Which Washington Commanders are entering the 2023 off-season period on an extremely short leash?
There’s more optimism surrounding the Washington Commanders right now than in quite some time. This stems largely from the arrival of Eric Bieniemy from the Kansas City Chiefs, who could completely shift the culture and landscape not only of the offense but across the entire organization following such a turbulent year.
Getting Bieniemy is the start of what’s going to be a dramatic offseason in Washington full of twists and turns. Something that could enhance their hopes of securing postseason football for the second time in three years if everything goes well.
Of course, there are many hurdles and tough decisions to tackle before then. And as we are about to discuss, one major domino could also fall and remove a dark cloud hanging over the franchise.
Without further ado, here are four Commanders who enter the 2023 off-season period on a short leash.
Commander No. 1
Dan Snyder – Commanders co-owner
As stated previously, there is a big domino falling. That is, of course, the potential sale of the Washington Commanders by Dan Snyder.
Even though Snyder feels like he’s being pushed out, the controversial figure cannot be surprised considering the disgrace he’s brought to the league over the last year. This represents the fresh start everyone associated with the Commanders has been looking for.
Whether it’s Jeff Bezos or someone else, Snyder’s leash is short. One that could be nonexistent by the time training camp rolls around.
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.
Martin Mayhew – Commanders GM
After an underwhelming first offseason as general manager, Martin Mayhew has a stern challenge ahead of him this time around. The Washington Commanders won’t want the front office figure fluffing his lines for a second-straight preparation period, especially with the prospect of new ownership coming into the fold at some stage.
Mayhew has all the experience in the world to make the necessary improvements. Trusting the sound football minds around him will help, but the stakes are high for almost every primary decision-maker with Dan Snyder set to relinquish control to Jeff Bezos or another potential bidder.
The biggest thing that held Mayhew back in 2022 was trading for Carson Wentz. This was a major roll of the dice that blew up in the team’s face, but setting up his contract for such an eventuality was beneficial and will save the Commanders $26.17 million against their cap for good measure.
Not paying enough attention to the offensive line is something else that came back to haunt Mayhem. But looking at Washington’s financial situation and their eight draft picks, there are far worse positions to be in that’s for sure.
If Mayhew cannot lay the right foundations in the coming months and a new owner does take over, his time in Washington might not last much longer. So the urgency to get things right is there for all to see.
Logan Thomas – Commanders TE
The arrival of Eric Bieniemy comes with potential. It could also see big changes to the offensive system and playing personnel depending on the new appointment’s recommendations.
Bieniemy has been on a winning franchise over the last decade and has two Super Bowls to his name. Something that he can hopefully install into the Washington Commanders ahead of a crucial third campaign for head coach Ron Rivera.
One of the biggest features of the Kansas City Chiefs offense under Bieniemy and Andy Reid was tight-end involvement. This could mean big things upcoming for Logan Thomas if he firmly establishes himself as part of the team’s plans in 2023.
Thomas has been solid if not spectacular throughout his time in Washington. Injuries have stalled his development to a certain extent, but the jury is still out regarding what role he might have with Bieniemy leading the charge.
The former quarterback needs to impress, and quickly. Otherwise, he could be sacrificed for someone with more proven credentials in free agency or a talented prospect from the college ranks.
Releasing Thomas has $5.17 million in savings attached with a $3.5 million dead-cap figure. Therefore, it’s essential for the player to make his presence felt immediately if he makes it to OTAs.