Which Washington Commanders could be one and done with the team during the upcoming 2023 campaign for very differing reasons?
It's been a relatively underwhelming off-season period in terms of recruitment for the Washington Commanders. Ron Rivera and his staff were working with the added hindrance of the ownership flux, which made making big splashes difficult and restricted the ability to provide contract extensions to the likes of defensive end Montez Sweat and talented safety Kamren Curl.
Just what the means for the Commanders' hopes of making a postseason return next season remains to be seen. Some problem areas have been strengthened and an obvious upgrade to Washington's coaching staff also took place, but there is no margin for underachievement with the Josh Harris group set to take over from Dan Snyder once their $6.05 billion purchase gets official approval from other NFL owners.
For some who joined the Commanders this spring, it could potentially be the start of a long-term, profitable relationship. But for others, their time with the franchise will be short-lived for one reason or another.
With this in mind, here are four Commanders who could be one and done with the franchise in 2023.
Tavita Pritchard - Commanders QB coach
When Eric Bieniemy was hired as the team's new assistant head coach/offensive coordinator, the Washington Commanders gave him full control to mold the staff on offense as he saw fit. One of the biggest alterations was hiring Tavita Pritchard as quarterbacks coach, which comes with intrigue despite lacking true NFL coaching experience.
Pritchard is well respected and is renowned for bringing the best out of his players. And anyone hand-picked by Bieniemy deserves the utmost respect from those within the locker room.
How long Pritchard stays around is dependent on how Sam Howell performs and whether the Commanders can put enough wins on the board to avoid landmark changes with new ownership entering the fray.
Cody Barton - Commanders LB
Not addressing the linebacking corps with the urgency it deserved this offseason has almost been a complete turnaround from head coach Ron Rivera. His time with the Carolina Panthers was littered with elite production at the defensive second level as Luke Kuechly ad Thomas Davis spearheaded some of the franchise's best moments in the mid-2010s.
It's been nothing like this consistency with the Washington Commanders. The team did spend a first-rounder on Jamin Davis, but the appointment of defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio came with plenty of two-linebacker sets that could increase further after some significant investment in the secondary during the 2023 NFL Draft.
One notable arrival to the linebacker room was Cody Barton. He appears to be a like-for-like replacement for Cole Holcomb, who left in free agency to join Mike Tomin and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The former third-round pick out of Utah is coming off a career-best campaign with the Seattle Seahawks. Barton also looks to have the athletic profile needed to impact Washington's defense on a three-down basis if everything goes well.
Barton might not be the most dynamic, but he is disciplined, patient, and a strong tackling force. These are traits that should fit in well with a Commanders' defense of which much is expected in 2023.
There is a chance that Barton cannot make an impression. In that instance, next season will be his first and last in Washington before hitting free agency once again next spring.
Jacoby Brissett - Commanders QB
All the hype this offseason has been centered on Sam Howell and whether he can finally become the franchise quarterback the Washington Commanders need. That's a lot to ask of a second-year pro taken on Day 3, but there is quiet confidence from those within the building that extra responsibilities are exactly what the former fifth-round requires to flourish.
In an ideal world, Howell will step up and lead the Commanders to better things moving forward. If the signal-caller cannot meet increased expectations, then the team did at least acquire a dependable insurance policy should the worst happen.
Jacoby Brissett penned a one-year deal with $7.5 million guaranteed after impressing during his time under center with the Cleveland Browns in 2022 until Deshaun Watson returned from a long suspension. While the veteran is being tasked with providing Howell with a strong mentor presence in the quarterback room, signing for the Commanders also indicates a level of confidence that he can secure playing time.
This is a fascinating dynamic to watch throughout the summer. Ron Rivera said there would be a genuine quarterback competition throughout training camp, even if Brissett is starting from behind as the Commanders get as many reps into Howell as they possibly can before things get more serious in the coming weeks.
Regardless of how this goes for Brissett, it would be a big shock if his stint with the Commanders wasn't a one-and-done arrangement. Like it or not, that is the life of a journeyman quarterback.
Eric Bieniemy - Commanders OC
Once Eric Bieniemy had assisted greatly in securing another Super Bowl for the Kansas City Chiefs, there was a growing belief he would take his chances elsewhere if the right opportunity came along. With head coaching interest dwindling despite countless interviews, getting out of Andy Reid's shadow with full offensive control was the one remaining way to convince the higher-ups that he was deserving of a top job.
The Washington Commanders have given Bieniemy everything he needs to leave no doubt about his credentials. There was obviously a hefty pay increase with a newfound job title elsewhere, but this was just a small part of what made this particular switch so enticing.
Bieniemy is molding the playbook and has 100 percent control of the offense. He's also been given leeway to hire and fire offensive staff as he sees fit and has been a leading voice in recruitment throughout free agency and the 2023 NFL Draft process.
One major standout during OTAs is how vocal Bieniemy's been at practice. He has high standards, the tempo has noticeably increased, and if certain players aren't pulling their weight, they'll know about it in no uncertain terms.
Whether the Commanders get the benefit of Bieney's influence for more than one season remains to be seen. If everything goes as or better than expected, then the chances of securing a long-awaited promotion in 2024 increase to a level where it almost becomes a no-brainer.
Also, if results aren't where they need to be and Ron Rivera is fired, then Bieniemy could also follow him out of the door.