Offseason In Review: Washington Commanders

In comparison with the Alex Smith-led seven-win 2020 Washington version that received the NFC East, Washington’s seven-win 2021 flew properly beneath the radar. Dak Prescott‘s return predictably raised the bar within the division, which produced a traditionally unhealthy assortment of groups in 2020. Washington could have a 3rd workforce identify in 4 years and a sixth Week 1 beginning quarterback over the previous six. However coaching-staff continuity exists. And the Commanders’ receiving corps stands to be deeper than it has been for the reason that Pierre Garcon–DeSean Jackson–Jamison Crowder interval.

After all, all eyes might be on the workforce’s third QB1 commerce acquisition since 2018. The end result of that deal in all probability determines how for much longer Ron Rivera‘s employees lasts with the workforce.

Trades:

• Acquired QB Carson Wentz, 2022 second-round choose, 2022 seventh-rounder from Colts for 2022 second- and third-round picks and conditional 2023 Day 2 alternative

After seeing its 2021 Ryan Fitzpatrick plan final all of 16 snaps, Washington wanted to pivot to wild-card shock Taylor Heinicke as a full-time starter. The Commanders held the No. 11 choose in a draft that featured an unremarkable quarterback crop. These elements doubtless pushed Rivera to declare the workforce wanted a veteran. Whereas Washington made inquiries on nearly each out there arm — a kind of a suggestion of three first-round picks for Russell Wilson, who refused to waive his no-trade clause for the Commanders — the tip results of the workforce’s QB campaign stunned many.

Jim Irsay had made it no secret he needed Wentz gone, limiting Colts GM Chris Ballard’s leverage. It isn’t recognized what different groups have been within the Wentz market. Regardless of what gave the impression to be a restricted market, Indianapolis despatched Wentz to Washington for a stunning haul. The Commanders initially provided fourth- and sixth-rounders for Wentz, however Ballard drove them to a 3rd, a conditional third that might climb to a second, and a 2022 Spherical 2 choose swap that allowed the Colts to maneuver up 5 spots. Just like the phrases of 2021’s Eagles-Colts Wentz deal, if the QB performs 70% of the Commanders’ snaps this yr, the 2023 choose turns into a second-rounder.

Wentz’s inventory has undoubtedly plunged since his would-be MVP season in 2017, however there are a number of methods to have a look at his Colts season. On one hand, the Colts outfitted him along with his outdated offensive coordinator (Frank Reich), a robust O-line and the runaway dashing champion (Jonathan Taylor). The Colts additionally trotted out a receiving corps that featured Michael Pittman Jr. and, with T.Y. Hilton getting old and Parris Campbell once more injured, little else of consequence. Wentz, 29, nonetheless threw 27 landing passes, seven interceptions and rated ninth in QBR — his highest end since slotting first in 2017.

Taking problem with Wentz’s management, erratic play and refusal to be vaccinated in opposition to COVID-19, points resulting in a late-season Colts collapse, Irsay ordered his employees to ditch the six-year veteran — who value Indy first- and second-round picks. Though the Commanders have been excessive on Wentz’s arm energy and 6-foot-5 body, he was removed from their first alternative. Wilson and Aaron Rodgers couldn’t be acquired, and Washington even despatched out an Andrew Luck feeler. The previous Colts star seems to be content material in retirement. In Wentz, nonetheless, the workforce in all probability has its greatest quarterback since earlier than a pre-injury Alex Smith.

This represents Rivera’s first huge swing at QB in Washington. He inherited Smith and Dwayne Haskins and handed on a trade-up for Justin Fields or Mac Jones in 2021. March’s deal included the Commanders taking up all of Wentz’s wage. Washington’s resolution instantly produced a good quantity of criticism. As unpopular as Wentz has grow to be, he does have nonguaranteed salaries ($20MM, $21MM) in 2023 and ’24. And he additionally fared decently (eleventh in QBR) with a 2019 Eagles workforce riddled with receiver accidents. However this Commanders setup profiles because the North Dakota State product’s final probability to be a locked-in QB1.

