5 free-agent linebackers for the Commanders to consider in 2023

Commanders should consider Joe Jones

We finish our Jones trio with Joe – another player I was high on back in 2019.

Joe Jones is an athletic 240-pound outside linebacker who has been a backup on the Denver Broncos and Tennessee Titans throughout his six-year NFL career. He flashes great athleticism but has never made much of an impact as a defensive player.

Jones would come to the Washington Commanders as a special teamer, first and foremost. He would be as good or better than any linebacker they currently have playing teams – perhaps providing similar production to Khaleke Hudson – and he would also be able to provide some short-term relief as a backup on defense.

The former Northwestern standout would essentially be in competition with players like Hudson and Milo Eifler as end-of-bench special teamers. And to be honest, I don’t really know if he would constitute an upgrade.

But in a very small sample size, I think he has shown enough to take a flier. Whether that's enough for the Commanders to take a swing with little in the way of financial ramifications remains to be seen.