 95.5 over the course of his 10-season run with the franchise. While Kerrigan did not add to his sack total with the Eagles last season, he played 16 games with the team after signing a one-year deal in May.
Chosen as part of a stacked 2011 draft, Kerrigan earned four Pro Bowl nods and finished with at least 7.5 sacks in each of his first eight seasons. Becoming one of the most durable players in modern NFL history, the Purdue product did not miss a game during that stretch was only sidelined for five during his career. The last came because of a COVID-19 contraction. Team success was fleeting during Kerrigan’s Washington run, but the 3-4 outside linebacker — a role he played for most of his career — remained one of the game’s more consistent edge rushers.
After trading down with the Jaguars in the ’11 draft, in order for Jacksonville to take Blaine Gabbert at No. 10 overall, Washington nabbed Kerrigan at 16. He broke into the team’s starting lineup immediately and did not play a game as a rotational sub until 2020, when the team’s current Chase Young–Montez Sweat D-end configuration formed. Kerrigan signed a five-year, $57.5MM extension seven years ago today and played out that deal. The Eagles gave him a one-year pact worth $1.425MM.
Illustrating how deep the the 2011 draft was for pass rushers, Kerrigan’s 95.5 sacks rank only sixth among that class. His 26 forced fumbles, however, are tied for second among 2011 draftees — matching Von Miller and J.J. Watt. Kerrigan’s five strips led the NFL in 2014. Kerrigan is unlikely to join Miller and Watt in the Hall of Fame, but he anchored the Washington rush for most of his career.
The team reduced his role upon drafting Young in 2020, but the elder edge defender broke Dexter Manley‘s franchise sacks record — though Manley’s 1981 rookie year came before sacks became an official stat — by recording 5.5 that year. The 2020 Washington D-line housed five first-round picks, and it played a major role in helping the team make a surprise playoff run. Kerrigan also added 1.5 sacks in the Eagles’ playoff loss to the Buccaneers in January.
Chase Young Expected To Miss Start Of Regular Season
One of the top storylines in Washington this offseason has been the progress defensive end Chase Young makes as he continues to recover from a torn ACL. The injury kept him sidelined during the spring, and, as expected, has landed him on the PUP list to start training camp. His Week 1 availability is now very much in question as well. 
Head coach Ron Rivera said, via NFL.com’s Kevin Patra, that the 23-year-old is “probably going to miss a little bit of time” to start the regular season. He added that Young’s ACL tear is “a little more severe” than that suffered by tight end Logan Thomas, who is himself likely to miss the opening few games of the campaign.
“Chase and I had a conversation,” Rivera continued, “and I said, ‘Look, don’t push yourself. This is not just about this season, but it’s also about the future.'” Referencing the setbacks felt by Curtis Samuel after the Commanders tried to bring him back early, Rivera also said, “what we’ve done, we’ve backed up, looked at everybody, and said, ‘hey, we know there is a timeframe that you say look, OK, this is when we’ll get this guy back.’ But we’ve got to be really careful with [Young] just because of who he is for us.”
The 2020 Defensive Rookie of the Year was limited to nine games last year, one which saw him fall short of his statistical performance the season prior with just 1.5 sacks and three tackles for loss. Young will have lofty expectations upon his return, but if the Commanders place him on IR to start the campaign, he will be sidelined for at least four games. The progress he makes in the coming weeks will thus be worth closely monitoring.