5 players who could follow Kliff Kingsbury to the Commanders in 2024

Which players could follow Kliff Kingsbury to the Washington Commanders after he was confirmed as their new offensive coordinator?

After the Washington Commanders hired a defensive-minded head coach to take the franchise forward, finding a premier offensive coordinator became their biggest priority. Dan Quinn sought his contacts throughout the league for a potential addition. After a thorough yet rapid search, the team settled on Kliff Kingsbury.

Kingsbury looked set to join the Las Vegas Raiders before the Commanders' allure proved too tempting to turn down. The former Texas Tech and Arizona Cardinals head coach is a shrewd offensive strategist. This hire also comes with many intriguing layers attached.

Washington's new play-caller has connections around the NFL. He also spent last season working as a senior offensive analyst with the USC Trojans. This could prove invaluable to the Commanders during their pre-draft assessments.

With this in mind, here are five players who could follow Kingsbury to the Commanders in 2024.

Commanders could draft MarShawn Lloyd

Antonio Gibson is out of contract and might not return. The Washington Commanders have Brian Robinson Jr. and Chris Rodriguez Jr. in their running back room already. But if the aforementioned free-agent departs, those in power need to identify another option.

Adding a playmaker from the college ranks represents the cheapest option. MarShawn Lloyd is a pocket rocket who thrived after transferring from South Carolina to USC for the 2023 season, gaining 1,052 all-purpose yards and nine scores to bolster his draft stock considerably.

Lloyd caught the eye during Senior Bowl practices, too. The Commanders have other more pressing needs, but he has the tools to be a readymade replacement for Gibson if he gets a glowing recommendation from Kliff Kingsbury.

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Commanders could sign Marquise Brown

Kliff Kingsbury was part of the brain trust that brought Marquise 'Hollywood' Brown to the Arizona Cardinals. The wide receiver was set to provide Kyler Murray with another legitimate option in the passing game with DeAndre Hopkins' future looking uncertain. He was a solid addition, even if he didn't reach the heights many anticipated.

Brown had a down year by his normally high standards last season. He brought in just 51 receptions from 101 targets for 574 receiving yards and four touchdowns. He fared a little better with Kingsbury calling plays in 2023, securing 67 catches for 709 receiving yards and three scores.

The Washington Commanders could use some upgrades across their skill positions. This bears more significance if a rookie quarterback comes into the fold. He'll need proven performers around to smooth the transition. Brown might not have legitimate WR1 capabilities, but he a decent enough option if the money is right.

Arizona will probably try to keep Brown around. They are unlikely to use any sort of tag on the player. This could work in the Commanders' favor if Kingsbury bangs the table to bring him to the organization.

Much will depend on general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn's thoughts. Kingsbury is going to have a big say in offensive personnel one suspects. In this likely scenario, Brown becomes an option to consider.

Commanders could draft Brenden Rice

As previously mentioned, the Washington Commanders could use a few new faces at the wide receiver position. Terry McLaurin remains a core foundational piece. It's too soon to give up on Jahan Dotson despite his down year in 2023. Nobody else - including Dyami Brown - is guaranteed a roster spot as it stands.

The Commanders are in a fortunate position this offseason. They have the league's most salary-cap space. They also have a plethora of high-end draft selections to bolster problem position groups.

Adam Peters made no secret of his desire to build through the draft and supplement with free-agent additions. Couple this with Kliff Kingsbury's knowledge of specific prospects from his time at USC, it puts Brenden Rice firmly under the microscope.

Rice is coming into the league with the biggest shoes imaginable to fill. Of course, he is the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Jerry Rice, widely regarded as the greatest wide receiver of all time. For his son to choose the same career path in the same position speaks volumes about his character.

There is a lot to like about Rice's athletic attributes. He's physically imposing at 6-foot-3. He knows how to put his lengthy wing span to good use. More importantly, the wideout comes into the league on the back of his finest college campaign, which Kingsbury was part of.

The prospect was one of the Senior Bowl's standout performers. With such a lofty pedigree comes big expectations, but Kingsbury's previous relationship with Rice should allow for a smooth transition in this scenario.

Commanders could sign Isaiah Simmons

When Isaiah Simmons was taken at No. 8 overall in the 2020 NFL Draft, many projected him to become the next great explosive linebacker capable of dominating in all phases. There have been flashes of brilliance, but it's been underwhelming for the most part.

Simmons couldn't firmly establish himself with the Arizona Cardinals. He was traded to the New York Giants for nothing more than a late-round selection. The former Clemson star gained 50 tackles from 33 percent of the team's defensive snaps, but this might not warrant an extended stay.

This should have the Washington Commanders' attention. Simmons looks like the exact sort of player Dan Quinn propelled to greatness previously. If the hunger is still there to reach his pre-draft expectations, this could be a great landing spot for the player in free agency.

Kliff Kingsbury can also provide some useful insight into Simmons. The second-level presence spent three seasons working under the former Cardinals' head coach. If he provides a solid reference and Quinn sees enough to suggest he can be molded into a valuable weapon, this possibility becomes more realistic.

Simmons is unlikely to command much on the open market. Signing a short-term, prove-it deal with the promise of more next time around could be all the motivation he needs to finally put a consistent run of games together. And as we all know, Washington is in desperate need of reinforcements to the linebacking corps.

Commanders could draft Caleb Williams

It didn't take long for fans to start putting pieces together once Kliff Kingsbury became Washington Commanders offensive coordinator. Unsurprisingly, they immediately turned their attention to USC quarterback Caleb Williams.

Kingsbury and Williams formed a close working relationship with the Trojans last season. The signal-caller also put a congratulations message on his Instagram story after the news broke. To say this added fuel to the fire would be a huge understatement.

Williams hails from the DC area and is a lifelong Washington fan. This is a dream scenario for seemingly everyone involved. Unfortunately, getting the chance to draft the Heisman Trophy winner is out of the Commanders' hands.

For now, at least.

The Chicago Bears hold all the cards at No. 1 overall. They could decide to trade the pick and move forward with Justin Fields after another encouraging campaign from the quarterback. But considering the one-time Ohio State star needs to be paid sooner rather than later, those in power could look to extract maximum trade value for their current starter and go with Williams instead.

If the Commanders decide Williams is their guy - which is entirely possible now Kingsbury is in the fold - putting in a call to see what it might take to jump one spot should be considered. It won't be cheap, but the rewards could be franchise-altering if everything comes together.