The Washington Redskins will likely have a new starting linebacker next season, and it appears to be someone already on the roster. The latest NFL free agency rumor comes from Grant Paulsen of 106.7 The Fan, and it suggests the Redskins will let go of free-agent inside linebacker Rocky McIntosh and promote Perry Riley to the starting job.
#Redskins source: Team's plan is to let Rocky McIntosh move on to new club and to promote Perry Riley to the starting ILB spot he'll vacate.
McIntosh had 73 tackles, two sacks and 37 assists as a starting inside linebacker in the 3-4 defense last year, but Riley was very impressive at the end of the year, and evidently has shown enough to be given the chance to start. Riley was the team's fourth-round pick in 2010, so it's also a sign that the Redskins are committing to their youth.
For more on NFL free agency, visit our StoryStream listing key 2011 NFL free agents the Redskins could target. For all your NFL free agency rumors, visit that StoryStream. Also, be sure to check out SB Nation's Redskins blog Hogs Haven.