What easy decisions should the Washington Commanders make before and during the upcoming free agency period in 2023?
It promises to be another free agency period of immense importance for the Washington Commanders. After narrowly missing the postseason in 2022, what moves influential figures within the organization make will go a long way to determining what could be achieved next time around.
Washington can help itself by making more money readily available to spend. They’ve already begun extending depth pieces and core special teamers, but incomings are the talk of the town after expectations were raised by Eric Bieniemy’s shock arrival from the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Commanders could be an attractive free-agent destination – especially considering Dan Snyder might sell up soon. However, there’s no more margin for error in terms of personnel after some suspect signings this time last year.
With this in mind, here are four easy decisions the Commanders can make in 2023 free agency.
Easy Decision No. 1
Commanders cut Carson Wentz
We’ll keep this short because releasing Carson Wentz was a foregone conclusion. Something that was officially announced on Monday.
After an underwhelming first season with the Washington Commanders, cutting the signal-caller ahead of time came with no dead money and $26.17 million in savings, which was an absolute no-brainer.
What the future holds for Wentz is unclear. But it won’t be on the Commanders as the team starts fresh at the position with second-year-pro Sam Howell.
Commanders franchise tag Daron Payne
One of the biggest priorities for the Washington Commanders over the coming days is resolving Daron Payne‘s future. The defensive tackle put together a Pro Bowl-caliber campaign in a contract year, which gives the franchise a potential headache considering how much this strengthens his position at the bargaining table.
Payne demonstrated supreme qualities when it came to generating pressure from the interior last season. He’s also only just entering his prime, so letting him walk for nothing is absolutely out of the question.
Multiple reports suggest the Commanders are going to do whatever it takes to keep Payne around. If terms cannot be agreed on a new deal, then slapping the franchise tag on their former first-round selection is almost guaranteed.
This gives the Commanders additional time to work out a long-term agreement with the player’s representatives. If not, then trading Payne is another option Washington has in this scenario.
Not giving Payne an extension ahead of time is going to cost the Commanders. But few would argue how important the lineman is to the team’s overall fortunes on defense after he finally came of age during the previous campaign.
Commanders must upgrade their OL
Eric Bieniemy‘s arrival could be the spark that finally ignites the Washington Commanders offense to better things in 2023. They have enough talent at the skill positions to excel under the assistant head coach/offensive coordinator, but much will depend on whether Sam Howell can adapt and improve enough to make a difference under center.
In order to maximize Howell’s chances and improve the running game, the Commanders must bolster their offensive line options this offseason. Using draft capital provides long-term options on the cheap, but landing a veteran or two capable of slotting in seamlessly right out of the gate should be a simple choice to make.
As stated previously, there is a lot on the line for Ron Rivera next season. If a new owner comes into the fold, he’ll be under enormous pressure to turn things around on a piping hot seat heading into the new campaign.
That’s why the Commanders can ill afford the same complications across their protection. This would also hinder Bieniemy’s hopes of hitting the ground running with full control of an NFL offense for the first time.
There are a few viable options that represent upgrades set to hit the open market in free agency. Good offensive linemen don’t normally come cheap, but the Commanders must do whatever it takes to enhance this critical area.
Commanders must sign a veteran QB
Sam Howell has a huge opportunity this offseason. The Washington Commanders are giving the quarterback a real shot at winning the starting job, which could provide them with an extremely cheap rookie contract to build around for the next two years if everything goes well.
Howell was impressive on his only start in 2022 against the Dallas Cowboys. The presence of Eric Bieniemy and his renowned prowess for developing talent is another major asset working in the former fifth-round pick’s favor.
Even if all signs point to Washington moving forward with Howell, they have very little depth behind the North Carolina product. Therefore, it’s vital that those in power bring in a veteran via free agency that’s capable of running Bieniemy’s west coast system.
This gives the Commanders a contingency plan in the event Howell fluffs his lines. It also provides the young signal-caller with a solid mentor to assist with his transition into a permanent starting role.
Again, ruling certain things out just because Rivera said Howell will start OTAs atop the depth chart would be foolish. And if a new owner comes into the fold, he might want to mark his first few weeks by making a bold trade for someone like Lamar Jackson.
Jackson might be unattainable. But make no mistake, Washington needs more at football’s most pivotal position.