Commanders News: Ron Rivera, Tim DeMorat, OTAs and sale progress

Which Washington Commanders’ news stories are making headlines as preparations gather pace for the upcoming 2023 campaign?

It was heartwarming to see the Washington Commanders participate in their first on-field workouts of the offseason period on Monday. There have been plenty of distractions surrounding the franchise in recent weeks, so it was probably a relief for Ron Rivera and his staff to focus their attention on the football side of things.

Among the stories provoking discussion recently include Rivera’s goodbye to Dan Snyder, a new quarterback entering the fold, OTAs getting underway, and another positive update on the impending Commanders sale to Josh Harris’ ownership group.

Let’s delve into each topic in more detail.

Story No. 1

Commanders get on-field OTAs underway

While media figures were still picking apart an eventful 2023 NFL Draft for the Washington Commanders, established figures within the building got to work for the formal start of on-field OTAs on Monday. This is a chance to hone skills, become familiar with new coaches and their demands as well as integrate veterans acquired in free agency for good measure.

Hopefully, this is the opening of what will be a fruitful preparation period for the organization. The stakes are about to be raised significantly once the Commanders’ sale gets formal NFL approval, so hitting the ground running when competitive games arrive is of critical importance.

This can be accomplished by setting the right foundations in place in the weeks and months ahead. Because the sense of urgency should be felt across the franchise once Dan Snyder finally relinquishes power.

Commanders bring in Tim DeMorat

While the Washington Commanders resisted the urge to draft Will Levis and Hendon Hooker when they fell out of the first and second rounds respectively, they did add to their quarterback room once the selection process came to a conclusion. According to multiple reports, the team signed undrafted free agent Tim DeMorat to a deal, which provides depth behind Sam Howell and Jacoby Brissett heading into the preparation period.

DeMorat went significantly under the radar compared to most other quarterback prospects. It was initially thought that the signal-caller would be attending the New York Jets rookie minicamp along with the Commanders, but those in power managed to convince him that this is the best place to potentially carve out a successful NFL career.

The quarterback ended his time at Fordham on a high, throwing for 4,891 yards and 56 touchdowns last season. DeMorat is a three-time Patriot League Offensive Player of the Year and even though this wasn’t enough to hear his name called, two teams going hard for his services might be evidence enough that there is a rough diamond for Washington’s coaching staff to polish.

Winning a roster spot will be difficult for DeMorat, especially if the Commanders take just two quarterbacks onto their roster. However, there is a huge opportunity awaiting him throughout off-season workouts and training camp with a smooth transition from college to the pros.

It’s not costing the Commanders much to find out for sure. And who knows, this could be a dependable option behind the projected top duo in the event injury strikes.

Positive update on Commanders sale

It seems as if Josh Harris‘ ownership group is in the final stages before their purchase of the Washington Commanders from Dan Snyder is officially confirmed. The $6.05 billion deal is an NFL record and marks the end of what turned out to be a disastrous spell in charge for the disgraced figure spanning more than two decades.

A.J. Perez of Front Office Sports provided another positive report recently stating that the Harris group bid was being treated as final. The writer – who’s been at the forefront of developments throughout – provided fans with a timeline of what occur next before the long-awaited league approval becomes public knowledge.

"“Sources told Front Office Sports that Harris’ bid is being treated as if the sale agreement were final. When a new ownership agreement is submitted, league staffers — sometimes with the help of an outside firm — conduct financial and criminal background checks of the would-be controlling owner and any limited partners. According to sources, the review is expected to conclude ahead of a regularly scheduled meeting of the NFL finance committee on May 10. Minus any setbacks, a full ownership vote could be scheduled at that time for the next NFL owners meeting in Minnesota on May 22.”"

Some obviously remain somewhat skeptical considering how difficult Snyder can be. But it looks like we are now firmly in the endgame before a new era begins for the Commanders.

Harris has proven credentials when it comes to successfully running sports franchises. The same applies to Magic Johnson, a small stakeholder who should provide the charisma, accountability, and leadership that was sorely missing under Snyder.

Everything is going smoothly, which will be music to every Commanders fan.

Ron Rivera’s already looking ahead without Dan Snyder

The Washington Commanders have clearly moved on from Dan Snyder. The sale hasn’t been confirmed as yet, but recent comments from those in positions of power seem to tell their own story about how they think things are playing out.

Team president Jason Wright stated that things are nearly there. And during an appearance on 106.7 The Fan via Grant Paulsen, head coach Ron Rivera labeled the Snyders as former owners before quickly correcting himself.

"“Ron Rivera mistakenly referred to the Snyders as “former ownership” today. He quickly then said “current ownership.” Just another sign, with several Jason Weight comments, that in the minds of the folks in the building Dan’s run is over.”"

This whole ownership saga has been a complete distraction for Rivera and his staff throughout the offseason. It’s impacted their ability to become players in free agency and the pressure is only going to get worse once everything gets rubber-stamped.

Rivera can only focus on what he can control. He’s been in this situation before with the Carolina Panthers – which is an experience that can serve him well – even if it doesn’t change the fact his seat becomes the hottest in football once Josh Harris’ group assumes command of the franchise.