Commanders Put in Claim on Free Agent O-Lineman; Still Need Help?

Roster-building, NFL folks like to inform us, is a “24/7 enterprise.” Together with that, typically even the strikes that do not occur inform a narrative.

So it’s with guard Wes Martin – a former participant in Washington – who was waived by the New York Giants final week.

Evidently Martin, a Commanders fourth-round choose within the 2019 NFL Draft, was a candidate to return again to D.C. when his title appeared on the waiver wire.

ESPN stories that the Washington Commanders had been among the many golf equipment that put in a declare for Martin, the 6-3, 315-pounder who continues to be simply 26 years previous.

And it is sensible, given not solely his relationship with Washington but in addition what he did whereas he was right here. The Indiana product really began 10 video games for the membership over the 2019-20 seasons earlier than failing to make the ultimate roster in 2021.

Alas, the waiver wire system rewards the worst groups first, so the Jacksonville Jaguars used their high waiver precedence (on account of their league-worst 3-14 file in 2021) by additionally placing in a declare on Martin, so that they had been awarded the rights to the play.

What would Washington have used Martin for? The Commanders be ok with the place they’re at guard, even with the free company departure of Professional Bowler Brandon Scherff. As a part of the sport of Musical Chairs, it’s Andrew Norwell who will now be Washington’s high guard – as he comes over from Jacksonville, the identical place Scherff ended up.

The opposite Washington guard might be one other newly acquired vet in Trai Turner. So Martin in Washington may’ve meant his service because the backup guard … and a return not solely to D.C. but in addition to the NFC East, the place he was a practice-squadder and spot starter for the New York Giants.

In Jacksonville, Martin may have a shot at taking part in time reverse Scherff – and Washington will get a first-hand have a look at all of it as Week 1 of the NFL season has the Commanders taking part in Jacksonville in Landover.

All in all, the chase for Martin suggests Washington is not executed looking for backup O-line assist.