3 Commanders who must be urgently re-signed before 2023 free agency

Cole Holcomb – Commanders LB

It was a cruel end to Cole Holcomb‘s 2022 campaign after things began so brightly. The formidable linebacker was forced to season-ending injured/reserve after appearing just seven times, which was a bitter blow for the player and the franchise considering his emerging importance.

Holcomb racked up 69 tackles before going to the sidelines. His tireless work ethic and improving instincts were major assets to call upon, but this injury came at the worst possible time with the player seeking a new contract from the Washington Commanders before free agency.

Much will depend on how Holcomb’s recovery is progressing from his foot complication. But head coach Ron Rivera highlighted his desire to get something worked out with the former fifth-round selection during a recent interview with Pro Football Focus.

This is no more than Holcomb deserves, in all honesty. His quick emergence from a Day 3 pick into a core rotational piece and eventual starter indicates more could be on the way providing there are no further problems on the health front.

Of course, the Commanders will seek additional options across their defensive second-level via free agency or the 2023 NFL Draft. But there should be a role for Holcomb in some capacity after demonstrating tremendous promise in Jack Del Rio’s scheme last time around.