Some reports stated that the Washington Redskins would release veteran DT Ma’ake Kemoeatu prior to the original start of the new league year on March 4.

While that didn’t wind up happening, it still could. But this time, however, not at the start of the new league year. Instead, it could be by June 1 when Kemoeatu’s small roster bonus of $100,000 is due. That decision could be delayed if the NFL is still involved in a player lockout.

Kemoeatu, 32, is due a base salary of $1.5 million for 2011, the final year of his two-year contract.

A source confirmed the defensive lineman also has a $100,000 roster bonus due on July 15 which is tied to the percentage of the off season workouts he participates in. He also has $31,250 in per game roster bonuses totaling $500,000.

If the Redskins don’t bring him back for the 2011 season, their choices to replace Kemoeatu in the starting lineup are few.

Kemoeatu, who participated in roughly 33 percent of the defensive plays last season, could give way to Anthony Bryant, who participated in roughly 15 percent of the defensive plays. Bryant, who started three games, is signed through 2011. Veteran DL Albert Haynesworth, whose roster spot seems to be tenuous at best, is signed through next season with a base salary of $5.4 million.