4 early salary-cap casualties the Commanders should sign in 2023
By Dean Jones
Commanders could sign Taylor Lewan
It comes as no surprise to anyone that spent considerable time watching the Washington Commanders last season that a big offensive line makeover is on the way. Eric Bieniemy and a new quarterback – whether that’s Sam Howell or someone else – cannot expect to take this team forward without the necessary consistency from the protection, so expect a few incomings via free agency and the 2023 NFL Draft.
One notable veteran that recently became surplus to requirements might interest the Commanders providing the money works for all parties. Taylor Lewan is a three-time Pro Bowler that’s dealt with some injuries in recent years, but it’s hard to look at Washington’s current edge options and not think he couldn’t help.
The former first-round pick out of Michigan turned out in just 64 offensive snaps last season. Lewan’s production was decent before that, giving up four sacks and four penalties from 846 snaps en route to a 70.9 grade from Pro Football Focus in 2021.
There is some obvious risk attached to acquiring Lewan. If he cannot stay healthy, then it’s money down the drain at a time when Washington has no real room for error.
The flip side to this coin is if a motivated Lewan stays healthy and returns to his form of old. Something that would benefit the Commanders greatly.