4 free agents Commanders must consider after the 2024 NFL Draft
By Dean Jones
Adam Peters came out of his first NFL Draft as Washington Commanders' general manager with an enormous sense of credit. The team's new front office leader manipulated the board extremely well, picked the best prospects available at all times, and wasn't afraid to go against the grain with some glaring needs to fill.
The Commanders are in a much better position as a result. If Jayden Daniels turns out to be the franchise-changing quarterback many anticipate, it won't be much longer before this proud organization is talked about among the contenders once again. It's been a long time coming, but Peters' early impression indicates he was the right man to spearhead Washington's rise back to prominence.
With the college selection process firmly in the rearview mirror, the Commanders could look to fortify any remaining holes through veteran free agents remaining on the market. According to Spotrac, there is $43.78 million at the team's disposal, which will come down once the draft class is signed but still enough to tempt some still looking for work.
On this topic, here are four free agents the Commanders must consider bringing into the fold following the 2024 NFL Draft.
Commanders could sign Donovan Smith
Adam Peters was unable to trade back into the first round for a premier left tackle. The general manager tried, but whether the asking price was too great or the prospects of interest had gone, nothing became concrete. They did manage to select Brandon Coleman in the third round, but asking him to occupy blindside responsibilities right out of the gate is unrealistic and unfair in equal measure.
This could lead the Commanders to acquire a decent veteran left tackle from free agency to provide a short-term solution while Coleman gets up to speed. Donovan Smith is a Super Bowl champion with the Kansas City Chiefs but wasn't brought back. However, he's dependable enough to fill the void with a smooth transition.
Smith turned out in 749 snaps for the Chiefs last season, giving up two sacks and conceding nine penalties. He wouldn't be the most ideal candidate all things considered, but pickings are slim at this stage of the offseason.