4 nightmare scenarios for the Washington Commanders in 2024
By Seth Jones
Commanders' big free-agent signings flop
There was a big turnaround in the Washington Commanders’ roster during the dramatic first offseason under new general manager Adam Peters. Not many viewed this as a shock considering his ambition and how things unfolded throughout Ron Rivera's final campaign at the helm.
No fewer than 22 free agents were signed. Frankie Luvu, Dorance Armstrong Jr., Tyler Biadasz, Jeremy Chinn, Bobby Wagner, and Austin Ekeler were some of the high-profile arrivals. Others will either fill out depth chart positions or fight for roster spots as summer workouts gather pace.
Because of the number of free agents signed, this season rests on the shoulders of the new signees. Not only do these veterans need to make an impact on the field, but they also need to teach the younger players some tricks of the trade in pursuit of improving their respective fortunes.
Guys like Wagner and Ekeler will prove especially valuable in this. Both have accomplished a significant amount since entering the league. This experience will be invaluable to the likes of Jamin Davis and Brian Robinson Jr. when before and during the campaign.
If the big-money arrivals like Luvu, Armstrong, and Biadasz don't live up to their contracts in their first year, this rebuild will already be off to a rocky start. Moreover, if the younger individuals who need mentorship from the aforementioned veterans still show lackluster development, those signings won’t help as much as initially anticipated.
Not only the 2024 season, but the whole rebuild is somewhat dependent on this free-agent class. They have a chance to set the tone, to re-establish a winning mentality in the organization. Many have tried and failed previously, so this would represent another positive shift under Dan Quinn and Peters.
Anything less would cast unnecessary scrutiny on the Commanders' recruitment methods at a time when genuine hope is returning to the fanbase.