3 players the Commanders should hold off on extending in 2023
By Dean Jones
Which players should the Washington Commanders hold off giving contract extensions to before or during the 2023 campaign?
The Washington Commanders don’t have a franchise quarterback to pay – not yet, anyway – but they remain restricted in terms of salary-cap space with free agency well underway. Over the Cap has them at $2.42 million in available funds currently, which has to improve in pursuit of signing their 2023 NFL Draft class and leaving enough for some in-season moves.
Daron Payne became the latest established figure to get a bumper payday this offseason. Something the defensive tackle earned after a true breakout campaign in 2021 that also resulted in his first Pro Bowl selection for good measure.
Others such as Kamren Curl might be given new deals before the season begins. For others, it might be wise for the Commanders to adopt a wait-and-see approach.
With this in mind, here are three players Washington should avoid giving contract extensions to before or during the 2023 season.
Player No. 1
Kendall Fuller – Commanders CB
While Kendall Fuller is a serviceable cornerback, there appears little chance he’ll get a new deal before his contract expires in 2024. The Washington Commanders are already paying the player $11.62 million against their cap next season, so shelling out additional commitments shouldn’t be in their train of thought right now.
If Fuller improves consistency with better options around him in the cornerback room, it’s a different story. For now, the Commanders should hold fire and see how things play out for the one-time Virginia Tech standout.