What are the thinnest position groups on the Washington Commanders heading into the 2023 off-season period?
It won’t be much longer before the dominos start falling and we get a broader indication of what to expect from the Washington Commanders in 2023. The free-agent frenzy is just a few short weeks away, with scouting events ahead of the NFL Draft something else that draws plenty of speculation and attention before the all-important selection weekend.
There is optimism surrounding the Commanders and their chances next time around. Eric Bieniemy’s arrival is a primary reason for this, but those in power have some tough decisions to make on the playing side of things in pursuit of making an immediate return to the postseason.
Current players are looking for new deals, some could be sacrificed for salary-cap relief, and it wouldn’t be a shock to see Washington make a big slash or two considering what’s at stake for head coach Ron Rivera.
Before the madness commences, here are the four thinnest Commanders’ position groups heading into the 2023 off-season.
Position No. 1
Commanders are thin at TE
Considering the success Eric Bieniemy‘s had from tight-end production in recent years, the Washington Commanders might not have enough to meet his high demands. Logan Thomas, John Bates, and Cole Turner could all improve, but it does look a little thin on the ground and reinforcements should be acquired at some stage this offseason.
This would add another dimension to a passing attack that lacked productivity from their tight ends last season. What this means for the aforementioned trio’s short-term futures remains to be seen.
Commanders are thin on the OL
Although Carson Wentz’s production was subpar at best, the offensive line doesn’t get off the hook. Not by a long shot based on their full body of work throughout the campaign.
This unit underwent a major makeover during the previous offseason with little success. The presence of Brandon Scherff was sorely missed and those brought in just didn’t live up to their end of the bargain.
A number of veterans underperformed and those with more promise just didn’t take the necessary strides forward. Something that could lead the Washington Commanders into more big changes this spring.
Washington has the financial clout and draft capital to make this a reality. Eric Bieniemy won’t want his landmark switch to the Commanders failing due to suspect protection, so it’ll be interesting to see how influential figures within the franchise approach this critical issue in the coming weeks.
Nobody aside from Cornelius Lucas and perhaps Andrew Norwell is guaranteed starting involvement. One suspects that competition is coming on multiple fronts, which will have to gel ahead of improved fortunes next season.
Commanders are thin at CB
Another area where the Washington Commanders should strengthen ahead of the new season is their cornerback room. Kendall Fuller and Benjamin St-Juste were solid, but the secondary is missing a true shutdown presence and this has to change before competitive games begin once again.
Fuller and St-Juste have a role to play. However, the NFL is a pass-happy league and almost every team that went deep into the postseason had one or two cornerbacks capable of locking down their man consistently.
Finding these players in free agency isn’t cheap. Therefore, there’s a good chance the Commanders spend a high-end draft pick on finding a long-term solution during the 2023 NFL Draft.
This year’s class looks loaded at the top end without boasting the greatest depth. So if the Commanders truly want to find a difference-maker, they must strike quickly and with conviction.
Others on the depth chart look like fringe pieces, special teamers, and camp bodies. That might sound a little harsh, but the NFL is a cutthroat business and Washington’s current options simply aren’t good enough collectively.
Commanders are thin at QB
Sam Howell looks set to become Washington Commanders’ starting quarterback based on the early offseason signs. This is positive news if the North Carolina product meshes with Eric Bieniemy, but that doesn’t detract from the room overall being extremely thin heading into the offseason.
Releasing Carson Wentz to save $26.17 million is a foregone conclusion. Taylor Heinicke is out of contract, with Jake Fromm the only other option Washington has right now.
This is not the best position, but it is fixable. The Commanders can bring in another veteran via free agency or turn their attention to an option via the 2023 NFL Draft for further competition.
Of course, this situation becomes more urgent if Bieniemy doesn’t like what he sees from Howell over OTAs. But the Commanders have gone through some significant quarterback upheaval in recent years, so finding a long-term solution and sticking to it is the only way this once-proud is going to become an NFL heavyweight once again.
In an ideal world, Howell and Bieniemy hit it off and the former fifth-round selection thrives under his tutelage. But it would be foolish if the coaching staff didn’t form some sort of contingency plan if everything doesn’t go according to the script.
Something the Commanders just don’t have on their roster currently.