Here’s what Commanders should do with each of their 2023 free agents
Offensive Line
The pending free agents in this group include right guard Trai Turner, guard/center Wes Schweitzer, center Tyler Larsen, and center Nick Martin.
Trai Turner
Turner has lost time to two separate injuries in 2022 and has also struggled throughout the season. The Commanders are likely to move on from him and look more for reliability and durability.
Verdict: The team is not likely to re-sign Turner.
Tyler Larsen
When Starting center Chase Roullier went down with a season-ending injury in the second game of the season, it had a profound effect on the entire line. Tyler Larsen was continuing to nurse an injury from the previous season and didn’t return until the second week of October a few weeks ago.
Larsen was placed on injured reserve earlier this week after dislocating his kneecap against the Giants last week. However, the team has found a reliable backup center in Larson and he is likely to be offered a new deal in the offseason.
Verdict: The Commanders could offer Larsen a 2 year, $3.25 million, $1.25 million guaranteed contract.
Wes Schweitzer
Wes Schweitzer has been a dependable reserve and has played left guard, center, and right guard since coming to Washington in 2020. In each instance, Schweitzer filled in for an injured lineman and has performed his duties effectively. During his time with the Commanders, he has been injured on occasion. Last year, he missed the latter portion of the season and spent a few weeks on temporary IR earlier this season.
Schweitzer is better at either guard position, but has some challenges when playing center. Schweitzer could’ve been in line for a handsome paycheck in the upcoming offseason, but the injuries will limit his market appeal. Look for the former San Jose State standout to sign a new deal with the team.
Verdict: 2 years, $4 million, $1.75 million guaranteed.
Nick Martin
Nick Martin struggled earlier in the season when he was pressed into duty, but did fare somewhat better in a recent appearance.
Verdict: He will not be re-signed.
Wes Schweitzer is in line to be the Commanders' starting center with Tyler Larsen out, according to Ron Rivera. The versatile Schweitzer is getting the nod there over Nick Martin, who is a natural center
— Pete Hailey (@PeteHaileyNBCS) December 14, 2022
Defensive Line
Daron Payne, Efe Obada, and Daniel Wise are the pending free agents in this class. Payne and Obada are unrestricted free agents for now and Wise will be an exclusive rights free agent (ERFA).
Daron Payne
What a year Daron Payne is having at defensive tackle! So far this season, he has registered 8.5 sacks through 13 games and could hit the double-digit mark in Sunday’s game vs. the Giants. Yes, Payne is playing his way to an impressive contract.
The former Alabama star is currently playing on his fifth year option and the Commanders face a difficult choice in the offseason. Will they give Payne a franchise tag? Will Washington negotiate a new contract? Will he be allowed to seek a contract elsewhere? The Carson Wentz situation could have a direct impact on Daron Payne in the offseason. Stay tuned!
Verdict: Franchise tag at $18.1 million for 2023.
Efe Obada
Defensive end Efe Obada has been a solid rotational option for the Commanders in 2022 and the front office probably wants him to return in 2023.
Verdict: One year at veteran’s minimum.
Daniel Wise
Daniel Wise flashed a decent amount of potential in the preseason and has performed above expectations in spot duty this season. Look for Washington to have him return in 2023, but Wise will need to prove his worth in the offseason, training camp, and preseason prior to the 2023 season.
Verdict: Wise will be signed with the ERFA tender.