It’s been a busy start to the legal free-agent tampering period, but how did the Washington Commanders fare with their latest big decisions in 2023?
Although there haven’t been any jaw-dropping signings from the Washington Commanders over the early stages of free agency, it’s not a surprise. Those in power are looking to spend their money much more wisely than in previous years, opting to focus on taking care of their established stars rather than gambling on veterans looking for new homes on the market.
Despite this newfound approach, the Commanders have strengthened problem positions and added further depth pieces. Much more will be required for a playoff return in 2023, but Ron Rivera and other influential figures within the organization are off to a good start.
Players will come and go in the next few days. But if the Commanders can keep this up, then there might be room for a luxury pick or two during the 2023 NFL Draft.
That’s for the future. For now, we took a look and graded the latest four big moves made by the Commanders in 2023 free agency.
Move No. 1
Commanders claimed Cameron Dantzler Sr. (CB)
The Washington Commanders got themselves a low-risk, high-reward option off the waiver wire in the form of Cameron Dantzler Sr. Although things didn’t go according to plan for the cornerback with the Minnesota Vikings in 2022, this is a chance worth taking based on his first two seasons as a pro from 2020-2021.
Grade: B+
If it doesn’t work out, then the Commanders can move on with minimal fuss. However, Dantzler could end up being a productive starter thanks to some extra motivation and a system that suits his particular skill set.
Commanders signed Cody Barton (LB)
Finding assistance at the defensive second-level interior was another big need for the Washington Commanders. While there is still a chance Cole Holcomb comes back on a short-term deal, the front office couldn’t leave anything to chance and that’s why Cody Barton came on board just a few short hours after legal tampering began.
Barton agreed to a one-year deal with the Commanders and arrives on the back of his finest season as a professional in 2022. The linebacker was a tackling machine for the Seattle Seahawks while playing 77 percent of defensive snaps – greater involvement than the former third-round selection has ever experienced before.
While there is some work to do from a coverage standpoint, Barton is fast, agile, and hard-hitting. This represents a solid foundation to build under the expert guidance of Jack Del Rio.
Much like the situation with Cameron Dantzler Sr., the Commanders can easily get off Barton in 2024 if things don’t work out. This is also unlikely to stop Washington from targeting a promising linebacker from the college ranks if the right opportunity presents itself during the draft.
Grade: B
Barton could be a solid signing for the Commanders if he builds on his recent accomplishments. But it would be wise for a contingency plan in the event he cannot make the necessary impact.
Commanders didn’t retain Taylor Heinicke (QB)
Taylor Heinicke took the NFL by storm for a brief period last season when Carson Wentz went to the sidelines. The quarterback completely galvanized the Washington Commanders with sheer will, instantly winning the respect of teammates and fans with a never-say-die attitude to get the team trending upward at a crucial time.
Heinicke was unfairly benched for Wentz as Ron Rivera gave his marquee trade acquisition one more chance to prove himself. Something he was unable to manage, which ushered in the Sam Howell era in Week 18 against the Dallas Cowboys.
The Commanders were rumored to be in discussions with Heinicke about an extended stay. However, the Atlanta Falcons made him an offer he couldn’t refuse thanks to a two-year, incentivized deal that has a maximum value of $20 million.
Unless Heinicke beats out Desmond Ridder for the starting job, that’s top-end backup money. Something the Commanders were right not to match as Howell looks set to take over the reins in 2023.
Grade: A
This is a win-win for all parties. It allows Heinicke to return home and fight for a No. 1 job with more money than ever, while the Commanders can find a veteran capable of nurturing Howell through his important transition.
Commanders fired John Matsko
This isn’t necessarily a free-agent move. But it happened during the legal tampering period and is extremely notable.
According to John Keim of ESPN, the Washington Commanders are moving on from offensive line coach John Matsko, who is a long-time and trusted associate of Ron Rivera from their time together with the Carolina Panthers. This came relatively out of the blue, although the introduction of Eric Bieniemy must have played a significant role in the decision-making process.
Bieniemy has been given full offensive control. That includes molding a staff capable of getting the Commanders out of irrelevancy and into legitimate playoff contention.
It was probably hard for Rivera. However, this was the cost of Bieniemy coming into the fold.
With reinforcements expected across the protection – two have already arrived in the form of Nick Gates and Andrew Wylie – before competitive action begins, there was never a better time to potentially upgrade the coaching aspect, too.
Grade: A
Much will depend on who the Commanders choose as Matsko’s replacement. But the veteran coach wasn’t getting the right tune out of his players and with Bieniemy having an extra sense of urgency to make his own move count, this was the only logical step.
Commanders tendered Jeremy Reaves (S)
One of the brightest stories surrounding the Washington Commanders centered on Jeremy Reaves. Who could forget that video when Ron Rivera told the special teams’ ace he’d made the Pro Bowl, which was met with delight by fans, coaches, and players alike?
This was nothing more than Reaves deserved after an exceptional campaign. While he’s found life difficult carving a role for himself on the defensive rotation, he is an integral part of Washington’s plans on special teams, which came with an expected tender rather than allowing the player to become an unrestricted free agent.
Of course, a situation could emerge where Reaves does depart. But it seems like the player has found a home here and would be foolish to leave given his current career trajectory.
Reaves is likely going to settle for backup duties within the safety room once again. The Commanders have complete faith in Kamren Curl and Darrick Forrest as their starting duo, with Percy Butler also getting an increased role after the team made Bobby McCain a salary-cap casualty.
Grade: A
That does not detract from Reaves’ vital role as a special teamer. If he shines again next season, then the Commanders will have no choice other than to offer him a long-term deal.
Commanders released J.D. McKissic (RB)
The NFL is a cruel business sometimes. Well, most of the time if we’re being honest.
Another fine example of this comes with J.D. McKissic, who spurned the Buffalo Bills to stay with the Washington Commanders only to be cut the following year.
This is down to bad luck and not much else. McKissic was a valuable contributor when healthy, but a serious neck complication forced him to miss considerable time and his failed physical designation indicates that it’s not going to get better anytime soon.
Washington already has two staring-caliber running backs in Brian Robinson Jr. and Antonio Gibson. However, Eric Bieniemy might want another pass-catching weapon out of the backfield in the immediate aftermath of McKissic’s release.
Perhaps a gifted recruit from the college ranks would suffice once other key needs have been met. There are also plenty of intriguing options on the free-agent market, although this route is going to cost more.
Grade: B
It’s hard to look at this in any other way than with disappointment. There’s no doubt McKissic would have thrived in Bieniemy’s system, but it just wasn’t to be.