2016 NFL Free Agent Profile: Terrance Knighton

May 26, 2015; Ashbury, VA, USA; Washington Redskins nose tackle Terrance Knighton (98) speaks with the media after the Redskins OTA at Redskins Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Stopping the run is becoming more prevalent again than it’s been in years thanks to the rise of guys like Adrian Peterson, Marshawn Lynch and DeMarco Murray. This recent 2015 draft class is expected to only further the desire for defenses to find big guys who can jam the middle and clog lanes. That is why a lot of eyes are going to be on Terrance Knighton this season. He essentially signed a one-year “prove it” deal with the Washington Redskins to increase his value for 2016 NFL free agency. There is little questioning his prowess at stopping the run but can he show teams that he’s in no danger of slowing down?

Age: 28
216 tackles
12.5 sacks
10 passes defended
3 forced fumbles
2 interceptions
+11.2 run defense rating (2014)

It remains somewhat of a surprise that Knighton didn’t land a long-term extension either from the Denver Broncos or another team in free agency this past spring. It’s led some to believe there are two reasons behind it. Either Knighton had an overinflated sense of his values and priced himself out of any hope of a longer deal or a running rumor that he was having trouble controlling his weight scared team away from any multi-year commitment. After all, NFL history shows injuries and poor play can pile up on bigger players, especially those who struggle with weight problems.

Suffice to say the road ahead is very simple. If Knighton keeps himself in shape, doesn’t get hurt and plays like he did last year then it’s a virtual guarantee some team is going to offer a that long-term security he’s searching for. Whether it will be at a price he wants is the big question

Likeliest Outcome: Hits open market

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