Washington Commanders Free Agency Blueprint, Part 2

Free Agents, Players Released, Draft Picks

Free Agents Obtained

• Alex Erickson, Wide Receiver – Signed 5/4/22. One year, $1.035M.
• Andrew Norwell, Offensive Guard – Signed, 3/17/22.  Two years, $10M, $3.5M signing bonus, $5.7M guaranteed.  Three voidable years after 2023.
• Efe Obada, Defensive End – Signed, 3/23/22.  One year, $1.035M.
• Trai Turner, Offensive Guard – Signed, 5/3/22.  One year, $3M.

There has been plenty of chatter lately about bringing back Buffalo safety/linebacker Landon Collins.  The only way it happens is at the right price.  The same goes for cornerback James Bradberry following his release from the Giants.  All of these rumors seem to be based on internet and social media chatter and nothing more.

https://twitter.com/JoshTaylorFB/status/1524417827700019201

At the time this is being elevated for publishing, additional players could’ve been signed, including the two aforementioned players (again, not likely).  Additional articles from our staff here at Riggo’s Rag will cover it for you when it happens.

2022 Draft Picks

• Round One: Jahan Dotson, Wide Receiver
• Round Two: Phidarian “Phil” Mathis, Defensive Tackle
• Round Three: Brian Robinson, Running Back
• Round Four: Percy Butler, Free Safety
• Round Five: Sam Howell, Quarterback – Signed, 5/6/22.
• Round Five: Cole Turner, Tight End – Signed, 5/6/22.
• Round Seven: Chris Paul, Offensive Guard – Signed, 5/6/22.
• Round Seven: Christian Holmes, Cornerback – Signed, 5/6/22.

The last four draftees have signed their rookie contracts.  Look for the first four to sign their deals sometime in June.  At that time, more than $8M more in cap space will become available with the post June 1st Landon Collins release designation.

The first six picks in the draft are locks to make the roster.  Chris Paul and Christian Holmes will face an uphill battle to stay on the roster of 53.  Both players are likely to be on the practice squad at the very least and should be protected each week.

Undrafted Free Agents

• DeVante Cross, Cornerback
• Josh Drayden, Cornerback
• Jequez Ezzard, Wide Receiver
• Ferrod Gardner, Linebacker/Buffalo Nickel
• Curtis Hodges, Tight End
• Cole Kelley, Quarterback
• Kyric McGowan, Wide Receiver
• Jacub Panasiuk, Defensive End
• Armani Rogers, Tight End
• Tyrese Robinson, Offensive Guard
• Devin Taylor, Cornerback
• Tre Walker, Linebacker
• LB Drew White (Notre Dame)

Players Waived/Released

• Landon Collins, Safety – Released, 3/16/22.
• Deshazor Everett, Safety – Released, 3/16/22.
• Ereck Flowers, Offensive Guard – Released, 3/16/22.
• D.J. Hayden, Cornerback – Released, 4/8/22.
• Matt Ioannidis, Defensive Tackle – Released, 3/16/22.  Signed with Carolina.
• Kyle Shurmur, Quarterback – Released, 1/4/22 (Retired).

More names will be added to this list in the coming weeks – especially during the preseason and as the final roster is being established.  There could be some surprises, but we will have all of the information updated in our third and final blueprint installment later this summer.

2022 Dead Money Contracts

• William Bradley-King, $75.1K
• Landon Collins, $3.825M
• Antonio Gandy-Golden, $247.2K
• Kelvin Harmon, $32K
• Matt Ioannidis, $1.5M
• Keith Ismael, $159.9K
• Wes Martin, $162.7K
• Jimmy Moreland, $24.5K
• Isaiah Wright, $1.7K

The dead money numbers for 2022 is the best it has been in many years – at least for now.  The currently estimated salary cap for the Commanders is nearly $9.2M, but that is constantly changing as free agents and draft picks are being signed in the days and weeks ahead.

Offseason Thoughts

The new contract for Terry McLaurin will likely come sometime this summer.  It will probably be closer to training camp, but both sides want the same thing – a deal to happen and extend his stay in the DMV.

Some people are suggesting that this is a make-or-break year for Ron Rivera, but that kind of talk is nonsense.  Dan Snyder is actually smart enough that he has no credibility in this league and it will take time to slowly restore any kind of trust that he seeks.  Coach Rivera is not going anywhere.

For the first time in many years, the depth at quarterback, running back, wide receiver, tight end, and the offensive line are rather deep.

If the Washington Commanders are able to make a deep run in the playoffs, it means that the defense has returned to being the kind of unit that we had a glimpse of in 2020.

There is your second free agency blueprint for 2022.  Part 3 is coming shortly before the season opener in September.  See you as we go along.