4 Commanders entering 2023 offseason on a short leash
By Dean Jones
Andrew Norwell – Commanders OL
One didn’t have to look far to see where the Washington Commanders failed on offense last season. Scott Turner took his fair share of the blame, but suspect quarterback play and a torrid offensive line were the primary catalysts behind their eventual demise.
There was a lot of fanfare when Andrew Norwell joined in free agency. The experienced interior presence emerged from an afterthought into an All-Pro performer under Ron Rivera during their time together with the Carolina Panthers, so hopes were relatively high that this could be a short-term replacement for Brandon Scherff at the very worst.
Norwell was a prominent presence for Washington’s protection in 2022. He played 1,120 snaps on offense, giving up five penalties and conceding four sacks en route to a below-average 59.8 grade from Pro Football Focus.
What this means for Norwell’s immediate future is unclear. The Commanders are likely to focus heavily on improving their offensive line for Eric Bieniemy this offseason, which could leave the former Ohio State star on the outside looking in when it’s all said and done.
Cutting Norewell this spring comes with a dead cap figure of $2.8 million and savings of $2.28 million. Despite his close connection to Rivera, it’s a scenario that could emerge providing the necessary reinforcements arrive in free agency and the 2023 NFL Draft.