The Washington Commanders are in no position to settle for the options already available. General manager Adam Peters oversaw another roster overhaul this offseason, and with plenty of salary-cap space remaining, fans are expecting more movement in the coming months before Week 1 rolls around.
There are several intriguing options available in the remaining free-agent pool. Players are being released around the league, with cornerback Kenny Moore's departure from the Indianapolis Colts among the most intriguing. However, there was a less heralded development elsewhere that may also pique Peters' interest.
According to Aaron Wilson of KRPC2 Houston, the New York Giants have released interior defensive lineman Marlon Tuipulotu. A pretty insignificant move in the grand scheme of things, but it could potentially help the Commanders fortify their depth as Daronte Jones switches to a 3-4 base front.
Commanders should consider taking a closer look at Marlon Tuipulotu after Giants exit
Tuipulotu is a prototypical nose tackle with the size and strength to absorb combination blocks. He was a sixth-round pick by the Philadelphia Eagles, spending his first three seasons in the NFC East before moving to the Kansas City Chiefs. He failed to make an impact there, and he didn't even make it to OTAs with the Giants after they signed him to a reserve/futures contract after the season.
This wouldn't come with any guarantees. But looking at the options available behind the starting trio of Daron Payne, Javon Kinlaw, and free-agent signing Tim Settle Jr., taking a closer look at Tuipulotu wouldn't be the worst idea in the world.
Johnny Newton is the pass-rush specialist. Shy Tuttle got another one-year deal, and D.J. Davidson was signed in free agency. Undrafted rookie Jeffrey M'Ba has some encouraging physical tools, but none of these represent a viable nose option if injury strikes.
At 6-foot-2 and over 300 pounds, Tuipulotu is the perfect size. He's well-proportioned, with a solid base and powerful hands. He's also flashed relentless pursuit, which indicates a high engine if early momentum is generated.
It might come to nothing, of course. Peters may be satisfied with what he has right now. If he's not encouraged by the way things are unfolding a little later into the summer, he can address it then. But if Tuipulotu is healthy, giving him a shot could be a low-risk, high-reward option that would cost almost nothing to acquire.
Tuipulotu was probably looking for a shot with the Giants, but they had to make room for their rookie class. However, the Commanders should consider keeping him in the NFC East if the money works for all parties.
Add us as a preferred source on Google