Washington Commanders: 4 easiest roster decisions for the defense

The Washington Commanders‘ offseason will be graded on how they address the quarterback position. That shouldn’t come as a surprise, but there’s a lot more intricacies that’ll go into determining the offseason’s success.

With 25 pending free agents and $30.35 million in cap space, it’ll be up to the front office to ensure the team’s depth remains in tact while also calculating how much is too much to spend on a potential blockbuster signing.

It’s not an easy job, but that’s why they get paid the big bucks.

In terms of the defense, which ranked 25th in points and 22nd in yards allowed per game this season, it looks like every starter is set to return. Trades and cuts could change that, but continuity won’t be a viable excuse this time around.

Speaking of getting paid the big bucks, though, we’ll leave all of the tough decisions to Washington’s front office. In the meantime, we’ve brainstormed a few decisions for the defensive side of the ball that should be fairly easy calls.

And it starts with anchoring the backend of the secondary.

Commanders: 4 easiest roster decisions for the defense

4. Find Kam Curl a worthy running mate

Washington doesn’t have a great drafting history, but their showing in 2020 was outstanding. While While Chase Young and Antonio Gibson are the clear standouts, the club made out like bandits by nabbing Kam Curl in the seventh round.

Remember after Washington’s primetime win over Seattle in Week 12 when Logan Thomas pegged Curl as a “top-five” safety in the NFL? We wouldn’t go that far, but he’s an ascending talent and we wouldn’t dare put a cap on his ceiling.

This season, Curl finished second on the team with 99 tackles and fifth with five pass breakups and 27 run stops. Only Bobby McCain allowed a better passer rating and his 9.1 yards allowed per reception is impressive for a second-year safety.

The only gripe you can have with Curl’s performance is that he failed to record an interception after he notched three as a rookie, but the days of grading safeties based on the number of turnovers they force are long gone, so it’d be a little draconian to hold that against him.

On a defense that’s been plagued by poor positioning, Curl is seemingly always on par with his assignment. We’d argue he’s the best tackler on the team and his ability to match up with receivers, tight ends and running backs alike is a testament to his versatility.

We hate that Curl is Washington’s best-kept secret, but more turnovers and splash plays will help him attain national recognition. Whether it’s Bobby McCain, a free agent signing or a potential high draft pick, it’s absolutely imperative that the front office finds the 22-year-old a worthy running mate this offseason.