Which former Washington Commanders players are still sitting on the scrap heap with the 2023 free agency period well underway?
Players come and players go. That is the nature of free agency and the NFL in general, so it’s been no surprise to see some significant personnel turnover around the league during a frenzied spell of activity over the last week and a half.
The Washington Commanders have been prudent with their spending, which was necessary considering they aren’t exactly flush with available resources. Veterans have been signed to team-friendly deals with the hope of improving problem position groups, with the organization also landing a solid veteran quarterback in Jacoby Brissett to assist and compete with Sam Howell.
Daron Payne’s contract extension was the biggest financial outlay of the offseason by a considerable margin. There have also been numerous departures including Bobby McCain, Cam Sims, and Wes Schweitzer among others.
With this in mind, here are four prominent former Commanders players still sitting on the free-agent scrap heap in 2023.
Former Player No. 1
Matt Ioannidis – Former Commanders DL
While the Washington Commanders rightfully made Matt Ioannidis a salary-cap casualty in 2022, the defensive lineman’s talent was never in question. Something that came to the fore once again after he linked up with his ex-college coach Matt Rhule on the Carolina Panthers.
Ioannidis dealt with some injuries, but his production was encouraging alongside Derrick Brown. Something that provided the former first-round pick with a stable interior presence en route to a breakout campaign.
The new regime in Carolina has gone in a different direction. But it’s unlikely Ioannidis will be out of work for much longer.
William Jackson III – Former Commanders CB
The Pittsburgh Steelers thought enough of William Jackson III to bring him on board via trade before the deadline in 2022. He had some nice moments over his two seasons with the Washington Commanders, but the consistency wasn’t where it needed to be and any offer was a good one based on the compensation.
Jackson’s time with the Steelers endured torrid luck right out of the gate. He was injured just 11 days after the trade was confirmed and once the prognosis became official, Pittsburgh released the veteran with little fanfare during free agency.
Unsurprisingly, Jackson has yet to find alternative employment. This is down to health issues, poor performance, and the number of talented cornerbacks set to enter the league via the 2023 NFL Draft next month.
Perhaps Jackson’s best chance will be after the draft concludes. Teams normally examine veterans for depth purposes, which represents the best possible avenue to keep his foot in the door if nothing else.
This is a steep fall from grace for Jackson, who was a marquee signing for the Commanders before the 2021 campaign. Such was the financial commitment given to Houston native that Washington is still paying him $9 million in dead-cap money this season.
Landon Collins – Former Commanders S
After a three-year stay with the Washington Commanders, Landon Collins became a salary-cap sacrifice once the 2021 campaign came to a conclusion. The veteran safety took his time finding a new home, which ended up being back where it all started with the New York Giants.
Collins spent the first four campaigns of his professional career at MetLife Stadium – earning one Pro Bowl honor – before switching to an NFC East rival. The move saved Washington around $6.6 million on their cap and allowed the flourishing young safety duo of Kamren Curl and Darrick Forrest to become more influential along the way.
The former second-round pick was used as a rotational piece last season, turning out in 40 percent of the Giants’ defensive snaps from the six games he was available. Collins was a real asset in coverage – giving up just 61.5 percent of targets and a lowly 40.5 passer rating – which earned the one-time Alabama star a creditable 65.6 grade from Pro Football Focus for good measure.
Despite these encouraging displays, Collins hasn’t been given a contract extension as yet. Something that could change in the near future depending on what the Giants end up doing during the 2023 NFL Draft.
The player should get another shot somewhere at 29 years old. It’s finding a spot where he’ll have a legitimate chance of factoring into the defensive rotation that’s the biggest issue.
Carson Wentz – Former Commanders QB
The Washington Commanders had no option other than to release Carson Wentz after just one season. His production under center just wasn’t up to the required standard and even though the trade was a complete flop, those in power did give themselves an out in this eventuality to save themselves $26.17 million against their salary cap.
Wentz is now on a slippery slope after two failed moves following his departure from the Philadelphia Eagles. Something that’s reflected in the free-agent market not exactly being robust for the former No. 2 overall selection out of North Dakota State.
Teams are looking elsewhere. Starting and backup roles are at a premium right now for Wentz, which could decrease further once the next batch of college recruits emerging via the 2023 NFL Draft find their homes.
This makes it difficult for Wentz. Injuries will happen throughout camp and the preseason – which might provide the player with an opening – but it’s hard to look around the league and see where he could end up almost two weeks into free agency.
The fall from grace where Wentz is concerned has been drastic. This was an NFL MVP frontrunner before injury struck with the Eagles, but it’s going to be a long road back for a signal-caller that was lacking confidence in the biggest way imaginable throughout his time with the Commanders.