Galette signing is low risk, extremely high reward for Washington
This new regime for the Washington Redskins continues to knock it out the park, today they decided to take a one year flier on a stellar pass rusher. Former Saints pass rusher Junior Galette has found a home after a very very messy exit from New Orleans.
Over the last two seasons, Galette tallied 22 sacks for the Saints. Heading into his sixth season, the 27-year old undrafted player is looking to rebound after the messy offseason. There’s been a lot of negative reports and stories on Junior after the Saints fiasco. What hasn’t been in question is his talent on the field, he’s adept at rushing the passer and equally sound against the run. For a team that struggled to generate pressure sans selling out on blitzes, Washington is starting to put together a nice group of pass rushers.
While there will be some who say this goes directly against new GM Scot McCloughan’s stance on character, this is how good teams are built. If you have enough high quality locker room guys, signings like this should be easier to accept. Similar moves were made by him when he was in Seattle and San Francisco, the wrong thing to do would be nothing at all. What if Galette ended up in the division for a rival? At least this way, if he doesn’t work out, you know that he can’t hurt you.
The deal is for the league minimum. This deal isn’t about the money. Junior feels that he has a lot to prove both on and off of the field
— Alvin Keels (@AlvinKeels) July 31, 2015
Now if this does work out, he’ll be just 28-years old next season and Washington threw in a very smart clause in the veteran minimum deal. If things do work out, they have first rights to refusal. So if any team wishes to sign Galette away from Washington, the Redskins will get a chance to match. Again, low risk very high reward. Kerrigan is already extended, Murphy and Smith are still on rookie deals and the cap will have gone up. The tweet above is from Galette’s agent Alvin Keels, Washington could be getting a very motivated and talented individual.
Getting Galette on the minimum for 2015 with matching rights for 2016 is an awfully good deal for the Redskins. Risk is mitigated.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) July 31, 2015
While the spot opposite Kerrigan is still up for grabs, the signing of Galette doesn’t mean that he’ll have a leg up on the youngsters. He’ll start off behind them, but it’s only the second day of camp so he’ll have a chance to earn his way up the depth chart. Worst case scenario is that he comes in on third down to do what he does best, rush the passer. Again, that’s the “worst” scenario which is still a positive for a team that couldn’t rush the passer last season. Ideally, Galette beats out the youngsters ahead of him (as of now) and starts opposite Kerrigan. Giving Washington two very good outside linebackers, with two very capable backups to keep them fresh.
“Signing of Galette does not mean he is starter. He is a pass rushing specialist. He still has to earn his stripes” – Jay Gruden
It’s been a theme of the offseason for Washington thus far, it’s another good problem to have. How long do you think it’ll take before Galette jumps over Murphy and Smith to win the job opposite Kerrigan? Share your thoughts below!!
