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Here’s what Commanders should do with each of their 2023 free agents

By Ken Johannesen

Aug 20, 2022; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Taylor Heinicke (4) and quarterback Carson Wentz (11) on the sidelines against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 20, 2022; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Taylor Heinicke (4) and quarterback Carson Wentz (11) on the sidelines against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /

Running Backs

Jonathan Williams

Jonathan Williams has been productive this season with limited touches.  Obviously, Antonio Gibson and Brian Robinson carry the load at running back and that is unlikely to change.  Williams will be an unrestricted free agent if he hits the open market.

J.D. McKissic

J.D. McKissic is not a pending free agent, but he did land on injured reserve earlier this season.  The extent of his neck injury is unknown, but Washington has been fine with Antonio Gibson and Curtis Samuel taking over many of the duties that McKissic performed in recent years.  That alone could make him expendable, but the neck injury simply adds to his woes.

Verdict: Look for Williams to resign a one year deal for the veteran’s minimum.  J.D. McKissic will probably be released.

Note: Don’t forget about Jaret Patterson.  He is likely to sign a futures contract after the season.  If Williams and McKissic do not return, Patterson could be the fourth running back on the roster in 2023.  Also, look for the Commanders to sign an undrafted free agent running back or two next spring.

Tight Ends

There are no pending free agents, but it is a crowded tight end room.  Four tight ends are currently on the roster of 53 and another player is on injured reserve.  Keep an eye on this position.  Some changes are possible following this season.

Verdict: Look for Logan Thomas to either restructure his contract, or be released with a post-June 1 designation.

Note: With the emergence of Armani Rodgers this season, it could put Curtis Hodges on notice during the 2023 offseason.  As of now, Hodges faces an uphill battle.  Also, there is a chance of Washington drafting a tight end next spring.

Wide Receiver

Cam Sims

Cam Sims has been with the Commanders since 2018 and has spent some of his time on the practice squad and the rest as a player on the roster of 53.  His production has been limited over the years and the team will have options, but will the Commanders retain his services for a veteran’s minimum contract or slightly more after this season?  The Sims’ situation could unfold with these three scenarios:

  • First, Sims could find himself with another team in 2023 if the Commanders allow him to walk.  He is likely to bring little to no draft compensation in 2024, but a seventh rounder can’t be ruled out.
  • Second, the former Alabama product could sign a one-year prove-it deal and enter free agency the following season.  Given his lack of production and struggle this season, both sides may think this is a realistic option.
  • Third, Sims could sign a team-friendly for 3 years, $4.5 million, $1.25 million guaranteed.  Would he take such a deal or look to find so-called greener pastures with another team?

Verdict: Cam Sims is not offered a contract and he moves on to another team.

Note: Keep an eye on Dyami Brown and Dax Milne, but both players are likely to return on their rookie contracts.

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