4 grave offseason errors the Commanders must avoid in 2024
By James Dudko
Commanders cannot choose cheap OL help
Playing it cheap along the offensive line was one of the defining features of the Ron Rivera era. Dan Quinn's predecessor routinely settled for journeymen and castoffs at key positions.
Players like left tackle Charles Leno Jr., center Nick Gates, and guards Andrew Norwell/Trai Turner came in, while All-Pro Brandon Scherff was allowed to leave town. Quinn and Adam Peters need to redress the balance by investing free-agency dollars and premium draft capital in the front five.
The first of those options shouldn't be a problem. Not when Spotrac.com projects the Commanders to have $83.54 million worth of financial resources.
That gaudy figure gives the Commanders a chance to sign any of the top offensive linemen set to enter the veteran market. Names such as tackles Tyron Smith and Mike Onwenu, guards Kevin Dobson and Kevin Zeitler, or center Connor Williams might be available.
The Commanders have also been rewarded when they've used high picks on linemen. Like when Sam Cosmi came off the board in Round 2 of the 2021 NFL Draft.
It's time for more high-grade investment in both veteran and rookie help for the line.