Redskins Free Agency: Trent Murphy offered a new contract

The Redskins have reportedly sent a contract offer to pending free agent OLB Trent Murphy. A 2nd round pick in the 2014 draft, Murphy finally found his role in the defense in 2016, racking up 47 tackles, 9 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles. The original plan was for Murphy to add weight and play on the defensive line. Murphy bulked up to 287 lbs before training camp, but Junior Galette’s 2nd torn Achilles in 2 years forced him to lose the weight to return to his original spot at OLB. Murphy slimmed down, and played over 61% of the snaps on defense.

He was expected to come back last season and be a big part of the defense again, but then came news that he would be suspended for the first 4 games of the year for PEDs. Murphy appealed, but was denied and looked like his contract year would be shortened. He played in the preseason, and unfortunately tore his ACL and MCL in a game against the Baltimore Ravens. This ended Murphy’s season, and put his future with the Redskins in question. His suspension was served while he was on injured reserve last year, so Murphy will be good to play Week 1 this year.

The Redskins extending a contract offer on the eve of the legal tampering period is a good sign that Murphy will return to the team. The question is what kind of deal is being offered given his suspension last year, and return from injury. The Redskins could try to get Murphy locked in for a few years at a low rate, or bring him back for a year to prove himself to the team. Other teams will likely have interest in Murphy on a prove-it deal too, but will he want to change teams for a short-term, low money deal? Murphy tweeted this message out yesterday afternoon, a few hours before JP Finlay reported on the contract offer.

Staying or going? Junior Galette is also a free agent after finally being healthy and playing last season. Galette provides a different skillset at OLB, but there has been no word on any contract offer for him. He has been vocal about wanting more playing time, and he probably won’t get that here, barring injuries. Preston Smith is entering his contract year, and the Redskins could be looking to extend him before he hits free agency next year. And Ryan Kerrigan has been a rock for the team. The Redskins also have Ryan Anderson, who was selected in the 2nd round last year, but did not get much playing time behind the starters. Murphy’s return would lock him into the 3rd OLB spot in the team’s rotation.

Update: the Redskins have some competition for Murphy