3 realistic moves Commanders should make next in free agency

1. Re-sign DeAndre Carter

DeAndre Carter was one of several feel-good stories on Washington’s roster last campaign. As a lifetime return specialist, the former undrafted free agent was thrust into a larger-than-expected role as a receiver and exceeded expectations.

For someone who had 34 career receptions coming into the season, Carter compiled 24 catches for 296 yards and three touchdowns. All of those marked career-highs and his three TDs ranked second on the team behind Terry McLaurin. Of his 24 catches, 17 (or 70.8 percent) went for first downs.

As a kickoff returner, Carter was as good as advertised. His 25.11 yards per return ranked third in the league and his 904 return yards finished second. He wasn’t nearly as effective as a punt returner, but that’s not his speciality.

In a vacuum, Carter was a diamond in the rough signing for Washington last offseason and they shouldn’t let him leave after an overachieving year. Better yet? The 28-year-old’s infectious personality clearly resonated in the locker room and you have to think teams have a newfound appreciation for his versatility.

The million-dollar question, of course, is what Carter’s market looks like after fellow return specialists Braxton Berrios, Ray-Ray McCloud and Cordarrelle Patterson all signed in the range of $10-12 million. If Carter’s value checks in between $7-10 million, we hope the Commanders acquiesce and bring him back.