Commanders castoff lands ironic déjà vu redemption path after major injury

The NFL is a funny business sometimes. That proved to be the case for one Washington Commanders castoff who's been given a golden opportunity to make a big statement elsewhere.

Clelin Ferrell joined the Commanders during Adam Peters' first offseason as general manager. The defensive end did enough for the front-office leader to bring him along from the San Francisco 49ers, but it never looked like it would work out. Despite his struggles and waning reps, Washington gave him another one-year deal, although this time around came with no guarantees attached whatsoever.

The No. 4 pick in 2019 didn't do enough to make the 53-man roster. Ferrell wasn't even brought back to the practice squad, which brought an abrupt but inevitable end to his time in Washington. Just when it seemed like another chance wouldn't arrive, an unfortunate injury elsewhere gave him yet another shot at redemption.

Clelin Ferrell finally finds a new home after Commanders departure

According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Los Angeles Chargers have signed Ferrell following a successful workout. The Clemson product got a whole summer of work with the Commanders, so he might be able to get himself involved immediately for a team in desperate need of extra assistance on the edge.

There is also a hint of déjà vu around this transaction from Ferrell's perspective. The Chargers swooped to secure his services after All-Pro edge rusher Khalil Mack sustained an elbow issue that placed him on injured reserve. Now, they have a replacement who can potentially fill the void, albeit with less explosive pass-rushing credentials.

This is not the first time Ferrell has been tasked with filling the gaping void left by Mack. The Raiders spent a top-five pick on the player shortly after trading Mack to the Chicago Bears for a package that included two first-round picks. He never came close to reaching the same heights, which isn't surprising, and he was swiftly moved on after his rookie contract expired.

Ferrell will be hoping for better fortune this time around. He's joining an in-form team with big ambitions to make a deep postseason run. Just how much he'll feature isn't clear, but he cannot show the same frailties displayed in Washington when his number is called.

Jim Harbaugh isn't going to stand for that. And much like Dan Quinn at the business end of proceedings during Washington's memorable run to the NFC Championship game, Ferrell will be sent to the fringes in this scenario.