7 enticing free agents with connections to Commanders coaching staff
By Dean Jones
Commanders could sign Mike Evans
This is a slight connection. But it's a connection nonetheless.
David Raih spent last season as a senior offensive analyst with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. When Dave Canales accepted the Carolina Panthers head coaching job, that left him free to join Dan Quinn's staff as the Washington Commanders' new tight ends coach. This is another progressive figure with lofty ambitions. Something that should assist greatly before and during the campaign.
Of course, Raih has a previous working relationship with wide receiver Mike Evans. Nobody on the Commanders needs any inside information about what the veteran pass-catcher brings to the table. He's on a Pro Football Hall of Fame trajectory and would be among the most coveted free agents around if the Buccaneers let things get that far.
Evans has gone over 1,000 receiving yards every season since he arrived in the league as a first-round selection out of Texas A&M. He might be on the wrong side of 30 years old these days, but his production last season showed no signs of slowing down. His connection with Baker Mayfield was instant en route to 79 receptions for 1,255 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns. Slotting him opposite Terry McLaurin with Jahan Dotson operating from the slot comes with untold benefits attached.
The Commanders wouldn't be alone in pursuing Evans. Handing out more than $20 million per season when there are several more pressing priorities is another hot topic of discussion. That said, there's just no telling what this experienced wideout could do for a rookie quarterback's critical integration.