Which players were the Washington Commanders right to avoid during a busy free agency period for the franchise in 2023?
One could potentially describe the Washington Commanders’ moves in free agency as penny-pinching or bargain shopping. But in all honesty, this was always going to be the case considering the ownership flux and Ron Rivera’s preferred method of roster building.
Whether this will amount to much in the way of improvements next season is the big question. There is enough talent to ensure a bold playoff bid is mounted, although solidifying problem positions via the 2023 NFL Draft is a crucial part of the equation.
Rivera knows what’ll happen if things don’t go well. But the head coach was keen to avoid desperation and remain on course with his project despite some added urgency arriving once Dan Snyder sells up.
While it could go either way right now, here are three free agents the Commanders were smart to avoid based on the finances involved.
Player No. 1
Commanders were right to avoid Tremaine Edmunds
While the Washington Commanders needed help at the linebacker position, avoiding the temptation to shell out big bucks for Tremaine Edmunds was wise in the circumstances. Although the second-level defender is supremely consistent and entering his prime, the money allocated by the Chicago Bears was simply too rich for Ron Rivera‘s blood.
Edmunds signed a four-year, $72 million deal that included a $9.75 million signing bonus and $50 million guaranteed. In comparison, the Commanders opted to acquire Cody Barton for one year at a cost of $3.5 million.
A sign of the times without a doubt.
Commanders were right to avoid Derek Carr
After the Washington Commanders’ trade for Carson Wentz blew up in their face, some serious questions awaited head coach Ron Rivera at football’s most prestigious position once again. This has been a hallmark of the coach’s career aside from the few years he had a legitimate NFL MVP in Cam Newton.
Wentz’s contract was at least set up in a way that allowed the Commanders to move on and save themselves $26.17 million along the way. Something that allowed them to fortify their offensive line and get stud defensive tackle Daron Payne tied down to a long-term deal.
This doesn’t solve the complications under center, obviously. But the Commanders decided that veteran gambles were a thing of the past after resisting the urge to make a serious offer to Derek Carr following his release by the Las Vegas Raiders.
Carr made the Pro Bowl almost by default in 2022, but his production was nowhere near the level expected. This is despite Las Vegas trading for his old college teammate and All-Pro wide receiver Davante Adams.
Even though Carr has a lot to prove, it didn’t stop the New Orleans Saints from handing the one-time Fresno State star a whopping four-year, $150 million contract with a $28.5 million signing bonus and $100 million guaranteed. An offer that blew everyone else out of the water.
The Commanders couldn’t justify this sort of move given their current financial plight. And just how much Carr would move the needle is questionable in any case.
Commanders were right to avoid Jawaan Taylor
Arguably the biggest need for the Washington Commanders aside from figuring things out at quarterback was solidifying their offensive line. Underperforming veterans and young players unable to reach their promise were the primary reasons behind an inconsistent campaign, leaving those in power with no option other than to seek alternatives throughout the offseason.
Money – or a lack thereof – meant the Commanders had to look a little lower down the tiers for immediate assistance. While someone like Jawaan Taylor would have been on the shortlist, Washington was right not to offer the right tackle the sort of contract he was looking for.
Taylor’s been a fast riser over the last two years with the Jacksonville Jaguars. While the player represents an instant upgrade on anything the Commanders currently boast, the four-year, $80 million deal he received from the Kansas City Chiefs made this a risk unworthy of consideration.
The Commanders ended up signing Andrew Wylie for an instant reunion with Eric Bieniemy. With three years and just $12 million guaranteed attached to this move, the financial consequences if things don’t work out are far less severe.
This new approach has taken some getting used to after how things were managed under previous regimes. Only time will tell as to whether or not it will bear fruit when the 2023 campaign gets underway.