2 free agents Commanders must keep on their radar amid potential concerns

Week 9 might seem a little late in the day to be searching for help in free agency, but the mid-season mark could be the ideal time to keep an eye on some individuals looking for work to solve new issues that have arisen for head coach Dan Quinn in recent weeks.

Especially for a Washington Commanders team with genuine playoff hopes. Those ambitions would be given a timely boost by adding proven commodities at left tackle and in the pass rush room.

Two names stand out among the remnants of this free-agency class. Both have valuable experience working with Commanders' coaches if general manager Adam Peters doesn't move before the 2024 trade deadline.

First, there's a former Pro Bowler well known to offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. The second name belongs to a flexible, roving pass-rusher perfectly suited to Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr.'s multiple-front schemes.

D.J. Humphries can lock down Jayden Daniels' blindside

D.J. Humphries played some of his best football under Kingsbury with the Arizona Cardinals. That included earning a Pro Bowl berth in 2021, but injuries have ravaged the left tackle since.

He tore his ACL late last season, but the 30-year-old appears to be returning to football shape. That assumption is based upon Humphries recently visiting with the Commanders' rivals, the New York Giants.

Nothing came of the visit, but the Giants lacked Kingsbury's inside knowledge. A competent blindside protector with existing scheme expertise would be an obvious asset.

The need for some veteran assurance at this key position was heightened by a mistake-filled performance during the dramatic 18-15 win over the Chicago Bears in Week 8. Cornelius Lucas started but went out through injury. Trent Scott was soon called upon, only to be a magnet for penalties.

Finding solutions at this pivotal spot is an ongoing process for the Commanders. A process that ought to at least involve giving Humphries a workout. However, there is growing encouragement that rookie left tackle Brandon Coleman can get out of the NFL's concussion protocol in time for Week 9 at the New York Giants.

Anthony Barr would boost Commanders' pass-rush rotation

Quinn and Whitt know Anthony Barr well from the outside linebacker's brief stint with the Dallas Cowboys in 2022. He barely played a down after returning to the Minnesota Vikings last season, but the former first-round pick remains an intriguing option for the Commanders.

The four-time Pro Bowler has often played inside, but Barr has the right physical measurements to man the edge. He's a 6-foot-5, 257-pounder who possesses above-average skills on the blitz.

Giving Barr a situational role would increase the flexibility of the Commanders' pressure schemes. Whitt would be able to blitz Barr through an A-gap, while also scheming ways to isolate the 32-year-old against a running back when rushing off the edge.

There's also some upside to letting Barr put his hand in the dirt and play some defensive end. The Commanders have been getting by thanks to Dante Fowler Jr. and newcomer Jalyn Holmes, but numbers are still thin.

Barr has a solid track record of getting after quarterbacks. There are far worse options the Commanders can go down in this scenario.

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