The Washington Redskins have announced that they have picked up the fifth-year option on linebacker Ryan Kerrigan's contract.

The 25-year-old was the 16th overall pick in the 2011 Draft and has steadily improved his production with some big plays during his first three seasons in the league.

Kerrigan recorded 24.5 sacks in his first three years with 8.5 in each of the past two seasons, while he has also returned two interceptions for touchdowns and forced 10 fumbles.

The Redskins star needed arthroscopic surgery on his left knee after the season after it was suggested that it impacted on his performances at the end of last year.