4 Commanders role players on course for contract extensions in 2023
By Jerry Trotta
The Washington Commanders have reached their bye week. Imagine saying five years ago that Washington’s bye would come in Week 14?! They’re one of six teams resting up this week; the last bye week allotted for the 2022 season.
Though alarmingly late for a bye, the week of rest comes at a great time with the Commanders hosting the NY Giants in a must-win game in Week 15. The game has since been flexed to Sunday Night Football, so it’s pretty clutch Ron Rivera’s side will have two weeks to get their minds (and body’s) right for the game.
The bye week also allows folks who cover the team to get a little creative with their content. With that in mind, we thought it’d be a good idea to highlight some Commanders role players who are on their way to signing contract extensions.
That’s not to say these players will ink new deals, but their respective performances this season have earned another contract in D.C.
4 Commanders role players on course for contract extensions
3. Tyler Larsen
Our own Jonathan Eig pegged Larsen as Washington’s unsung hero during their blistering 6-1 stretch. With Chase Roullier and Wes Schweitzer on injured reserve, the Commanders were forced to start late signing Nick Martin at center for two games. To say the transition wasn’t seamless would be an understatement.
The snaps left something to be desired, and the overall cohesion of the offensive line was all out of sorts. Having logged 185 snaps for Washington last season, Larsen’s familiarity paid colossal dividends after he returned from injury.
Both Schweitzer and Larsen are free agents after 2022, and while Schweitzer offers more versatility, the normally-reliable veteran struggled filling in at center before he landed on injured reserve with a concussion.
It won’t be surprising if Washington’s offensive line undergoes major turnover this offseason, but Larsen has earned at least a one-year extension. With Roullier suffering major injuries in consecutive seasons, the Commanders have learned first-hand the value of having a viable backup center.
Suffering season-ending injuries in consecutive seasons might dissuade Washington from bringing Larsen back. Assuming he makes a full recovery from this latest setback, though, he should be the backup center in2 2023.