Relying on Curtis Samuel‘s well being, the Commanders have given Wentz maybe the perfect receiving corps of his profession. How this season goes may properly decide if Rivera has a post-2022 future in Washington. That’s plenty of hope to put on a participant the Eagles and Colts jettisoned in consecutive offseasons, however the Commanders have been brief on choices. The Cousins-Bruce Allen falling out led the workforce’s solely current franchise-QB hope out of city, and Smith’s harm wrecked the next plan. Haskins didn’t pan out, and Fitzpatrick was a low-end stopgap. Since Cousins’ 2018 exit, Washington has began an NFL-most 10 quarterbacks. Not a lot is anticipated of this Commanders workforce; Wentz silencing swaths of skeptics would change that.

Free company additions:

• Andrew Norwell, G. Two years, $10MM. $4.7MM assured.
• Trai Turner, G. One yr, $3MM. $1.45MM assured.
• Efe Obada, DE. One yr, $1.19MM. $353K assured.
• Jon Bostic, LB. One yr, $1.12MM.
• David Mayo, LB. One yr, $1.12MM.

Like Wentz, Washington circled to retreads at guard. The Commanders are workforce No. 3 for Norwell and No. 4 for Turner; every is an eight-year veteran that has historical past with Rivera. These signings — Norwell in March, Turner in Could — reunite the Panthers’ Tremendous Bowl 50 guard tandem. With Joey Slye at kicker and Samuel making it three ex-Carolina cogs who will begin for the Commanders’ offense, Panthers North headquarters seems to have moved from Buffalo to Washington.

Norwell, 30, fetched a monster free company deal from the Jaguars in 2018. That got here after the Panthers prioritized Turner — through a four-year, $45MM deal — and let Norwell stroll. Jacksonville didn’t see Norwell replicate his contract-year All-Professional season, however Professional Soccer Focus nonetheless gave the previous UDFA top-30 grades from 2018-20. Norwell nonetheless took a pay lower after the 2020 season. Final yr, Norwell dropped outdoors PFF’s prime 40 at guard.

Turner’s market appeared extra restricted than Norwell’s. The Chargers punted on their UFA cope with the longtime Panthers starter in 2021, and the Steelers didn’t present curiosity in extending their partnership past one yr. After the previous third-round choose submitted a tough 2020, which included seven injury-induced absences, the Steelers obtained 17 begins from their rental guard. Turner, 29, was seen as an upper-echelon guard for many of his Carolina tenure. Upon rejoining Rivera and OC Scott Turner in D.C., nonetheless, Turner did miss a month of coaching camp because of a quad harm.

Whereas neither Turner nor Norwell at this juncture of their careers profiles as a long-term answer, Rivera’s outdated prices do give his present workforce one of many NFL’s most skilled guard duos. Norwell has 111 profession begins, Turner 106. Swingman Wes Schweitzer (54 profession begins; 18 with Washington) gives appreciable expertise as properly.

Re-signings:

• Charles Leno, T. Three years, $37MM. $9MM assured.
• Bobby McCain, DB. Two years, $10MM. $4.7MM assured.
• J.D. McKissic, RB. Two years, $7MM. $3.65MM assured.
• Cornelius Lucas, T. Two years, $6.5MM. $2.92MM assured.
• Joey Slye, Okay. Two years, $4.2MM. $2MM assured.
• Jonathan Williams, RB. One yr, $1.05MM. $20K assured.

Though Brandon Scherff‘s seven-year Commanders tenure is over, the workforce remains to be banking on veterans up entrance. Leno joins Norwell and Turner as a ninth-year veteran. Proper deal with Sam Cosmi represents the workforce’s solely rookie-deal O-line starter; the remainder of the group has a mixed 29 seasons’ price of expertise. Backups Schweitzer and Lucas are additionally veteran-contract gamers.

