The Washington Commanders trimmed their roster down to an initial 53, but it's called that for a reason. More moves are coming, and with a couple of players set for injured reserve, there is space for general manager Adam Peters to strengthen the ranks.
There is one position group, above all others, that Peters should focus on.
The Commanders are desperately short of dependability at center. Nick Allegretti is projected to start after Peters released Tyler Biadasz, but he's only practiced once this summer after sustaining a calf strain on the first day of training camp. Sixth-round rookie Matt Gulbin will back him up, and Washington released Julian Good-Jones after he failed to meet the desired targets.
Commanders should use previous connection for Kingsley Eguakun waiver claim
There were several low-key trades for interior offensive linemen in the hours leading up to the deadline. The Commanders didn't get involved, with Peters opting to preserve his draft picks rather than desperately try and put a band-aid on this ever-gaping wound.
However, there are some options on the imminent waiver wire worth considering. And there is one with a strong previous connection to someone on Washington's coaching staff.
In a somewhat surprising move, the Cleveland Browns waived Kingsley Eguakun during their cut-down process. He might not be out of work for long, and the Commanders could be among those who put in a waiver claim in the coming hours.
The Commanders are well placed to find out precisely what Eguakun can bring to the franchise. Darnell Stapleton, Washington's offensive line coach, worked closely with the player during their time together in college at Florida. He's also got the size and athleticism to potentially carve out a role for himself with a smooth transition in this scenario.
It might not be considered by the front office. At the same time, something has to be done.
Peters' plan at center has already come under fire, and we haven't even reached Week 1 yet. Releasing Biadasz, striking out on Tyler Linderbaum, and waiting until the sixth round to draft a center was contentious at the time and even more so now. And the doubts are already showing.
Eguakun would merely paper over the cracks. But he knows Stapleton's demands well, gained some starting experience with the Browns last season, and has the physical profile to improve further with a little extra refinement.
And considering how grave the concerns are around the offensive line anchor, some added urgency wouldn't be the worst idea in the world.
Standing pat is out of the question, especially given the Commanders have some roster spots to fill. Eguakun won't solve every problem, but he might just get Washington a little closer.
And his relationship with Stapleton doesn't hurt, either.
Add us as a preferred source on Google