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

Linebackers

Cole Holcomb headlines the list of linebackers that could hit free agency in March.  Unrestricted free agent linebackers include Holcomb, David Mayo, and Jon Bostic.  The remaining free agents include Khaleke Hudson (restricted) and Milo Eifler (ERFA).

Cole Holcomb

Bottom line – it is very complicated.  How serious is Holcomb’s season-ending injury?  Could Holcomb want a one-year deal and perform way above expectations (keep in mind that he was on track for 150 tackles this season)?  Would the Commanders offer him a modest two-year contract or a generous four-year deal?  There is so much to digest and there are no easy answers.

Verdict: Unknown

David Mayo

David Mayo has been a constant source of ridicule from Commanders fans ever since he came to the Burgundy and Gold in 2021.  He production has been very limited this season.

Verdict: He will not be re-signed.

Khaleke Hudson

Khaleke Hudson made a name for himself as a special teams ace and began to show some promise as a rotational linebacker.  However, his production and snap count has taken a nose dive in 2022.

Verdict: He will be tendered, but must prove himself in the offseason and training camp.

Milo Eifler

Milo Eifler spent the 2021 season with the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins and has been with the Commanders since earlier this year.  Injuries stymied his first season with Washington, but he had a solid preseason.  Eifler has flashed potential and he will be given a chance to succeed in 2023.

Verdict: Eifler will be re-signed as an ERFA.

Cornerbacks

Danny Johnson

Danny Johnson has defied all odds since Washington signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2018.  He has bounced on and off the practice squad over the last five seasons and continues to stick around.  Look for that trend to continue.

Verdict: He will likely re-sign for one year on a veteran’s minimum contract.

Rachad Wildgoose

Rachad Wildgoose was a sixth round draft pick by the Buffalo Bills, but he went to the practice squad.  The Jets picked him up in late 2021 and Washington claimed him off of waivers just prior to the season opener in 2022.  Wildgoose has played well at times this season, but he is still raw as a young player.  He has potential as a solid backup and special teams ace.

Verdict: Wildgoose will sign his ERFA tender.

Safeties

Jeremy Reaves

Since 2018, Jeremy Reaves has continued to make his critics turn into believers each season.  He rarely sees the field on defense, but special teams is his calling card.  In fact, Reaves has become one of the best special teams players in the league this season.  He’s also a restricted free agent.

Verdict: He is likely to be tendered and will spend another season in Washington.

Players that could be released (both pre-June 1 and post June 1) include Andrew Norwell, Bobby McCain, Cornelius Lucas, and Saahdiq Charles.  Also, street free agents Eli Wolf and Nolan Laufenberg are unlikely to return.

We will continue to monitor the Commanders’ free agent market in the coming weeks and months.  See you as we go along.