PFF’s numbers should not the end-all, be-all, however the superior metrics website gave Leno a career-high grade and slotted him as its Twelfth-best deal with final season. That marked a staggering bounce-back yr for the longtime Bears left deal with, whom Chicago lower shortly after the 2021 draft. Washington took a $5MM flier on Leno final yr and can now look to him to be a longer-term reply. Washington had cycled via blindsides for the reason that 2019 Trent Williams fiasco, going from Donald Penn to Lucas to Leno. The previous Bears seventh-rounder began 17 Washington video games and, reminding of Morgan Moses, has not missed a contest since his 2014 rookie yr.

Leno now tops the Commanders’ cost-controlled O-line, which ditched Scherff’s franchise tag redux cap determine this offseason. Whereas no Commanders blocker is connected to a top-five wage at his respective place — Leno’s is available in 18th amongst left tackles — Chase Roullier‘s $10.13MM-per-year deal does rank sixth amongst facilities. Submit-Scherff, the Commanders are relying on Leno and Roullier to cleared the path.

Shifting the variety of ninth-year vets on the Commanders’ O-line to 4, Lucas labored as Washington’s proper and left deal with at factors throughout his two-year tenure with the workforce. The Rivera-era acquisition may fill in with Washington’s 1s, as he did 15 occasions from 2020-21, however Leno-Cosmi is the workforce’s most well-liked deal with configuration. PFF gave Lucas and Cosmi near-identical 2021 grades, slotting every inside the highest 30 on the place. Lucas, 31, has performed for 5 groups since coming into the league as a UDFA. He needs to be good depth for an O-line flooded with expertise.

McKissic backed out of a two-year, $7MM Payments settlement to signal along with his earlier workforce. Contemplating the place the Payments and Commanders are seen leaguewide, that represented an attention-grabbing resolution from the veteran passing-down again. Payments GM Brandon Beane was no fan of the Commanders persevering with to pursue McKissic after his Payments settlement emerged, however the four-team veteran will keep put. With Brian Robinson out for some time, Antonio Gibson and McKissic stand to be the backfield’s regulars. McKissic, 29, supplied a pleasant outlet choice for Smith throughout his comeback yr, catching 80 passes (by far essentially the most amongst operating backs in 2020) for 589 yards. An harm shortened McKissic’s 2021 marketing campaign.

Changing into a haven for veterans whose earlier groups didn’t prioritize them, Washington went to the retread properly with McCain shortly after his Miami launch. The longtime Dolphin began 16 Washington video games and intercepted a career-high 4 passes. The 29-year-old defender is a part of an skilled secondary, which options seventh-year cornerbacks William Jackson and Kendall Fuller, and has restabilized his profession as a Commanders security.

Notable losses:

• Kyle Allen, QB (nontendered as RFA)
• DeAndre Carter, WR
• Landon Collins, S (designated as post-June 1 lower)
• Jamil Douglas, OL
• Corn Elder, DB
• Deshazor Everett, S (launched)
• Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB (retired)
• Ereck Flowers, G (launched)
• Antonio Gandy-Golden, WR/TE (retired)
• Garrett Gilbert, QB
• D.J. Hayden (launched)
• Adam Humphries, WR
• Matt Ioannidis (launched)
• Darryl Roberts, CB
• Brandon Scherff, G
• Ricky Seals-Jones, TE
• Tim Settle, DT

PFF graded Washington’s O-line sixth total final season. Typically groups with upper-crust O-lines don’t produce poor information, although Washington being saddled with a full season of Heinicke does differentiate its earlier scenario. However the perfect Washington O-lineman is now gone, ending one other two-franchise tag saga.

