Adam

Carriker

Patriots beat writers have suggested Carriker could be a target in New England. The 28-year-old graded out as one of the weakest 3-4 run-stoppers among defensive ends last season, according to Pro Football Focus.

The deal reportedly contains $7 million in guarantees. A favorite of coordinator Jim Haslett, Carriker played nearly 60 percent of the defensive snaps at left end last season. Though he’s a prototypical 3-4 end, Carriker must improve in run defense.

Jenkins was the star of Washington’s training camp before suffering a season-ending ACL injury, and incumbent starter Adam Carriker is not likely to be retained this offseason. With the return of a healthy Jenkins, the Redskins’ defensive line will be much improved in 2012.

It’s a huge blow to the Redskins’ depth. While they have 2011 second-round pick Jarvis Jenkins waiting in the wings opposite Stephen Bowen, the Skins can’t afford to lose any more front-seven starters with Carriker and OLB Brian Orakpo (torn pectoral) set to hit injured reserve. Carriker, 28, signed a new four-year, $20 million contract in March. No part of the deal is guaranteed beyond 2012, so Carriker isn’t assured of returning in 2013.

Carriker went down on the second play of the game and never returned. He’ll have an MRI on Monday, but the Redskins are not optimistic. “It doesn’t look good,” coach Mike Shanahan said. The ‘Skins also lost OLB Brian Orakpo to another pectoral injury, leaving a gaping hole in their pass-rushing stable. It’s good news for their Week 3 opponent, the Bengals.

Carriker’s recovery is expected to take five months. The six-year veteran, a favorite of DC Jim Haslett, signed a four-year, $20 million contract last March.

Carriker has been unable to recover from last season’s torn quad. He “hopes” to suit up for Week 1, but his status is in “significant doubt.” “At this point, we’re really working on getting the range of motion back in the knee,” Carriker said. “Your knee is supposed to bend at, like, 130-140 degrees. Typically right now, it doesn’t get there. We got to get more motion out of it just to be able to play football, first of all, and then just to be able to live a normal life and do things of that nature.”

Carriker suffered the injury in Week 2, then encountered an offseason setback. His status for training camp is uncertain. With Stephen Bowen entrenched as the Redskins’ right end, Jarvis Jenkins has the early leg up to start on the left side. Carriker figures to be the swing end if he’s healthy for Week 1.

Carriker was owed a $3.7 million base salary and $300,000 in offseason bonuses. He either took a pay cut (more likely) or simply moved money around (less likely) to free up salary cap space. Carriker, 29 in May, missed all but two games last season with a torn quadriceps tendon in his right leg. He’ll likely return as the top backup to starting DEs Stephen Bowen and Jarvis Jenkins.

Carriker tore the muscle in Week 1 last season. Coach Mike Shanahan said the setback occurred toward the end of the regular season and “hopes” he’ll be ready for Week 1. Carriker won’t be counted on as anything more than a backup to Stephen Bowen and Jarvis Jenkins.