4 bargain-basement free agents that can help the Commanders in 2023
By Dean Jones
Commanders could sign Cameron Dantzler Sr.
The Minnesota Vikings are clearly going through some monumental upheaval this off-season. After those in power decided to run it back in pursuit of immediate success last season, they are taking a completely different approach this time around.
Eric Kendricks has been released, Za’Darius Smith has asked to be removed from the Vikings after just one season, Dalvin Cook is supposedly on the trade block, and rumors are swirling about Harrison Smith’s prolific spell with the franchise coming to an end in 2023.
Perhaps one of the more surprising cuts was Cameron Dantzler Sr. The cornerback is still young and was far from Minnesota’s biggest problem last season, so this could be a decent option for the Washington Commanders in a key position of need.
Dantzler struggled with injuries last season that impacted his performance levels. Something that’s reflected in his 77.4 percent completion allowed from 53 targets in 2022.
However, his first two years in the league were impressive, so this might be a blip rather than anything to severely concern. And the Vikings needed the cap space for what appears to be a pretty significant rebuild.
If the Commanders could get Dantzler on a one-year, prove-it deal, it could be a tremendous bit of business for a highly-motivated player with upside. But much will depend on the defensive back’s resolve after a down campaign.