Scherff’s two-tag interval didn’t produce the fireworks Cousins’ did, and his free company run obtained a fraction of the curiosity Cousins’ generated 4 years in the past. However it is going to be a tricky ask for the Commanders to interchange the five-time Professional Bowler. Turning 30 final December, Scherff had neither obtained a long-term contract nor loved a free company bid. His atypical contractual path apart, the previous top-five choose delivered on Washington’s 2015 funding.

Washington is believed to have provided Scherff a deal that made him the league’s highest-paid O-lineman. Contemplating the second of Scherff’s franchise tags was price $18.04MM — a wage that bettered Joe Thuney‘s then-guard-high AAV determine by greater than $2MM — the Iowa product moved right into a high-leverage place. His age and harm historical past (22 missed video games since 2018) maybe contributed to a Jaguars deal price “solely” $16.5MM on common. Scherff’s absolutely assured cash ($30MM) doesn’t prime the market, both. However a panel of nameless NFL execs, through ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, rated Scherff because the league’s third-best inside O-lineman this offseason. The sort of expertise is never out there in free company mid-prime, illustrating Scherff’s unusual path out of Washington.

Washington started the 2020 season with Ioannidis, Settle and Ryan Kerrigan as backups. Recognized for the 4 first-round picks main the unit, that acclaimed D-line introduced uncommon depth as properly. Ioannidis, who missed many of the playoff season because of harm, led the 2019 squad in sacks with 8.5. Settle capitalized on Ioannidis’ harm and recorded 5 sacks in 2020. That season undoubtedly helped him rating a two-year, $14MM Payments deal. Ioannidis, who had signed a three-year extension price $21.75MM Washington extension in 2019, was not glad about the way in which his D.C. exit went down however obtained a one-year Carolina provide to rejoin his faculty coach (Matt Rhule).

Collins, 28, got here again from a 2020 Achilles tear and labored as a linebacker/security hybrid. The Commanders needed retain him, simply not on a team-high $16.1MM cap quantity. Washington’s earlier entrance workplace overpaid for the ex-Giants security in 2019, with Collins (through a six-year, $84MM deal) turning into the primary security to crack the $14MM-per-year barrier. Collins did properly as a first-time free agent, however the Rivera regime bailed midway into the deal. McCain and Kamren Curl have grow to be the workforce’s security tandem. With Scherff and Collins gone, the Commanders cleared some huge cap numbers off their payroll. They are going to be hit with $5MM-plus in useless cash subsequent yr for the Collins lower, nonetheless.

Extensions and restructures:

After Josh Doctson confirmed he wouldn’t dwell as much as Washington’s first-round funding, the workforce discovered a security web in McLaurin. The 2019 third-round choose producing amid this historic stretch of quarterback instability revealed the Bruce Allen regime landed a gem on the way in which out. It was as much as Martin Mayhew and Co. to find out McLaurin’s worth, and that willpower helped set a key 2022 market.

McLaurin, 27 subsequent week, amassed 3,090 yards over his first three seasons. That got here in simply behind D.Okay. Metcalf for essentially the most among the many 2019 receiver class, and McLaurin’s 67.2 yards per recreation tops the higher-profile Seahawks weapon. After ditching the Commanders’ OTAs early and holding in at minicamp, McLaurin secured a deal that may each reward him for carrying Washington’s previous three aerial assaults and will enable for a late-prime payday.

The Ohio State alum’s $23.2MM-AAV determine sits ninth amongst receivers, nevertheless it ranked increased on the time of signing. Washington’s extension got here after Philadelphia’s $25MM-per-year A.J. Brown deal, however McLaurin’s pact did higher to set the market. The Seahawks, 49ers and Steelers gave their prime receivers offers within the weeks following McLaurin’s, with Metcalf and Deebo Samuel signing three-year offers that narrowly topped McLaurin’s AAV and Diontae Johnson scoring a lower-priced two-year accord.

