The Washington Redskins released two defensive players today that had the 8th(Perry Riley, Jr.) and 11th(Stephen Paea) highest cap hits for the season. The Redskins need to trim the roster down to 75 players by 4 pm today, and you cantrack all of the cuts here. Jay Gruden said in today’s presser that the pair was released due to the team being comfortable with the depth at ILB and DE. The team has signed several free agents and drafted players at each position recently.
Riley was drafted by the Redskins in the 4th round of the 2010 NFL draft, while Stephen Paea was signed last offseason to a 4-year, $21 million contract. Riley was re-signed in 2014 for 3 years on a deal worth $12 million. His release will save the team $4 million with his release. Stephen Paea doesn’t save the Redskins much in cap space, but he has disappointed due to injury and his play during his short tenure in Washington. Paea will only save $912,500 and have a dead cap hit of $3.75 million. Clearly not a cap move for him.
Redskins have cut both ILB Perry Riley Jr. and DE Stephen Paea, source says.
— Mike Jones (@MikeJonesWaPo) August 30, 2016
Paea was to make $3.3M plus signing bonus and roster bonus this season. Cap hit $4.65M. Dead cap hit $3.75M
— Mike Jones (@MikeJonesWaPo) August 30, 2016
Stephen Paea's departure leaves a $3.75 million cap hit for the Redskins. They can take $2.5 million of it next year.
— michael phillips (@michaelpRTD) August 30, 2016
6 great years of memories and friendships that will last a lifetime! Thanks to everyone who supported me along the way! #HTTR #NEXTchapter
— Perry Riley Jr (@PR56) August 30, 2016