3 Commanders position groups that improved most in 2023 free agency

Commanders improved at QB

After the trade to acquire Carson Wentz from the Indianapolis Colts failed miserably, there was only one option for the Washington Commanders. The former No. 2 overall selection became an obvious salary-cap casualty, which saved the organization $26.17 million after reworking his contract to ensure this was possible if expectations weren’t met.

Wentz only has himself to blame, in all honesty. There was far more sadness when Taylor Heinicke also took his chances elsewhere, signing a two-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons despite the Commanders’ interest in keeping him around.

While the coaching staff is going to give Sam Howell a chance to win the starting job, finding a veteran capable of mentoring and pushing the player was essential. One could argue the Commanders got themselves the best possible option on the market when Jacoby Brissett signed on the dotted line.

Brissett was among the league leaders in QBR last season before returning to the sidelines once Deshaun Watson came back from his lengthy suspension. He is a solid veteran with athleticism and efficient distribution, even if the signal-caller lacks the truly dynamic qualities associated with the more elite players at the position.

The combination of Brissett and Howell should be enough to upgrade the quarterback spot during a critical campaign for Ron Rivera in 2023. Just how much they move the needle will be the difference between success and failure next time around.