12 under-the-radar free agents Commanders should target in 2023

Which under-the-radar free agents should the Washington Commanders pursue to bolster their playoff hopes in 2023?

Year 4 of the Ron Rivera regime is unofficially underway with changes to the Washington Commanders’ coaching staff coming very soon – if it hasn’t happened already. Following the addition of new assistants and an offensive coordinator, the front office must quickly turn their attention to free agency and the 2023 NFL Draft.

The free agency period formally arrives late in the afternoon of March 15, but teams can initiate the negotiation process for new players two days earlier. Will the Commanders be active? Are any mega-stars coming to Washington? Will the organization look for less than tier-one players and bargains?

When Rivera came to town following the 2019 season, the team was very active in free agency and signed a substantial number of players that have produced varying degrees of success.

Under the Rivera reign, players such as William Jackson, Curtis Samuel, DeAndre Carter, Ryan Fitzpatrick, and Lamar Miller came into the fold early. Last year, the front office was hoping to make a less costly impact in free agency with a mix of aging offensive linemen, key returnees, and a flexible defensive back. The results were mixed.

One major move from Washington wasn’t a part of free agency, but it did send shockwaves across the NFL landscape. Trading for quarterback Carson Wentz and his hefty salary.

Washington will move on from Wentz and gain $26.17 million this spring, with no negative impact on the salary cap whatsoever.

Today, we will take a look at 12 solid under-the-radar players that could be affordable. Obviously, there is no path to signing all of these, but adding a few is certainly reasonable.

Our focus is squarely on team needs – offensive line, linebacker, and cornerback – not necessarily in that order. Let’s jump right in.