Potential offensive free agent targets for Commanders in 2023

Offensive Line

It was a real strength two short years ago. Now it is the looming iceberg that threatens to sink the team. This is priority one this off-season. Washington’s two perennial Pro Bowlers of the last decade, Trent Williams and Brandon Scherff are now playing for other teams. Its envisioned anchor Chase Roullier will be returning from back-to-back season-ending injuries. With the hopeful exception of Sam Cosmi, none of the other players currently logging serious minutes is likely to stick around beyond another season or two. Washington needs to address this problem through both the draft and through free agency.

Fortunately, there are a lot of possibilities in the free agent market. A wealth of talent all across the line – all under 30 years old – are slated to become free agents. Some – perhaps many of them – will eventually re-sign with their current team. But there will still be a bunch of intriguing options.

At tackle, Kansas City’s mammoth Orlando Brown and San Fran’s Mike McGlinchey are both studs. Brown plays the left side and McGlinchey the right, and neither will be cheap. But they are genuine anchor players that a team can build around. Jacksonville’s Jawaan Taylor (just 25 years old) could step right into a crucial role in Washington. Spot starters like Jermaine Eluemunor and Philly’s Andre Dillard could also become important contributors. I am especially intrigued by Dillard, who was slated to be Philly’s left tackle of the future before injury and Jordan Mailata got in his way. I think he could develop into a solid starter.

If Washington feels like it can ride with vets Leno and Lucas a while longer, it may choose to focus on the interior of the line, which is in dire need of fresh blood. Philly’s Isaac Seumalo heads a very impressive list of potential free agents – again, all under 30 at the start of next season. Green Bay’s Elgton Jenkins, Detroit’s Evan Brown, Tennessee’s Nate Davis, Cleveland’s Ethan Pocic, and Minnesota’s Garrett Bradbury, woiuld all step right into starting jobs for the Commanders from day 1. Jenkins and Davis are guards, while Pocic and Bradbury play center. Brown can do both equally well, which makes him a top priority.

If none of these players is available at an acceptable price, older vets like Chicago’s Michael Schofield could be short-term answers.

That’s the offense. There will be help available. I expect Washington to sign several linemen – a few bargain players and perhaps one front-liner. There could be some tempting options at tight end, but Lamar Jackson remains the only earth-shattering possibility on offense as of now.

One of these days, we’ll take a similar look at the defense.