The Washington Football Team trimmed its roster to 53 players on Tuesday. One of the biggest questions surrounding the initial 53-man roster was why Washington kept just four linebackers?
Washington coach Ron Rivera met with the media after the team announced the 53-man roster, and he was asked about keeping four linebackers. His response likely means Washington will continue to monitor the linebacker either through free agency or trade.
"We're not through with that position. It's a position we're constantly evaluating," Ron Rivera on the linebacker group, and only having four at the moment
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) August 31, 2021
Late on Tuesday, Tony Pauline of Pro Football Network reported that Washington was one of two teams, along with the New York Jets, interested in veteran linebacker Benardrick McKinney.
PFN Insider @TonyPauline reports that the #Jets and Washington Football Team are currently showing the most interest in LB Benardrick McKinney.
He was recently released by the Dolphins after being acquired in an offseason trade.
PFN News Tracker: https://t.co/cWSH4buggU pic.twitter.com/DK0C3G1jTL
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) August 31, 2021
McKinney was a surprise release by the Miami Dolphins this week. A former second-round pick of the Houston Texans, McKinney was named second-team All-Pro in 2016 and made the Pro Bowl in 2018.
Houston traded McKinney to the Dolphins in March.
McKinney, 28, appeared in four games for the Texans in 2020 before missing the remainder of the season with a shoulder injury.
McKinney would be a welcome addition to Washington’s linebacking corps, which features three players in their third season or less. Jon Bostic is the only veteran linebacker on Washington’s current roster.
