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Redskins sign linebacker Pernell McPhee

The Washington Redskins announced Monday that the team has signed free agent linebacker Pernell McPhee.

ESPN’s John Keim was the first with McPhee’s contract details, “Pernell McPhee’s contract breakdown has been entered into the system: It’s a one-year deal worth $1.8 million, but he’ll only count $1.7 million vs. the salary cap. He received a $350,000 signing bonus — the only portion that’s guaranteed. So if he somehow doesn’t play well or gets hurt, he’s easy to cut in camp. He receives a roster bonus of $31,250 per game up to $500,000. It’s certainly a cost-effective contract for the Redskins. Junior Galette turned down what he felt was a low offer from the team. McPhee will be a backup outside linebacker for Washington.”

The story leading up to this signing began last week when the 29-year-old McPhee met with team officials. The same day of the meeting it was reported that the Redskins had withdrawn their offer to edge rusher Junior Galette. After reports that the meeting went well and a contract was offered, it was then reported that McPhee told the Atlanta Falcons on Saturday that he would be signing in Washington.

Signing McPhee fills a need for the Redskins after the team decided to move on from Trent Murphy (signed with the Buffalo Bills) and Galette. McPhee will join Ryan Kerrigan, Preston Smith, and Ryan Anderson on the Redskins depth chart at outside linebacker.

If he can stay healthy, Pernell McPhee is a good run stuffer on the edge and should do well playing in a backup role behind Kerrigan or Smith. The Redskins were near the bottom of the league against the run last season and need more from the position in 2018.

McPhee (6-3, 274 lbs) has appeared in 96 games, starting 23 and registering 182 tackles (139 solo), 31.0 sacks, 12 passes defensed, six forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and one interception.

Last season, McPhee played in 13 games for Chicago, starting five, and contributed 21 tackles (20 solo), 4.0 sacks and a forced fumble before being placed on injured reserve with shoulder and knee injuries. Over the last couple of years, injuries have taken a toll on McPhee. In 2016, he missed the first six games of the season with an injured knee and another one with a shoulder issue.

Pernell McPhee was originally selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the fifth round (165th overall) of the 2011 NFL Draft and played for Baltimore from 2011-14.