4 easiest decisions for Commanders before free agency frenzy
By Jerry Trotta
The Washington Commanders getting their quarterback mess sorted out before the start of free agency is a huge win.
With the legal tampering period getting underway in just a few hours, the front office can “officially” start negotiating with free agents. While agreements can’t become official until Wednesday — the start of the new league year — fans should expect a flurry of deals to get completed today.
With the acquisition of Carson Wentz, the Commanders can focus all of their attention on the rest of the roster. Not many teams can say that, as the Saints, Steelers, Buccaneers, Colts and Panthers have to juggle finding a quarterback while also plugging other roster holes.
Taking that into consideration, don’t be surprised if the Commanders are one of the busiest teams on the transaction front these next few days. So, before the madness ensues, allow me to put my general manager hat on and highlight four what should be fairly simplistic decisions for the front office.
4 easiest decisions for Commanders before free agency
4. Bring Back JD McKissic/Sign Versatile RB
It goes without saying that most Commanders fans are in favor or re-signing JD McKissic. However, that might be easier said than done, as Mike Garafolo of NFL Network noted this week that the veteran running back will be in high-demand in free agency and could sign for as much as $5-6 million per year.
Is Washington willing to go that high? It remains to be seen, but McKissic’s absence during the final six weeks of 2021 showed his true value, as the offense sputtered without his steadying presence as a receiver out of the backfield.
McKissic’s value in pass protection shouldn’t be understated, either. With a quarterback like Wentz who has a propensity to make boneheaded mistakes under pressure, McKissic’s ability to read and pick up blitzes could pay huge dividends.
Should McKissic pursue greener pastures, though, the Commanders should still canvass the free agent market for a RB with a similar skillset. Having caught 96 passes for 713 yards and four touchdowns for the Cardinals over the last two seasons, Chase Edmonds springs to mind as a potential backup option.
In terms of other free agents who align with McKissic’s profile, there’s Cordarrelle Patterson, Justin Jackson, Jerick McKinnon, Duke Johnson, Damien Williams, Raheem Mostert, Darrel Williams and Boston Scott. If we had any say in the matter, McKissic and Edmonds would be the clearcut top priorities.