Redskins' Ryan Kerrigan: 'I'm kind of the elder statesman in the room now'

Washington Redskins outside linebacker Ryan Kerrigan is coming off the best campaign of his career, and he'll embrace a larger role with the club entering the 2015 season.

Entering his fifth season after recording 64 tackles, 13.5 sacks and five forced fumbles in his fourth, Kerrigan is the foundational piece of the Redskins' defense and knows he'll be taking on more leadership responsibilities.

"I'm kind of the elder statesman in the room now, as weird as it is to say. It's kind of my role now," Kerrigan said to ESPN's John Keim. "I kind of do (like it). I enjoyed that role as a senior at Purdue when we had a lot of young guys, so I kind of embrace that."

Kerrigan, who hasn't missed a game in his NFL career, plans to become more vocal in imparting his wisdom to the club's younger players.

"Before, my first couple years, when we were working out or whatnot, and you see a guy not doing something right, or might need a little bit of coaching, I might keep my mouth shut," Kerrigan said. "But now, I want to help the guys along and say, 'Hey, use this footwork, or do this move with your hands,' so it'll just be more little things like that."

Redskins general manager Scot McCloughan said Monday that he's working on contract extensions for Kerrigan and stalwart left tackle Trent Williams.

Washington quietly improved its defense in the offseason and Kerrigan will have to take on a larger role in the team's scheme in order to help them climb out of the NFC East basement.