Ryan Kerrigan Contract Overview and Career Earnings
Ryan Kerrigan is a former NFL linebacker whose career earnings reflect his long tenure as a productive pass rusher. His largest contract came in 2014 with the Washington Redskins, where he signed a five-year deal worth up to $56.25 million, with $29 million guaranteed, making him one of the highest-paid edge defenders on the team at the time. This agreement was widely reported by sports business outlets as a reward for his 2013 season, where he recorded 14.5 sacks and earned Pro Bowl honors. Kerrigan's career earnings across his time with Washington, the Philadelphia Eagles, and the Indianapolis Colts have surpassed $80 million in total guaranteed money. For a detailed breakdown of his contract history, refer to OverTheCap, which tracks NFL salary figures and contract structures Ryan Kerrigan contract details on OverTheCap.
After his initial Washington deal, Kerrigan continued to earn significant income through extensions and short-term agreements. In 2019, he signed a two-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles worth up to $13 million, with $6 million guaranteed, adding to his cumulative earnings. His final NFL contract came in 2021 when he joined the Indianapolis Colts on a one-year deal worth $5.5 million, with $3 million guaranteed. Throughout his career, Kerrigan maintained a consistent market value as a starter-caliber edge rusher, which kept his annual salary in the $10 million to $15 million range for multiple seasons. His total career earnings, including base salary, bonuses, and incentives, place him among the top earners at the linebacker position during his era.
Ryan Kerrigan NFL Career Timeline and Team Transactions
Ryan Kerrigan was selected by the Washington Redskins in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft, 16th overall, out of Purdue University. He spent his first nine NFL seasons with Washington, where he became the franchise's all-time leader in sacks before being traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2019. His time with the Eagles lasted two seasons, during which he contributed as a rotational pass rusher and helped the team reach the 2020 NFC Championship Game. In 2021, Kerrigan signed with the Indianapolis Colts, where he played his final NFL season before announcing his retirement. Each team transaction was accompanied by contract announcements that detailed guaranteed money, signing bonuses, and performance incentives.
Kerrigan's career timeline shows a steady progression from a high draft pick to a veteran leader on multiple defensive units. He was named to the Pro Bowl in 2013 and earned Second-Team All-Pro honors that same year, which directly influenced the structure of his first major contract extension. His sack totals remained in the double-digit range for several seasons, peaking at 14.5 in 2013 and staying above 10 sacks in multiple years with Washington. The Redskins traded him to the Eagles after the 2018 season, where his contract was restructured to include a higher base salary and a reduced guarantee compared to his original deal. His final season with the Colts in 2021 was marked by a veteran minimum salary with a modest signing bonus, reflecting his transition to a mentorship role on the roster.
Ryan Kerrigan Post-NFL Career and Contract Legacy
Ryan Kerrigan retired from the NFL after the 2021 season, concluding a career defined by consistent pass-rushing production and multiple high-value contracts. His legacy as one of the most productive edge defenders in Washington franchise history is supported by his career sack total, which ranks among the top five in team records. Since retiring, Kerrigan has remained connected to the NFL through potential coaching opportunities and media appearances, though he has not yet