Potential Commanders free-agent targets with connections to Ron Rivera

Andrew Norwell/Trai Turner

Brandon Scherff’s tenure in Washington seems to be drawing to a close. After franchise-tagging the five-time Pro Bowler in back-to-back seasons as a result of failed negotiations, it feels like the Commanders are content with letting Scherff pursue a $20 million contract and pursuing a cheaper alternative.

In terms of internal candidates, the Commanders could turn to Wes Schweitzer, who’s started 18 games over the last two seasons, or Saahdiq Charles, who came on strong at the end of the 2021 campaign as an injury replacement.

Conversely, the Commanders could take to the draft or free agency. Should they choose the latter option, Andrew Norwell, another draft pick from Rivera’s tenure in Carolina, is an elite talent and just so happens to be out of a contract.

Entering last offseason, Norwell had two years and $25 million left on the five-year extension he inked in 2018. However, he and the Jaguars agreed to restructure the contract into a one-year, $12 million deal, making him a free agent.

Assuming that restructure complicates a reunion, Norwell will likely be looking for a new home this offseason. That’s good news for Washington because his 79.8 pass-blocking grade since 2018 is eighth-best among left guards, per PFF.

Even better? Pro Football Focus projects Norwell will sign a three-year deal worth $7.25 million annually. That’s a pretty solid deal for an elite-level guard who’s averaged 14.7 starts per year since his sophomore season in 2015.

Turner, on the other hand, is coming off a solid year in Pittsburgh. A former third-round selection and six-year starter with the Panthers, the 28-year-old lineman has an extensive (and successful) history with Rivera. He was named to five straight Pro Bowls from 2015-2019 before he was traded to the Chargers.

With a 72.7 pass-blocking grade and 67.6 run-blocking grade from PFF, Turner proved this season that his subpar 2020 was an aberration. Unlike Norwell, he’s a lifetime right guard and would serve as a like-for-like Scherff replacement.