Which roster decisions could be influenced by the Washington Commanders falling under new ownership before or during the 2023 season?
We are now officially in the closing stages before the Washington Commanders sale is confirmed. Dan Snyder has agreed to sell to a group led by Josh Harris, which is non-exclusive and needs approval from other NFL owners before an exciting new era can begin.
This should be a formality considering how eager most are to get rid of Snyder. Once confirmed, there is a significant amount of work ahead to turn the Commanders from also-rans into legitimate contenders after more than two decades in the proverbial wilderness.
Harris is experienced in handling the affairs of sporting teams. The influence of Magic Johnson is another positive element to this equation, so they could begin to stamp their mark on personnel moves immediately despite head coach Ron Rivera having full control.
With this in mind, here are four key roster decisions that new ownership could potentially influence in 2023.
Key Decision No. 1
Commanders contract talks with Montez Sweat
There are a number of important players looking for new deals. While those in power were reluctant or incapable of allocating the funds needed to such commitments until the sale was confirmed, that might not be the case for much longer if Josh Harris’ group gets approved by the league as expected.
Perhaps the biggest priority of all is Montez Sweat. The defensive end is a proven performer with 29 career sacks through four seasons, so keeping him around long-term is absolutely essential for future success.
The Washington Commanders have a lot of money tied up in their defensive tackle tandem currently. But there are always ways to manipulate the salary cap if ownership is willing.
Commanders QB plans
Ron Rivera has been steadfast in his belief that Sam Howell and Jacoby Brissett will be his quarterback options heading into a crucial fourth season at the helm. But after the trade for Carson Wentz failed spectacularly and lasted just one season, he better be right this time around.
Rivera knows the consequences of what could happen if he gets another important decision at football’s most prestigious spot wrong. With a new ownership group set to be confirmed, they might have grander plans for the position long term rather than relying on a fifth-round selection and a journeyman acquired in free agency.
It’s unlikely Rivera will lose his job before the campaign. But the leash is now shorter than ever before and unless Howell or Brissett takes this offense forward under Eric Bieniemy’s guidance, the repercussions are going to be franchise-altering.
Howell has upside and Brissett performed well as a starter with the Cleveland Browns last season. However, this is a quarterback-driven league, so the new ownership group might determine a bigger name is needed to shift the Washington Commanders’ landscape.
While there are few notable options available currently unless the Commanders’ stance changes where Lamar Jackson is concerned, the onus is on Howell and Brissett to provide much-needed stability under center. Otherwise, big changes could be afoot in 2024.
Commanders contract restructures
The Washington Commanders have been working with one hand tied behind their back this offseason while the ownership saga raged on. Dan Snyder was obviously unwilling to put too much of his own cash in escrow, which also made it difficult to restructure deals given the need to pay signing bonuses immediately.
Thankfully, this is now at an end. The Commanders have just $3.08 million in remaining space, so some cap manipulation could be in the new ownership group’s immediate future with around $9 million needed to sign their 2023 NFL Draft class.
There are a few established figures that have yet to be restructured. Jonathan Allen makes the most sense given how long the defensive tackle will be around, which comes with a saving of $8.42 million according to Over the Cap.
Others such as Curtis Samuel, Charles Leno Jr., and Terry McLaurin could be candidates once the new owners are officially revealed. Something that provides extra financial flexibility this offseason and for any in-season moves in the event injury strikes.
Either way, the Commanders must find out ways of improving their cap predicament. Fortunately for them, Josh Harris, Mitchell Rales, and Magic Johnson are hugely experienced in the world of business, so this shouldn’t prove too complicated when push comes to shove.
Commanders’ fifth-year option on Chase Young
While there was a lot to like about Chase Young‘s first season with the Washington Commanders, it hasn’t gone according to plan since. The defensive end has featured just 12 times over the last two seasons, accumulating 1.5 sacks to leave his long-term aspirations hanging in the balance.
All signs point to Young being 100 percent for training camp. Although it would be wise for Washington’s coaching staff to err on the side of extreme caution to prevent unnecessary complications when the regular season commences.
Those in power – which is set to include a new ownership group – have a big decision to make before then where the former No. 2 overall selection out of Ohio State is concerned. Specifically, whether to pick up the player’s fifth-year option at more than $17 million.
There are obvious pros and cons to triggering the option. If the Commanders hold firm and Young dominates in 2023, then his contract demands will go through the roof with Montez Sweat also looking for a hefty new deal.
However, if Washington opts to activate the clause and Young suffers further health complications or perhaps performs poorly even when healthy, they’ll have an expensive flop on their hands.
Ron Rivera will have a leading voice and could make the final call. But a fresh set of eyes and influence from new ownership mean this could literally go either way.