Commanders letting DeAndre Carter sign with Chargers feels like a mistake

The Washington Commanders have emphasized re-signing their own players this offseason. Between Bobby McCain, JD McKissic, Cornelius Lucas, who might go down as their most underrated signing, Cam Sims, Joey Slye, Danny Johnson, Tyler Larsen and Troy Apke, you’re talking about a long list of players.

As a result, most fans would assume that logic, for lack of a better term, would apply to return specialist/depth receiver DeAndre Carter, who turned out to be a diamond in the rough signing in the second wave of free agency last year.

However, the reality of Carter leaving after just one year settled in after it was reported he had visits with the Chargers and Bears on tap. With Los Angeles being one of free agency’s most attractive destinations, there was only going to be one winner if those teams entered a bidding war.

In not-so surprising fashion, that’s exactly what happened, as Carter and the Chargers agreed to a deal late Thursday night.

Former Commanders WR/KR DeAndre Carter has signed with the Chargers.

We know players like Carter are a dime a dozen in the NFL, but he brought needed stability to Washington’s special teams unit in 2021.

After previously ranking among the league’s worst return teams for a multi-year stretch, Carter finished third in yards averaged per kickoff return (25.11) and finished second only to the Chargers’ Andre Roberts in total kickoff return yards. He was also one of only eight players who returned a kickoff for a touchdown.

Speaking of Roberts, the Chargers adding Carter likely means the 34-year-old will play elsewhere next campaign. While Roberts was arguably the best return man in the league in 2021, he offered almost nothing as a receiver for Justin Herbert, which could explain why Los Angeles was so invested in signing Carter.

In 10 games for the Bolts, Roberts played just seven offensive snaps and failed to log a reception. Carter, on the other hand, logged the third-most snaps of Washington’s wideouts last season, trailing only Terry McLaurin and Adam Humphries.

The former undrafted free agent out of Sacramento State made the most of his opportunities, too. Appearing in all 17 games, Carter compiled 24 catches for 296 yards and three touchdowns, all of which marked career-highs. Of his 24 catches, a whopping 17 went for first downs, which ranked third on the team.

Whether it be through the draft or free agency, the Commanders could likely find another DeAndre Carter before the start of next season.

But given everything he brought to the team both on and off the field, it feels like a mistake letting him sign with the Chargers at the price he did: $1.1 million over one year with an additional $1.25 million available in incentives.

Like their other free agents, Washington always planned to let Carter test the market. We’re just confused as to why they let him leave for pennies on the dollar and didn’t pull a JD McKissic-like maneuver and swoop in at the last second.

Whatever the case, the Commanders now have a gaping hole at kick returner and their receiver depth looks anything but sturdy.