What pressing items await Washington Commanders general manager Martin Mayhew during the 2023 offseason?
It was an interesting first year with the Washington Commanders for Martin Mayhew. The general manager was thrown into the fire thanks to Dan Snyder’s scandal within the workplace, which saw a dark cloud descend on the organization that will remain until he sells in the not-too-distant future.
Mayhew did well all things considered. However, his trade to acquire Carson Wentz was a major failure that ended up costing the Commanders a second-straight playoff berth.
There is no room for sentiment when it comes to successfully running NFL franchises. If Mayhew cannot make the right moves in the weeks and months ahead, then the new owner might decide to change direction as a result.
With that being said, here are four pressing items for Mayhew to figure out during the 2023 off-season.
Pressing Item No. 1
Commanders must upgrade the OL
The quarterback play wasn’t good, there’s no getting away from that. But it might be worth Martin Mayhew upgrading the offensive line to ensure their new man under center is protected effectively in 2023.
This is something that should be among the Washington Commanders’ top priorities. Adding via free agency is an option, but there should be some tempting prospects available at No. 16 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft to also consider.
Commanders must extend Daron Payne
According to Over the Cap, the Washington Commanders have $8.35 million in cap space available before sacrifices are made. Of course, the surges to more than $30 million if quarterback Carson Wentz is let go as expected.
This provides general manager Martin Mayhew with a number of different options. Working out a contract extension with Daron Payne should be one of the first things for the front office figure to secure.
Payne enjoyed a phenomenal final year of his deal in 2022. The defensive lineman was an absolute revelation en route to 11.5 sacks, 18 tackles for loss, 20 quarterback hits, 25 pressures, and five passes defended, which represented a steep upturn in production despite his ill-discipline against the run.
This puts the Commanders in something of a bind. What Mayhew and others must figure out is how much they can afford to give Payne when the likes of Chase Young could be seeking a bumper contract in the near future.
Spotrac projects the former first-round selection out of Alabama to command a whopping annual salary of $19.4 million on a five-year, $97.46 million deal. This is an extraordinary figure for a player that accumulated 14 sacks over his first four seasons.
Productive defensive linemen don’t grow on trees. Something that could lead the Commanders into giving Payne the going rate.
Commanders must find an athletic CB
The NFC East went from the league’s laughing stock to the most competitive division in football last season. No fewer than three teams made the playoffs, with the Philadelphia Eagles just a few short days away from competing for a Super Bowl following their memorable 2022 campaign.
This means the need to strengthen almost every area is key for the Washington Commanders. Otherwise, they are in real danger of getting left behind.
Given the current trend around the league and the options currently sitting on the roster, finding an athletic cornerback capable of shutting down one side of the field is essential. Washington has the cash to make a free-agent splash should they wish, but this is an exceptionally deep group of college defensive backs that could provide a cheaper, longer-term solution.
Again, finding capable offensive linemen via the draft cannot be ignored. But one could argue a cornerback prospect with immediate lockdown potential is more important looking at the current state of affairs.
Players like Emmanuel Forbes, Christian Gonzalez, Joey Porter Jr., and Devon Witherspoon should be high on the shortlist. The Commanders must also examine those with projected Day 2 grades such as Garrett Williams for maximum draft board maneuverability.
This is a key item for general manager Martin Mayhew to address. One that could give the Commanders’ defense a major shot in the arm.
Commanders must find a QB
Above all else, Martin Mayhew must find a long-term solution at the quarterback position this offseason. No longer can the Washington Commander rely on suspect veteran trades – now is the time for a stable, concise plan that can take the franchise back into contention.
There is enough talent at the skill positions to make this an attractive destination. One that means a bold bid for someone like Lamar Jackson or Aaron Rodgers cannot be dismissed entirely depending on how things play out with their respective situations.
Acquiring guys down on their luck like Carson Wentz is out of the question. The veteran failed to meet expectations and is a prime release candidate considering the huge savings involved with no guaranteed money left on his deal.
Although finding another option is possible, head coach Ron Rivera revealed that the plan right now is to have Sam Howell as QB1 for OTAs. What comes next will be down to how the North Carolina product evolves in Year 2.
"“I mean, it’s his opportunity. This is a challenge to him. If he comes out and does the things that he’s capable of, we believe he’s capable of, he can most certainly be our guy. But we’ll find out. Again, that’s what competition’s gonna do. It’s gonna bring the best out in all our guys.”"
Just how believable this is with an abundance of smoke and mirrors flying around currently is debatable. The Commanders might be confident in Howell, but that shouldn’t put off Mayhew from finding another option capable of taking the team back into the postseason.