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Potential offensive free agent targets for Commanders in 2023

By Jonathan Eig

TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 27: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens throws a pass during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on October 27, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 27: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens throws a pass during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on October 27, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – OCTOBER 13: Carson Wentz #11 and Taylor Heinicke #4 of the Washington Commanders take the field before the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on October 13, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – OCTOBER 13: Carson Wentz #11 and Taylor Heinicke #4 of the Washington Commanders take the field before the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on October 13, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Quarterback

The quarterback position is always the most important, and the Commanders find themselves in an odd situation heading into 2023. There are currently three QBs on the active roster, and I could make a legitimate case for any one of the three being the opening day starter next year. That means the cupboard isn’t completely bare, but it’s also a sign that the position remains unsettled.

If Sam Howell can emerge, a major problem is solved. If not, the team could kick the can down the road another season with the current group, still hoping for Howell’s eventual ascendency.

There are a lot of veterans and a lot of names slated to be available (including a guy named Brady.) None of them mean very much. With one enormous exception. If Lamar Jackson and the Ravens do not come to some long-term deal, Baltimore could franchise him. Or they could decide to move in another direction. I find it impossible to believe that an MVP-caliber QB early in his prime will actually become available, (there is no Deshaun Watson baggage hung onto this player), but if he does, I think Washington moves heaven and earth to get him. I understand how this may upset the salary structure and that the team will lose players as a result. I don’t care. I’m tired of competing against the best teams in the league with one hand tied behind our back. The Commanders need as good a quarterback as they can get, and projecting to this off-season, that is either Lamar Jackson or nobody.

Geno Smith and Mike White will be getting paydays. Somebody will pick up Jimmy G. If he finishes as strong as he started for the Rams, Baker will get renewed interest. (He would be crazy not to re-up with Los Angeles and Sean McVay. Sit behind Strafford for another year or two, learn from McVay, and then take over.) I don’t want any of them. If we can’t get Lamar, then we stand pat with our three for another season.

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