Analyzing the financial impact of Commanders’ 2022 draft class
By Jerry Trotta
The Washington Commanders added eight new players to their roster with their allotment of selections in the NFL Draft.
Like always, the picks were nit-picked with a fine tooth comb, and general manager Martin Mayhew seemingly took offense to the criticism during his post-draft presser last Sunday by clapping back at analysts and experts.
What really matters is that Mayhew and Ron Rivera are thrilled over their performance and fans are feeding off that excitement. By selecting players who figure to contribute straight away, there’s growing buzz about the incoming class.
Of course, fans are excited about what these rookies will bring in terms of helping Washington win games and depth to positions of need.
Another big positive? A haul of eight picks allows a veteran team like the Commanders with expensive players to maintain cost control. According to the collective bargaining agreement, each rookie works for a predetermined contract based on where he was picked in the draft, regardless of position.
So, what’s the financial impact of Washington’s draft class?
Financial impact of the Commanders’ 2022 draft class
Round 1 – WR Jahan Dotson
The selection of Jahan Dotson is beneficiary on multiple fronts. The first, obviously, is that it revamps Washington’s feeble WR corps. The second is that it should guarantee Terry McLaurin signs an extension with the club, as Dotson, for all he offers as a receiver, isn’t expected to be a No. 1 option at any point in his career.
Dotson’s arrival will also allow the Commanders to cut Curtis Samuel if the expensive wideout struggles with injuries again or doesn’t produce in 2022, as doing so would save $10.6 million if he’s designated as a post-June 1 cut.
We’ll cross that bridge if and when the time comes.
In the meantime, though, Dotson is expected to sign a four-year, $15.048 million contract ($3.76 million annually) as a first-round pick, according to Spotrac. The deal should be fully-guaranteed before the fifth-year option comes into play after the 2025 season.