Who were the big winners and losers from a highly dramatic first wave of 2024 free agency for the Washington Commanders?
The first wave of free agency is in the history books and it was a dramatic one as expected for the Washington Commanders. Those in power acted swiftly and with conviction to fill problem positions and maximize the vast financial assets at their disposal. Spending was prudent - which is something general manager Adam Peters always planned - but the roster looks a lot stronger now than it did before the frenzy began around the league.
Nobody is getting too carried away, which is a bonus. The Commanders and their long-suffering fanbase know much more is needed to get this franchise trending upward. Fortunately, there is still plenty of cash for additional moves if the right opportunities come along. It's also worth remembering that Washington is loaded with high-end draft capital to provide long-term solutions to ongoing complications.
It wasn't good news for everybody. With this in mind, here are four winners and two losers from the first wave of Commanders' free agency in 2024.
Winner No. 1
Adam Peters - Commanders GM
Getting Adam Peters into the building could be the best thing that's happened to the Washington Commanders in decades. The new general manager came with a glowing reputation as a supreme talent evaluator and influential front-office presence within winning organizations. It's been a small sample size up to now, but the first impression is incredibly positive.
Peters has strengthened their roster and structured contracts to keep long-term financial flexibility. He's adopted a business-first model and hasn't been afraid to make tough decisions such as parting ways with established veterans and trading Sam Howell for decent value.
This is just the start, but it appears as if the Commanders are in good hands at long last.
Loser No. 1
Ricky Stromberg - Commanders OL
The Washington Commanders wasted no time in strengthening their offensive line when free agency began. This was always anticipated after those in power released Charles Leno Jr. and Nick Gates. The arrival of Nick Allegretti should upgrade the left guard position. Those in power also secured the services of center Tyler Biadasz, who's worked with head coach Dan Quinn previously from their time together with the Dallas Cowboys.
Again, this should enhance Washington's offensive line anchor and primary communicator - something that was essential considering the Commanders will be taking a quarterback at No. 2 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. What this means for Ricky Stromberg's future remains to be seen, but any hopes the former third-round selection had of potentially filling the void left by Gates have been dashed in no uncertain terms.
Stromberg was brought along gradually last season. He didn't get much of a look despite the indifferent production of others. The Arkansas college product spent more time at the guard spot than his preferred center position. Simply put, the previous regime didn't trust him enough.
All hope is not lost where Stromberg is concerned, but the Commanders have no emotional attachment to their decision-making process under Adam Peters. If additional offensive line reinforcements arrive via the draft, he could be demoted further down the depth chart as a result.
Winner No. 2
Jamin Davis - Commanders LB
Ron Rivera didn't prioritize the linebacking corps with any urgency throughout his four-year stint as Washington Commanders head coach. He saw the position as redundant as Jack Del Rio deployed plenty of nickel packages as part of his mundane scheme. That was a grave error in judgment - one the new regime wasn't going to continue.
The Commanders acted with supreme conviction to strengthen their defensive second level. Frankie Luvu and perennial All-Pro Bobby Wagner were the eye-catching arrivals. Jeremy Chinn's best work during his NFL career came at the linebacker position despite being listed as a safety. Anthony Pittman is an intriguing depth piece who could greatly assist on special teams.
This is exceptional news for Jamin Davis. The former first-round pick flew almost solo last season thanks to the inconsistencies of others such as Cody Barton. With the interior of Luvu and Wagner locking up matters, this could mean an intriguing new role is in the player's immediate future under new head coach Dan Quinn.
Most analysts expect Davis to line up on the outside as a rush linebacker. This is where his impressive physical attributes appear best suited. Quinn had a significant amount of success deploying Micah Parsons in a similar role. Expecting the same caliber of production from the Kentucky college product is stretching things, but it would be a shock if he didn't make huge strides with a much-improved supporting cast.
Loser No. 2
Chris Rodriguez Jr. - Commanders RB
The Washington Commanders got some decent production from Brian Robinson Jr. last season. Rookie running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. also flashed when given carries. Many wondered whether this would be the preferred tandem moving forward if Antonio Gibson wasn't offered a new deal.
While there were benefits - both financial and from a continuity standpoint - to this scenario, an opportunity came Washington's way that those in power deemed too good to overlook. Anthony Lynn's previous connections led the Commanders to Austin Ekeler, who signed a two-year deal and should be a huge asset as a dual-threat weapon despite advancing in age.
Asking Ekeler to be an every-down back is asking for trouble. Fortunately, he doesn't need to be after Robnson took a significant leap forward in 2023 despite being underused in Eric Bieniemy's pass-heavy system.
Any hope Rodriguez had of surging up the depth chart after Gibson departed for the New England Patriots evaporated in the blink of an eye. The former sixth-round selection will likely be a complimentary piece once again behind Ekeler and Robinson in 2024. That's not the end of the world, but the Kentucky college product probably had bigger ambitions all things considered.
That said, if Rodriguez develops under Lynn's guidance and demonstrates the same work ethic that got him this far, he'll have a part to play. Even if this might not be the increase in reps he was targeting unless injury strikes.
Winners No. 3 and No. 4
Daron Payne, Jonathan Allen - Commanders DTs
Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne were hung out to dry over the second half of 2023. The Washington Commanders disintegrated their edge-rushing threat by deciding to trade Montez Sweat and Chase Young. This made things incredibly difficult for the defensive tackle tandem, who were the focus of opposing protection schemes constantly thanks to the unit having no legitimate outside threat.
Nobody should be happier about the moves Washington made over the first wave of free agency. The Commanders fortified their linebacking options with two established stars - Frankie Luvu and Bobby Wagner - in addition to adding an athletically gifted playmaker in Jeremy Chinn. They also managed to find immediate solutions to improve their pass-rushing arsenal for good measure.
Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler Jr. know what's expected with Dan Quinn's scheme from their time working with the coach in Dallas. Clelin Ferrell is a low-risk, high-reward pickup. Efe Obada returning on a one-year deal should also improve depth once he gets back from a serious leg injury.
With the prospect of further reinforcements arriving via the draft and a more expansive defensive scheme, Allen and Payne could be set for big things in 2024. If the dominant duo returns to the form of old, it could be the primary catalyst behind better defensive fortunes under Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr.