The Washington Commanders had a lot to ponder after their Week 1 defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles. They put up a fight until the end, but it's clear they need more in key positions to improve head coach Dan Quinn's chances of bouncing back.
This was a fear during the summer. General manager Adam Peters made significant changes to the roster. He also took big gambles at certain position groups. And based on their showing at Lincoln Financial Field, they might not reap the required rewards.
It's early days. Things should get better, but with such a difficult opening to the campaign, drastic action might be required to find the upgrades needed.
That is easier said than done at this time of year.
Productive veterans are not readily available on the open market with the season underway. Those who are might not have the quality or the fitness levels required to make an immediate contribution. Plucking a couple of players off practice squads around the league is another option, but it's hard to say.
The stakes are high for Washington. Peters has a lot of salary cap space remaining, though he is eager to save most of it for future contract extensions. However, with some players not meeting expectations and injury concerns surfacing, sitting on his hands is not an option.
With this in mind, here are five free agents the Commanders should have on speed dial entering Week 2 against the Dallas Cowboys.
Free agents the Washington Commanders should have on speed dial entering Week 2
Commanders could target Graham Glasgow
The Commanders have complete faith in Nick Allegretti. Adam Peters hitched his wagon to the veteran after releasing starting center Tyler Biadasz, even giving him another contract extension before it was due. Fans were less convinced, and these doubts only increased after his woeful performance against the Eagles.
Low snaps out of the shotgun, poor run and pass blocking, and several key blown assignments marked Allegretti's subpar contribution. He was the weak link on Washington's protection, and even though it wasn't going to be easy against the formidable duo of Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter, it was an extremely disappointing effort nonetheless.
Just how much longer the Commanders leave it before at least finding a better contingency plan is another matter. But it should be soon.
Graham Glasgow has already said he's willing to consider joining the Commanders if they come calling. He's a dependable pro with far more experience as the offensive line anchor than Allegretti. He's coming off a down year with the Detroit Lions, but he'd probably be an upgrade on the Illinois product right now.
It's worth considering, but it's unlikely. Peters has placed his chips in the middle with Allegretti, so he'll probably be willing to ride the wave.
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