CBS’ free agent projections have Commanders landing defensive star

It didn’t look it for most of 2021, but the Washington Commanders are nearly fully loaded on the defensive side of the ball.

With a star-studded defense front that’s yet to reach its full potential, a lockdown corner in Kendall Fuller, stud off-ball linebacker in Cole Holcomb and an emerging strong safety in Kam Curl, there’s not many holes to fill.

In terms of the starting positions, middle linebacker and a true free safety are the only pressing needs.

Yes, the roster could use more depth at CB, linebacker and edge rusher, but those gaps can be filled in the third and fourth waves of free agency.

That got us thinking. Projected to have over $30 million in cap space, with potentially more to gain through cuts and contract restructures, the Commanders are financially equipped to make a splash signing or two.

It’s unclear how the front office plans to allocate its resources, but CBS’ Cody Benjamin seems to think it’ll go big-name hunting. In fact, in his latest article, Benjamin predicted Washington will sign safety phenom Tyrann Mathieu.

CBS thinks the Commanders will sign Tyrann Mathieu in free agency.

"“Sticking with the Chiefs would be ideal, but Mathieu gets a pay raise and a chance to play under Ron Rivera here, while Washington gets a huge upgrade at the back end of a leaky secondary as it looks to return to contention,” wrote Benjamin."

Benjamin has Mathieu signing with Washington on a three-year, $48.75 million contract. So $16.25 million annually. In comparison to his former three-year, $42 million deal, this new contract would make him the second-highest earning safety in the NFL behind Jamal Adams, though it’s worth noting Saints star Marcus Williams could reset the market, too.

Either way, this is a fair price to pay for Mathieu. Between his locker room leadership and propensity to create splash plays, Mathieu solidified himself as a top-five most important player on the Chiefs over the last three seasons.

During that span, Mathieu played all but two games and logged a 96.6% snap share. In terms of production, the Honey Badger racked up 213 tackles, 13 interceptions, 27 passes defended, four fumble recoveries and two touchdowns.

It’s long been assumed that Mathieu would re-sign with Kansas City, and while that still could happen, NFL Media insider Ian Rapoport noted from the 2022 NFL Combine that Mathieu is expected to hit free agency.

"“My understanding is he’s going to test the market. Now I guess there is a chance he’s back in Kansas City, but they have so many priorities. I know he’s a huge, huge part of their team. We’ll see what kind of competition they get from elsewhere.”“Still can play at a really high level, but really it’s the leadership that the Honey Badger can bring to any locker room. He’s going to be coveted and probably breaks double digits as far as his next salary.”"

While there is mutual interest in Mathieu and the Chiefs to negotiate a reunion, the team only has $10.53 million in cap space. Mathieu should be their No. 1 priority, but a perennial contender like Kansas City is always looking for ways to improve. Right now, though, they don’t have the requisite resources.

Seeing that he’s just 29 years old and outperformed a contract that paid him $14 million annually the last three years, Mathieu will have a robust market and Andy Reid and the Chiefs will find it difficult to match, let alone beat, any offer.

That could create a window of opportunity for the Commanders, but they better come correct during negotiations. Any posturing could see Mathieu turn right back around to Arrowhead or sign with a team who’s willing to go that extra mile.

Either way, this rumor should have fans drooling, as it could go down as the signing of the offseason if it comes to fruition.