With the Commanders’ trendy receiving success coming from free brokers (Jackson, Garcon, Laveranues Coles) or commerce acquisitions (Santana Moss), it has been some time for the reason that workforce landed a 1,000-yard expertise within the draft. The franchise will financial institution on McLaurin, with a probable quarterback improve, anchoring its receiving corps via his age-30 season.

Draft:

Being unable to employees its No. 2 wideout job throughout McLaurin’s tenure, Washington devoted its prime offseason useful resource in an try to take action. The workforce’s receiver curiosity turned recognized pre-draft, however fairly than reunite McLaurin with ex-Ohio State teammate Chris Olave at No. 11, Mayhew and Co. took a threat by shifting down. The Commanders made Dotson the fifth receiver chosen, buying third- and fourth-round picks to assist the Saints climb 5 spots.

Including a 3rd former Buckeye receiver to the McLaurin-Samuel steady may have created a Commanders fan hub in central Ohio, however Dotson does give the workforce an All-Massive Ten trio. Following a 1,182-yard, 12-touchdown junior season (one which didn’t function bowl-game stats because of early draft prep), Dotson posted a 4.43-second 40 time on the Mix. Dotson is seen as a top quality route runner, which helped a 5-foot-10 prospect rise to the highest half of the primary spherical. The Commanders have a $20MM-plus wideout, a $10MM-plus wideout and a first-round choose invested right here. The franchise must see non-McLaurin manufacturing this season.

Passing on the Ohio State receiver triumvirate, the Commanders did broaden their Alabama defensive deal with pipeline. Mathis’ arrival additionally may level Daron Payne out the door in 2023. Mathis is now beneath contract via 2025, becoming a member of Jonathan Allen in being signed long-term. Rivera mentioned Payne was an extension candidate on the Mix, however nothing emerged on that entrance. Mathis’ arrival in all probability had one thing to do with that.

Washington has huge contracts doubtless on faucet for Montez Sweat and Chase Younger, with the latter a greater wager to money in, and Allen already signed to a top-five D-tackle deal. The workforce rebuffed Payne commerce inquiries this offseason and nonetheless has the choice of a 2023 franchise tag. However the workforce is just not anticipated to have a lot cap area subsequent yr (barely $8MM, although it’s clearly early right here); a tag would eat into that. Payne might need to land his second contract elsewhere.

Obtained with one of many picks from the first-round trade-down, Robinson was shortly shifting towards the Commanders’ RB1 position. The carjacking incident, throughout which Robinson sustained two gunshot wounds, modified the workforce’s plans. However the former Crimson Tide rusher by some means has an opportunity to return earlier than the midseason level. Robinson (1,343 dashing yards, 14 touchdowns) turned his additional senior yr — through the COVID-19 eligibility tweak — right into a Day 2 draft touchdown. Robinson operated as an Alabama backup throughout his earlier 4 seasons, sparing him some wear-and-tear. No matter Robinson can present in 2022 might be a bonus, contemplating the scary incident that had him hospitalized in August.

Earlier than his junior yr, Howell was a first-round prospect. He completed his underclassman seasons with a 68-14 TD-INT ratio. However after the Tar Heels’ skill-position group (that includes Javonte Williams, Michael Carter, Dazz Newsome and Commanders 2021 draftee Dyami Brown) departed, Howell’s inventory plummeted in 2021. Nonetheless, the 6-1 quarterback landed in late-first-round rumors — as a part of a category that principally didn’t impress NFL evaluators — however waited longer than the Desmond Ridder–Malik Willis–Matt Corral crop. Touchdown Howell in Spherical 5 nonetheless represented good worth for the Commanders, who can place him on the developmental observe behind Wentz and Heinicke this season.

Different:

Younger’s standing maybe deserves some extra consideration. The 2020 Defensive Rookie of the 12 months didn’t produce on that stage final season, tallying simply 4 quarterback hits and 1.5 sacks. It’s definitely doable Younger was enjoying harm, contemplating the impression he made as a rookie. The ACL tear he suffered in November will result in him being out of the combo for nearly a yr.

