Which Washington Commanders position groups improved most during the opening fortnight of a fascinating free agency period in 2023?
There was nothing flashy about the way Ron Rivera and his staff went about their business early in free agency. Money is currently tight for the Washington Commanders despite not having a franchise quarterback to pay, so landing marquee acquisitions was out of the question for a team that’s shifted to drafting and developing in pursuit of progression.
Whether this pays off for Rivera remains to be seen. The head coach appears confident Washington is heading in the right direction, but the pressure is about to increase significantly after Dan Snyder got two formal offers for the Commanders that reportedly meet his $6 billion asking price.
It might have been an underwhelming free agency for fans. But one doesn’t have to look far throughout recent history to see how big-money signings in Washington don’t necessarily move the needle.
With that being said, here are three position groups that did manage to improve during free agency in 2023.
Position Group No. 1
Commanders improved the DL
This is more a case of retention improving the Washington Commanders’ fortunes on the defensive front than any major additions. There was a real worry the team would lose Daron Payne in free agency after his breakout 2022 campaign, but those in power made keeping him around long-term their top priority.
Payne was given the franchise tag quickly. This was followed by a four-year, $90 million extension with $60 million guaranteed, which means the Commanders now have a substantial amount invested in their starting defensive tackle tandem.
Efe Obada also got a new deal and the team added additional depth in the form of Abdullah Anderson. Something that should make this unit an area of significant strength once again in 2023.
Commanders improved their OL
After a 2022 season that can safely be described as an abomination across the offensive line, something had to change as a matter of urgency. Thankfully, this was also recognized by the Washington Commanders, who spent a large chunk of the money they had on potentially upgrading their protection when free agency began.
Andrew Wylie was the biggest addition after the veteran opted for an instant link-up with Eric Bieniemy once again. The pair were influential figures during the Kansas City Chiefs’ run to Super Bowl success, with his flawless performance at right tackle on the biggest stage of all coming in for significant praise.
Wylie should fill the same role in Washington depending on how the 2023 NFL Draft plays out. This could allow Sam Cosmi to switch to the right guard position, where he appears best suited.
Another eye-catching addition was Nick Gates, who joined from the NFC East rival New York Giants. There are some injury concerns, but the veteran is versatile, productive, and is a supreme leadership presence within the locker room to further enhance his influence.
Gates could be the starting center if everything goes well. This casts further doubt on Chase Roullier’s future, with the $8.37 million in cap savings involved if given a post-June 1 release something that cannot be ignored.
Tyler Larsen also re-signed as a depth piece. So if another capable starter is acquired via the draft, this could be an improved starting group in 2023.
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.