Commanders should monitor Arik Armstead
The Washington Commanders are expected to move into a 3-4 base defensive front under new coordinator Daronte Jones. Nobody knows for sure, and it will be interchangeable based on the down and distance, but this seems to be the likeliest scenario until further notice.
Daron Payne, Javon Kinlaw, and Tim Settle Jr. could start. Johnny Newton is seen as a pass-rush specialist, but head coach Dan Quinn is expecting the No. 36 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft to take off next season. Others are fighting for depth roles, but adding another proven performer to compete should be considered.
That brings Arik Armstead under the microscope. It's a contract year for the lineman, and the Jacksonville Jaguars could save $14.5 million by cutting him after June 1. Though it would be surprising, signing Ruke Orhorhoro in free agency and spending a third-round pick on Albert Regis cannot be entirely ruled out.
Commanders should monitor Jake Andrews
The Commanders' strangest decision of the entire offseason is glaring. Adam Peters caused a stir by releasing starting center Tyler Biadasz, and he's not done much to replace him.
Some in the media have accused Peters of misreading the center market. Tyler Linderbaum was a primary target in free agency, but he got a market-resetting deal from the Las Vegas Raiders. The Commanders were on the back foot immediately, so it represents a massive risk with major implications attached if it all goes wrong.
Nick Allegretti received an early extension, and he could be in line to start. The Commanders spent a sixth-round pick on Matt Gulbin, who has some decent college production at Michigan State. But if Washington believes that more is needed, they have the cash to find an upgrade.
Perhaps Jake Andrews should be considered if the Houston Texans cut ties. They drafted two linemen — Keylan Rutledge and Febechi Nwaiwu — who can play center. That could leave the veteran on the outside looking in.
Commanders should monitor Cedric Tillman
While most of the speculation centers on Brandon Aiyuk and Stefon Diggs right now, the Commanders have not made their moves yet. Adam Peters is still biding his time, willing to give the younger wide receivers a good look before deciding on whether more is required to get the offense moving forward under new coordinator David Blough.
Aiyuk and Diggs won't be the only ones under consideration. There are still some options on the market that could help, including the possibility of re-signing Deebo Samuel Sr. Good players are set to be released in the near future as well. Given the current state of affairs with the Cleveland Browns, Cedric Tillman may be one of them.
Tillman's been a steady performer throughout his three-year NFL journey so far. Injuries have dented his momentum on occasion, which is disappointing. The Browns also drafted KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston in the first two rounds to go alongside Jerry Jeudy, potentially making him surplus to requirements.
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