Rivera known as Younger’s ACL tear extra extreme than Logan Thomas‘. Washington’s beginning tight finish is questionable for Week 1, returning to common work regardless of taking place a couple of weeks after Younger did. Younger underwent reconstructive surgical procedure that required a graft from his left patellar tendon, and a current report indicated he might be out longer than the PUP-mandated four-week timetable. This absence may severely restrict the Commanders’ move rush.

Sweat can greater than maintain his personal, however the workforce has 2020 seventh-rounder James Smith-Williams (2.5 sacks in two seasons) set to be Younger’s main substitute. That might be a tricky ask. Whereas the workforce has Sweat and its proficient interior-line trio to fall again on, this D-line might not look formidable once more till Younger returns.

It will likely be attention-grabbing how the Commanders proceed with Sweat. The workforce’s No. 2 move rusher is forward of its No. 1 for an extension, timeline-wise. Saving a giant 2024 cost for Younger may complicate a 2023 cope with Sweat. The Raiders and Titans have two edges making north of $16MM per yr, however with the wage cap’s climb restored this yr, Sweat will doubtless be aiming increased. Just one workforce — the Chargers — has two edge defenders incomes north of $20MM yearly, however the Bolts should not liable for the ensures on Mack’s deal. The Bears paid these. By working because the Commanders’ lead rusher for a piece of this season, Sweat (21 profession sacks) can elevate his worth forward of contract talks.

At the same time as well-regarded staffers like Rivera, Mayhew and workforce president Jason Wright are main the workforce now, Snyder’s presence nonetheless overshadows his franchise’s soccer issues. Early in his third decade in cost, Snyder has grow to be one of many least common homeowners in American sports activities historical past. His 2021 offseason, which featured a $10MM advantageous and de facto suspension after an NFL investigation into sexual harassment allegations from 15 ex-team staff, preceded a rockier 2022. The NFL is believed to have nixed the deliberate written report related to the Washington investigation.

Snyder, 57, has been in Congress’ crosshairs since late final yr. The embattled proprietor refused to seem earlier than the Oversight Committee alongside Roger Goodell in June. Though Snyder did later testify, he refused to take action beneath oath, permitting the evasion of sure questions. It doesn’t sound like Snyder is on the verge of being voted out by his fellow homeowners, however his fixed controversies have tripped alarms among the many ranks. Washington has not made consecutive playoff berths beneath Snyder and has simply two 10-win seasons this century.

High 10 cap prices for 2022:

1. Carson Wentz, QB: $28.3MM
2. William Jackson, CB: $13.81MM
3. Curtis Samuel, WR: $12.63MM
4. Kendall Fuller, CB: $11.13MM
5. Chase Roullier, C: $9.88MM
6. Jonathan Allen, DT: $9.5MM
7. Chase Younger, DE: $9.43MM
8. Daron Payne, DT: $8.53MM
9. Charles Leno, T: $8.5MM
10. Terry McLaurin, WR: $7.33MM

From 2020-21, Washington’s protection fell from third to twenty seventh in DVOA. Younger’s absence undoubtedly factored into that freefall, however the workforce paid up for its beginning corners (Jackson and Fuller) and has first-round picks at practically each front-seven place. The Commanders haven’t any shot to be an NFC issue if Jack Del Rio‘s troops ship an identical efficiency.

Rivera is a fixture towards the highest of “first coach fired” odds, and a 3rd straight sub-.500 season would imply 5 such seasons in a row for the previous NFC champion HC. Quarterback luck has betrayed the favored coach since Cam Newton‘s accidents began to mount. Whereas the Commanders can escape the Wentz contract freed from cost in 2023, would the group enable Rivera to be round by then if this QB plan fails? If made out there subsequent yr, nonetheless, this job won’t be the preferred for aspiring coaches.