4 free agents the Commanders were wise to avoid in 2024
By Dean Jones
Commanders were right to avoid Robert Hunt
One of the biggest priorities for the Washington Commanders this offseason centered on the offensive line. The protection was nothing short of woeful in 2023. Eric Bieniemy's constant desire to throw the football didn't help, but Sam Howell was the NFL's most-sacked quarterback for a reason.
Adam Peters came from the San Francisco 49ers, who predicated their success on building through the trenches. With a rich bounty of financial assets at their disposal, all eyes were on the general manager to see how he would approach these critical needs across the board.
Despite some marquee names being available, the Commanders went down a different route. Nick Allegretti was signed to a team-friendly deal and should become the team's starting left guard depending on what reinforcements arrive from the college ranks. Tyler Biadscz joined from the Dallas Cowboys, reuniting with head coach Dan Quinn to potentially upgrade the center position.
Although tempting, the Commanders were correct not to shell out a whopping contract for Robert Hunt. The imposing right guard signed a four-year, $100 million deal with the Carolina Panthers that included a $26.5 million signing bonus and $63 million guaranteed. This was seen as an overpay, but the team had to do something in pursuit of giving quarterback Bryce Young a fighting chance next season.
The Commanders need a franchise left tackle after releasing Charles Leno Jr. Their starting interior options look set, so it's more a case of bolstering depth than anything else at this juncture.