What are the biggest surprises to emerge from an eventful free agency period so far for the Washington Commanders in 2023?
It’s been another fascinating offseason for the Washington Commanders highlighted by some encouraging free-agent moves. It was never going to be the flashiest – not while Ron Rivera is around – but this is a newfound way of doing business more in keeping with traditional success around the NFL.
Besides, the Commanders don’t have much spare cash to throw around in any case. Just $2.42 million in salary-cap space remains after their comings and goings, so further sacrifices are coming to sign their 2023 NFL Draft class and leave enough for potential in-season moves if injury strikes.
The NFC East doesn’t look to be getting any less competitive based on how other teams within the division are currently going about their plans. Washington can only worry about itself and hope some young guns on the roster raise their respective contributions during a crucial Year 4 of Rivera’s tenure.
Looking back on a busy fortnight, here are four big surprises from the Commanders 2023 free agency period so far.
Big Surprise No. 1
Commanders weren’t sold by Dan Snyder
This is probably more in hope than expectation. But reports that Dan Snyder would sell the Washington Commanders after the Super Bowl haven’t come to fruition as yet.
Perhaps surprising to some who thought it might happen quickly. Even if the billionaire’s overall actions over the last two decades indicate this was a genuine possibility all things considered.
We are now at the second stage of NFL owners’ meetings, which Tanya Snyder has reportedly attended. Fans won’t care when the news gets confirmed, just so long as Snyder’s absolute power is dissolved at some stage this offseason.
Commanders’ straightforward Daron Payne deal
Fans were right to feel a sense of trepidation regarding Daron Payne‘s potential departure in free agency. But the straightforward manner in which this situation was resolved by the Washington Commanders was refreshing and encouraging in equal measure.
The Commanders made Payne work for his new deal. Not tying him up last year provided the defensive tackle with all the motivation needed for a true breakout campaign that came with 11.5 sacks and a first-ever Pro Bowl selection.
While this cast further doubt about his future, Ron Rivera is not normally associated with allowing top-level talent developed by the franchise to depart for nothing. It’s a complete shift from how business was conducted before his arrival and ensures the Commanders have a young nucleus on both sides of the football to build around long-term.
Payne was given the franchise tag almost immediately. This is something players don’t normally like, but it was swiftly followed by a four-year, $90 million deal with $60 million guaranteed to put his status beyond all doubt.
Just how easily this situation resolved itself was surprising – but in a good way. Payne will now continue his prolific partnership with Jonathan Allen as Washington’s loaded defense looks to enter the elite category in 2023.
Commanders didn’t speak with Lamar Jackson
Aside from the Aaron Rodgers saga, Lamar Jackson has hogged the headlines this offseason. The quarterback remains in a contract stalemate with the Baltimore Ravens and despite getting the non-exclusive franchise tag, it’s been radio silence from others around the league looking to potentially secure his services.
The Washington Commanders were among those linked with Jackson. Instead, they appear happy to move forward with second-year-pro Sam Howell and Jacoby Brissett, who signed a one-year deal that could be worth $8 million in free agency.
Jackson would be far more expensive than that. But for the Commanders to completely ignore the opportunity to speak with the former NFL MVP does seem surprising when one factors everything into the equation.
There is an obvious sense of collusion among owners, who don’t want the dangerous precedent set by the Cleveland Browns to acquire Deshaun Watson to become commonplace. This centers around the guaranteed money that Jackson also wants on his next deal.
Many around the league also sense this would be a complete waste of time and the Ravens will match any contract Jackson gets offered. Even if the signal-caller is said to be ready for a change and the cost for an elite-caliber performer in his prime stands at just two first-round selections.
What the future holds for Jackson is unclear. But it doesn’t appear as if the Commanders will throw their hat in the ring unless something drastic occurs.
Commanders didn’t get a playmaker familiar with Eric Bieniemy
The marquee offseason addition for the Washington Commanders was Eric Bieniemy. His high-profile switch from the Kansas City Chiefs was done as potentially overcoming the final hurdle en route to a future NFL head coaching role, which will undoubtedly arrive if the assistant head coach/offensive coordinator thrives with full scheme control for the first time.
Bieniemy is getting a big say on how things are unfolding on offense. He’s made plenty of alterations to coaches working under him and is a valued voice in recruitment, so it’s been surprising to see the Commanders overlook some primary playmakers he’s already familiar with in free agency.
Andrew Wylie did join the ranks and should become the team’s starting right tackle in 2023. However, the likes of Mecole Hardman and Jerick McKinnon were overlooked, although the latter is still on the market if Washington has a change of heart.
This could be a sign of the confidence level Bieniemy has in the team’s current skill position players. Something the coach freely admitted was a primary reason the job was so appealing in the first place.
Not adding another option to smooth Bieniemy’s transition was somewhat surprising. But if quarterback Sam Howell reaches some lofty expectations, it will be a far bigger factor than anyone the Commanders could get from this year’s free-agent class.