After exiting Washington after a decade with the team, new Eagles defensive end Ryan Kerrigan opted to remain in the NFC East, but Philadelphia was not the only franchise reportedly interested in his services.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Pittsburgh Steelers, along with the Cincinnati Bengals and Eagles, were one of the three teams that pursued Kerrigan the hardest.
Teams that showed the most interest in Ryan Kerrigan were the Eagles, Steelers and Bengals. But he opted to stay in NFC East. https://t.co/hIopweFdDA
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 17, 2021
While all signs point to the Steelers sticking with second-year edge rusher Alex Highsmith opposite T.J. Watt, the veteran Kerrigan would have been a significant upgrade and major acquisition for a Pittsburgh pass rush looking to remain one of the NFL’s best.
Kerrigan exits Washington as the franchise’s all-time leader in sacks with 95.5. They are also the fifth-most in football since he entered the league in 2011.
A first round selection out of Purdue, Kerrigan additionally recorded 454 combined tackles, 119 tackles-for-loss, 26 forced fumbles, six defensive touchdowns and three interceptions.
Kerrigan was also incredibly durable in Washington, playing 156 games out of a possible 160.