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The Washington Football Team’s first-round of roster cuts are complete. Head Coach Ron Rivera and staff have gotten to the 53-man mark and have begun scouting the waiver wire and free agents to finalize their roster heading into week one. A few positions on the team have depth concerns right now, but what sticks out the most is linebacker. Washington currently has four linebackers on their roster, and Rivera emphasized that they are not through with the position; it is one that they are constantly evaluating.
Is former Dolphin linebacker Benardrick McKinney an option for Washington?
PFN Insider @TonyPauline reports that the #Jets and Washington Football Team are currently showing the most interest in LB Benardrick McKinney.
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) August 31, 2021
He was recently released by the Dolphins after being acquired in an offseason trade.
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Tony Pauline is currently a draft analyst for the Pro Football Network, with previous stops at SI.com, Scout.com, USA Today, and PhiladelphiaEagles.com. He reported late Tuesday evening that Washington has an interest in McKinney, along with the New York Jets.
For the Miami Dolphins, Head Coach Brian Flores said that cutting McKinney was a tough decision. Flores also spoke on the other factors that went into cutting McKinney: the position itself, salary cap, and the kicking game. Further, another contributing factor is linebacker Elandon Roberts, who just returned from the physically unable to perform list.
McKinney, who is 28-years old, has posted 100 or more tackles in three of his six seasons and has 530 tackles and 11.5 sacks in 80 games. However, McKinney played in only four games in 2020 before undergoing shoulder surgery.
Benardrick McKinney (28) is a 6'4" 250+ pounder who would fit perfectly as a SAM linebacker in our base defense and as situational pass rusher in sub-packages
— Mark Tyler(Hogs Haven) (@Tiller56) September 1, 2021
Ran 4.6's at combine with a 40+ vert and a 4.27 SS
He started 77 games over 6 years in Houston (had injury in 2020)
Linebackers Khaleke Hudson, Jamin Davis, Jon Bostic, and Cole Holcomb are the four that Washington kept on their roster. If we are keying in on the coach speak, Rivera said that it is a position that they are always evaluating, and McKinney is in a position where he was not cut because of an injury or poor play. So the question would be, if the Pauline report turns out to be accurate and Washington is pursuing McKinney, would it be signing for a backup role? Or would he be taking over a starting role?
What do you all think? Is McKinney a solid option for Washington?
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