5 high-risk free agents Commanders could sign before the 2024 NFL Draft
The Commanders have cash to spend to further boost their roster...
By Dean Jones
Which high-risk free agents could the Washington Commanders sign to increase their flexibility during the 2024 NFL Draft?
Although attention is quickly turning to the 2024 NFL Draft, the signing of versatile interior offensive lineman Michael Deiter indicates the Washington Commanders are still looking to improve their roster via free agency. This is normally the stage where things die down and better deals can be found. Adam Peters has shown a real willingness to strike with conviction in pursuit of landing his preferred targets, which has been a revelation considering how things were run under previous regimes.
The Commanders have $47.46 million in available salary-cap space according to Spotrac. They need $15.85 million to sign their draft class as it stands with so many high-end picks at the team's disposal. Even so, there is room to add more veteran pieces if the right opportunities present themselves.
This is a fluid situation. The Commanders could also easily bide their time and wait to see what prospects they could acquire during the draft. But adding another piece or two might provide some extra flexibility when the all-important selection process begins.
With this in mind, here are five high-risk free agents the Commanders could sign before the draft.
Commanders could sign Andre Dillard
The Washington Commanders are on the lookout for a new left tackle after releasing Charles Leno Jr. Those in power haven't addressed this need as yet, which could indicate Adam Peters has his sights set on a gifted college prospect from an outstanding draft class.
Cornelius Lucas and Trent Scott are the current backups. Despite his down year with the Tennessee Titans in 2023, it might be worth taking a chance on Andre Dillard to see if he can recapture the form demonstrated during his time with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Dillard was a coveted free agent when the Titans scooped him up. Things were nothing short of disastrous for the former first-round pick last time around, so it would be considered extremely high risk if the Commanders went in this direction.