3 top priorities for Commanders with newfound cap flexibility
By Jerry Trotta
The Washington Commanders‘ approach to the offseason can only be described as conservative. Despite their reluctance to bend the cap’s rules and regulations, though, they’ve done a fine job bolstering their roster with cost effective moves.
From free agent pickups Andrew Norwell and Trai Turner, to re-signing JD McKissic, Bobby McCain, Cornelius Lucas, Joey Slye, Cam Sims and Danny Johnson, the Commanders have almost mastered the art of making cap-friendly moves.
On the flip side, Washington lost a ton of talent, too. Between Brandon Scherff, Landon Collins, Tim Settle, Matt Ioannidis and Ereck Flowers, you’re talking about three every-down players and two important role pieces on the DL.
Speaking of Collins, his release becomes official Thursday and it will see the Commanders save $11.88 million in cap space. The team now boasts close to $20 million, so let’s highlight how it should allocate these new resources.
3 top priorities for Commanders with newfound cap space
3. Bring Back Landon Collins
If the shoe fits, right?
The Commanders have yet to fill the Buffalo nickel position since Collins was designated as a post-June 1 cut. Could their lack of urgency to address the role, a key part of Jack Del Rio’s system, be attributed to their interest in pursuing a Collins reunion? It would certainly justify what’s been a dormant offseason period.
It’s unclear what Washington’s plans are, but Collins seemed to foreshadow a potential homecoming on Instagram last month when he shared a fan’s post to his Instagram story that pleaded him to come back. Additionally, Collins still has “WASHINGTON Safety” in his Instagram bio, so make of that what you will.
At the end of the day, a reunion would benefit both parties. Collins’ nose for the football and ability to defend the run makes him a perfect fit for the Buffalo nickel. Not to mention his coverage responsibilities wouldn’t be nearly as demanding.
It’s tough to say if Collins has been in contact with other teams, but his market could pick up now that he’s officially off Washington’s payroll. Assuming there’s no hard feelings stemming from his release, this makes perfect sense for both sides.