Redskins sign Ryan Kerrigan to reported 5-year, $57.5M extension

The Washington Redskins signed Ryan Kerrigan to a long-term extension Wednesday, rewarding the standout pass-rusher by making him one of the league's highest-paid players at his position.

Kerrigan, who was heading into the final year of his rookie deal, signed a five-year, $57-million contract that includes a $16 million signing bonus, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

"To get to a moment like this where you get a chance to play out the rest of your NFL career with the team that drafted you, the team that you love, the city that you love, it hasn’t really hit me yet, but it’s an awesome feeling," Kerrigan said in the Redskins' official release. "Now it’s my job to go reward the Redskins for the faith they put in me by playing well this year, and for the rest of my career."

Kerrigan has started every game since joining the Redskins as a 2011 first-round draft selection, recording 38 sacks in four seasons and earning a trip to the Pro Bowl.

He tallied a career-high 13.5 sacks in 2014, second in the NFC to Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Connor Barwin.

The Redskins will continue to lean on Kerrigan as they attempt to field an improved defensive unit, helping the front seven overcome the free-agent departure of fellow pass-rusher Brian Orakpo.