One other disappointing season ended Sunday for the Washington Commanders with an 8-8-1 report. Washington was in a wonderful place for one of many NFC’s last two playoff spots during the last month of the season, however a struggling offense ended any probability on the postseason for the Commanders.
Within the season-ending win over the Dallas Cowboys, rookie quarterback Sam Howell made his first profession begin and regarded excellent. Nonetheless, it was one recreation and never sufficient to encourage coaches to call Howell the starter heading into the offseason.
Which means Washington is probably going within the quarterback market once more this offseason. Head coach Ron Rivera and common supervisor Martin Mayhew basically confirmed this pursuit in Tuesday’s season-ending press convention.
Oh boy.
Taylor Heinicke, who began 9 video games, is a free agent. Carson Wentz began seven video games and might be launched within the offseason. Howell might be again subsequent season, however will he compete with a veteran for the beginning job, or will the Commanders make one other daring transfer to commerce for a quarterback?
The primary identify that involves thoughts is Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr. Carr is on the commerce block and posted a farewell message to Raiders followers on Thursday.
Would Washington make a daring transfer for Carr?
Carr has a giant contract, which might nearly should be restructured if he’s traded. He additionally has a no-trade clause, which means he has some management over his subsequent vacation spot. Nonetheless, Carr might play hardball with the Raiders and power them to chop him.
Whether or not by way of commerce or free company, Brad Gagnon of Bleacher Report not too long ago listed eight potential locations for Carr. Sure, the Commanders made the listing.
Right here’s what Gagnon needed to say:
Carson Wentz, Taylor Heinicke and Sam Howell posted a mixed passer score of simply 84.7 this season for a Commanders staff that would have performed some injury behind a extremely expert protection if the offense wasn’t such a constant letdown.
Now, as a result of they had been nonetheless 8-8-1, they’re left with the No. 16 decide. However they need to have an honest quantity of salary-cap area to improve beneath heart.
A top-10 protection and an offense with weapons similar to Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, Antonio Gibson and Brian Robinson Jr. might additionally compel Carr to restructure his deal (within the occasion of a commerce) or provide a reduction (within the occasion of a free-agent pact).
This really makes numerous sense.
The very last thing Washington must do is purchase one other veteran by way of commerce. If Carr is launched, that’s a distinct story. The Commanders want to make use of their draft picks to shore up the offensive line and add different items, similar to a cornerback.
If Carr is trustworthy about his future, Washington is likely one of the extra intriguing choices out there, as are the New York Jets. But when Carr is in search of stability, Washington’s in all probability not the place you’re in search of.
And as for the Commanders, it’s time to seek out and develop a younger passer. You already know, similar to Howell.