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Potential defensive free agent targets for the Commanders in 2023

By Jonathan Eig

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - NOVEMBER 06: Jonathan Jones #31 of the New England Patriots runs with the ball during the second half of a game against the Indianapolis Colts at Gillette Stadium on November 06, 2022 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - NOVEMBER 06: Jonathan Jones #31 of the New England Patriots runs with the ball during the second half of a game against the Indianapolis Colts at Gillette Stadium on November 06, 2022 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

Linebacker

The Commanders have two linebackers, and one of the is a pending free agent. Along with DaRon Payne, I assume re-signing Cole Holcomb is a top priority. Pretty much every other linebacker not names Jamin Davis is on an expiring contract, and they are all expendable. Washington may choose to re-sign a player like Milo Eifler, but I would expect a substantial overhaul. As with the offensive line, this should come from both free agency and the draft.

There are a number of productive linebackers coming into free agency this offseason. Many are not big-name guys, and though they will all command some attention, they could be signed at a decent price. Players like Cory Littleton (CAR), Rashaan Evans (ATL), and Alex Singleton (DEN), would all significantly upgrade the linebacking corps.

My favorite target would be Kazir White, who is playing on a one-year deal in Philly this season after spending his first four years with the Chargers. I think the Eagles would like to re-sign him, but their first priority at linebacker will have to be taking care of DJ Edwards, and they may decide they can’t commit so much to one position. If so, the Commanders could be in line to get a player who could really help them, while simultaneously weakening one of the rivals.

Washington has decisions to make regarding several of its own pending free agents, before budgeting how much they can spend on players from other teams. Carson Wentz, Chase Roullier and Logan Thomas head up that list. Wentz’s contract may not be considered a good one, but fortunately, with two other cheap quarterbacks on the roster, it does not hurt the team’s overall salary structure too badly.

I expect they’ll release a few players to save some money (I’m afraid Thomas, who I like very much, is destined for this), and that they will again sign several medium range players along the line and at linebacker. Then there will be a host of unknowns, a few of whom will no doubt grow into contributors in 2023.

And that is enough of 2023 talk for now. We ain’t done with 2022 yet. Bring on the Giants.

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