4 second-level free agents the Commanders should sign in 2023

Commanders could sign Kenyan Drake

Releasing J.D. McKissic was disappointing and necessary in equal measure. It doesn’t look good for the running back on the health front, with a neck complication threatening his future aspirations and something that left the Washington Commanders with no option other than to go in a different direction.

While the Commanders have Brian Robinson Jr. and Antonio Gibson to shoulder the load, adding another capable presence would be wise. Especially considering how Eric Bieniemy likes to deploy a committee approach if his time with the Kansas City Chiefs was any indication.

Even though his days as an every-down back might be a thing of the past, Kenyan Drake represents a cheap option that could be of use as McKissic’s replacement. He’s proven to be a solid route-runner out of the backfield and looks suited to Bieniemy’s scheme, which is designed for quarterbacks to get the football out quickly.

Drake spent last season with the Baltimore Ravens and was pretty decent all things considered. He’s unlikely to get an offer to become a starter, so linking up with Bieniemy as part of what would be a formidable trio could bring the best out of everyone.

This would be a low-risk, high-reward option for the Commanders. And there’s plenty to like about Drake within Bieniemy’s creative scheme.