Washington Commanders Free Agency Blueprint Part 1

A possible trade market for quarterbacks

This list is not one that advocates signing each of these players – that is not being realistic.  Any of these players could be a target in mid-March and given Washington’s favorable salary cap, one or two prospects from this group could be signed.

Possible Trades/Trade Targets

• Derek Carr, Quarterback, Raiders
• Jimmy Garoppolo, Quarterback, 49ers
• Aaron Rodgers, Quarterback, Packers
• Ryan Tannehill, Quarterback, Titans
• Mitch Trubisky, Quarterback, Bills
• Deshaun Watson, Quarterback, Texans
• Carson Wentz, Quarterback, Colts
• Russell Wilson, Quarterback, Seahawks

The top three targets on this list will prove to be too expensive in salary AND draft picks.  Wilson is likely to remain in Seattle.  Rodgers will probably have his preferred choices of Green Bay and Denver.  Watson continues to have legal issues that could stymie Washington from making an offer.

Carr would prefer to update his contract to the tune that is north of $35M per season.  He is a good quarterback, but this is simply too much for his services.

Ryan Tannehill is also a good quarterback and struggled a bit in 2021, but Tennessee is unlikely to trade him anytime soon.

The remaining names on this list simply don’t move the needle in a positive direction.  Garoppolo and Wentz are likely to be released in the coming weeks and if Washington is patient (and has a preference for them), they could sign either player without compensation in the form of draft picks.

Offseason Thoughts

Cornerback depth is always a need and the Commanders could correct a mistake from the 2021 offseason.  There is a chance that Houston could release former Washington cornerback Jimmy Moreland and the front office should not hesitate to sign him to what would be a team-friendly deal.

Ryan Fowler of The Draft Network says that Washington’s front office is not impressed with any of the quarterbacks in the NFL draft this year.  He says that the team will go the seasoned veteran route.

Unfortunately, the veteran route may not be too palatable as well or it will cost too much.  Washington held meetings with each quarterback at the Senior Bowl and yours truly believes that a signal caller will be chosen in the first round.

Note:  Fowler is a former writer and media employee of the Washington Commanders.

Look for Brandon Scherff to leave via free agency.  Don’t be surprised if he signs with the Cincinnati Bengals during this offseason.  He could ink a deal that offers him more than $16M per season.

Some fans may think that bringing back safety Troy Apke would be a mistake, but don’t be too surprised if it happens.  His special teams acumen is as good as any in the league.

If the front office is able to re-sign tight end Ricky Seals-Jones, Washington would be set at the position.  Logan Thomas has developed into one of the better tight ends in the league and John Bates will likely continue to build on a solid rookie season.

When Deshazor Everett was indicted for an automobile accident that killed his girlfriend, it probably ended his career in a Washington uniform.

There is Part I of this free agency blueprint for 2022.  There will be regular free agency updates from everyone at Riggo’s Rag as news breaks.  Part II of this blueprint will drop shortly after the draft in late April.