Phillip Merling was once a promising second-round pick for Miami. Nearly five years later he’s a project with Washington.
The Redskins signed Merling and five others to future’s contracts, the team announced Tuesday. The 6-foot-5, 315-pound Merling headlines a group that also includes nose tackle Chigbo Anunoby, defensive lineman Dominique Hamilton, fullback Eric Kettani, corner Korey Lindsey and tight end Deangelo Peterson. All but Merling ended the season Washington’s practice squad.
Teams are allowed to sign players who did not end the season on an active roster.
Merling spent his first four seasons with Miami, where he compiled just 66 tackles and 3 1/2 sacks after being the 32nd overall pick in 2008. The Dolphins waived him last spring and Merling signed with Green Bay. But Merling played in only three games with the Packers before being cut in early October. Merling has started five games in his career.
Merling tore his Achilles’ tendon shortly before training camp opened in 2010. He initially was said to be out for the season, but he was placed on the reserve/non-football injury list and returned in November.
Want more of John Keim's great Redskins coverage? Read his newest piece about Redskin Roy Helu’s recovery.
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