7 Commanders players who can vastly outperform their pay grade in 2024

Frankie Luvu - Commanders LB

• 2024 salary-cap hit: $3.86 million

Of all the additions made by the Washington Commanders this offseason - and there have been dozens - none could be more impactful on defense than Frankie Luvu. Those in power made him a high-priority target in free agency. The player also turned down an extension from the Carolina Panthers to see if he could enter the elite category within Dan Quinn's system.

This could be a match made in heaven. Luvu integrated seamlessly into the Commanders' way of thinking, displaying the alpha-like traits that made him such a fan favorite in Carolina. Joe Whitt Jr. said the former undrafted free agent is already the heart and soul of his defense, so there's a lot to like about his Pro Bowl potential in 2024.

Luvu working alongside perennial All-Pro Bobby Wagner could be the spark that brings additional improvements. He's got the makings of a complete package, so anything the future first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Famer can do to help is going to benefit the franchise tremendously.

The Washington State product is counting $3.86 million against the salary cap in 2024. This goes up to $11.25 million and $11.29 million over the final two years of his deal, but even that could be a bargain if Luvu reaches some lofty expectations.

Olamide Zaccheaus - Commanders WR

• 2024 salary-cap hit: $1.15 million

The Commanders signed Olamide Zaccheaus to a one-year deal in free agency. This was seen as a roster bubble guy who could potentially carve out a role for himself if everything went well. What transpired throughout Washington's offseason program was far greater than even the brightest optimist envisaged.

Zaccheaus displayed an exceptional work ethic and maximized every opportunity over the summer. His previous connection to head coach Dan Quinn enabled a smooth transition. His dependable hands and ability to create separation consistently won over the offensive coaching staff quickly.

This was one of the big reasons why the Commanders felt comfortable trading Jahan Dotson to the Philadelphia Eagles. Quinn lauded Zaccheaus' contribution, hinting that he's firmly in contention for the WR2 role. Whether he achieves this feat or not is moot - the player should be in line for decent involvement in some capacity.

Considering that Zaccheaus is counting just $1.15 million against Washington's salary cap in 2024, this already looks like a shrewd bit of business by the front office.

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