With new general manager Adam Peters coming to town, the Washington Commanders roster saw a lot of change in the offseason. Twenty-two free agents were signed. This means some players became collateral damage during this extensive rebuilding project.
Every Commanders fan is excited for this upcoming season. But the reality is that some of these free-agent losses will hurt the team badly.
Peters did the right thing after such a torrid run over the previous regime. That said, this franchise might go through some growing pains during its important transition.
Let’s take a look at the five departures that will hurt the Commanders the most in 2024.
Kamren Curl - Former Commanders S
After being selected in the seventh round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Kamren Curl quickly became one of the best players on the Washington Commanders’ defense. He fitted in seamlessly and far outperformed his Day 3 status, emerging into a starting-caliber performer against all odds.
Curl was a do-it-all safety for Washington. He wasn’t a flashy player, but he was a playmaker. A sure tackler who could line up at safety, in the box, or even as a slot cornerback when required.
The former Arkansas standout was always around the ball. Curl also had one of the best abilities - availability. The defensive back accumulated a 93.32 percent snap count in 2023. This was at 100% before Week 16.
This wasn't enough for Curl to get a new deal from the Commanders. He ended up signing with the Los Angeles Rams on a two-year, $9 million deal with $6 million guaranteed. This was way less than the perceived market value.
He was expected to get in the $11-16 million range. Not only did the Commanders let such a dynamic player go, but it was also reported that they did not even put an offer on the table for the young stud.
Luckily, the Commanders found an excellent replacement for Curl in Jeremy Chinn. However, the recent departure's absence will be evident.
Kendall Fuller - Former Commanders CB
We all know how awful the Washington Commanders’ pass defense looked in 2023, but there is one guy who has been a consistent bright spot in a cornerback room that has struggled the last few years. Kendall Fuller.
Fuller was strong in coverage and against the run in 2023. He had the seventh-best grade from Pro Football Focus among all cornerbacks at 83.1. This was his second stint with Washington, and it didn’t disappoint.
The former Virginia Tech star hauled in 10 interceptions in the last four years with the Commanders. But it seemed from a long way out as if another parting of the ways was inevitable.
Fuller left Washington to sign with the Miami Dolphins on a two-year deal worth $15 million. This left the Commanders’ cornerback room pretty depleted.
There is optimism that second-round pick Mike Sanristil can prove he is the elite defensive back he was drafted to be. Hopefully, Emmanuel Forbes bounces back and Benjamin St-Just thrives under Dan Quinn. However, this cornerback room is downgraded with the loss of Fuller.
Curtis Samuel - Former Commanders WR
Curtis Samuel is an extremely versatile offensive weapon that is almost like a lesser version of Deebo Samuel. He can line up anywhere on the field and even take handoffs. A Swiss army knife like this is very valuable to an offense.
Samuel’s stint with Washington was not as impactful as Commanders fans expected. Most of this was due to injury. When the wideout was on the field, he performed competently.
The former second-round pick out of Ohio State reunited with his former offensive coordinator Joe Brady by signing with the Buffalo Bills. Samuel’s replacement, Luke McCaffrey, was picked in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
McCaffrey will eventually be a competent replacement, he is still learning the position. While the rookie is developing, this young offense will undoubtedly miss Samuel.
James Smith-Williams, Casey Toohill - Former Commanders DEs
James Smith-Williams and Casey Toohill brought great depth to the defensive line. That's why they could both potentially be missed by the Washington Commanders in 2024.
The pass-rushing group is a lot worse going into 2024 than it was going into 2023. The losses of Montez Sweat and Chase Young are notable, but losing key depth pieces in Smith-Williams and Toohill are underrated elements of this equation.
Both of these players had high motors They contributed from a rotational basis, although their production when allocated prominent reps once Sweat and Young were traded was less pleasing.
Smith-Williams signed with the Atlanta Falcons and Toohill joined with the Buffalo Bills. The Washington Commanders' front office brought in some new pass rushers, including guys like Dorance Armstrong Jr., Dante Fowler Jr., and Clelin Ferrell.
However, this pass-rushing group isn't great. The losses of key depth pieces like Smith-Williams and Toohill mean others need to step up when called upon in 2024.
Charles Leno Jr. - Former Commanders OT
This departure was forced by Adam Peters. Charles Leno Jr. became a salary-cap casualty as those in power wanted to go younger at the left tackle position. Considering the need to keep rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels' blindside protected, it's a big gamble.
Leno was a solid performer and an impressive leadership presence within the locker room. He's not signed elsewhere as yet, but this is down to his recovery from hip surgery more than anything. Once he gets the all-clear to resume football activities, the former seventh-round pick should end up as a key rotational piece or a potential starter in the right system.
What the Commanders have planned for the left tackle position is anyone's guess. They picked up Brandon Coleman in the third round and will give him every chance to win the starting job in Week 1 at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. If not, veterans such as Cornelius Lucas and Trent Scott could fill the void.