3 growing Commanders concerns heading into the 2023 NFL Draft
By Dean Jones
What growing concerns are emerging for the Washington Commanders as the all-important 2023 NFL Draft draws closer?
For all the excitement surrounding the Washington Commanders’ impending sale to officially end Dan Snyder’s turbulent reign, what transpires on the field is far more important to fans. Something that is also bringing a quiet sense of optimism heading into the 2023 NFL Draft.
The Commanders have gone under the radar this offseason thanks in no small part to their bargain-hunting approach to free agency. Ron Rivera is under pressure to get things right next time around, but this hasn’t altered his ethos of rewarding guys who’ve established themselves within the organization rather than taking risks with veterans on the free-agent market.
Some needs are bigger than others with the draft upcoming. However, the head coach recently stated that Washington could also adopt a “best player available” approach following their additions in free agency.
While that sounds nice, here are three growing Commanders’ concerns ahead of the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft.
Growing Concern No. 1
Commanders salary-cap situation
The Washington Commanders don’t have a franchise quarterback to pay – not yet, anyway. However, their current financial predicament is nothing short of dire with just $2.42 million in available salary-cap space currently.
This is anywhere close to enough. The Commanders need to sign their 2023 draft class – around $9 million in total – and must also have enough left over for any in-season moves should injuries strike.
Martin Mayhew and other influential figures know more sacrifices and contract restructures are coming. And if those in power had any sense, it would be sooner rather than later.