Hybrid pass rusher Pernell McPhee started his career in Baltimore, rising out of the fifth round to become another diamond in the rough draft pick for the Ravens.
Now, after three seasons in Chicago, he may be looking to recapture that mid-Atlantic magic.
According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, McPhee is making a visit to Redskins Park over the next 24 hours:
Former #Bears LB Pernell McPhee is visiting the #Redskins, source said, on a visit that will continue to Monday. His first known visit of free agency.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet)
March 19, 2018 Several years ago, McPhee was an up-and-coming force to be reckoned with at outside linebacker, collapsing the pocket and creating opportunities for teammate Terrell Suggs. He was a key part of the Ravens' 2012 Super Bowl squad, and turned that success into a five-year contract with the Bears.
Outside of the confines of Charm City, his results were mixed. He led the Bears in quarterback hits in 2015 (18), but was slowed by injuries in 2016 and 2017. After being released by the Bears in February, no other team has scheduled a visit for the veteran pass rusher, although the market could be just heating up now for his class of free agents.
In Washington, he would provide backup for Pro Bowl outside linebacker Ryan Kerrigan and fellow Mississippi State alum Preston Smith, both of whom took steps forward in 2017.
In the Kerrigan Era, the Redskins have succeeded in creating pressure without tallying otherworldly sack totals. McPhee also fits that mold, logging just 31 sacks in seven seasons.
If he meshes with the coaching staff's plans, it's possible that McPhee, 29, could be had on a short-term deal. If so, that could also spell the end of Junior Galette's tenure in Washington, despite his continued overtures to the team:
No Team Makes More sense Then the Skins They Took me in while others kicked me down but it’s Gotta Be Fair *Blessed And Highly Favored* #HTTR
— Junior Galette (@JovaisG)
March 18, 2018
