7 enticing free agents with connections to Commanders coaching staff

Commanders could sign Austin Ekeler

As previously mentioned, Anthony Lynn is a respected coach with plenty of experience. He's also got strong contacts around the league that could be of use. Specifically, the Washington Commanders might seek advice on potential free-agent targets with a previous connection to him from his coaching journey to date.

If the Commanders need another running back to replace Antonio Gibson and desire to turn their backfield threat into one feared around the league, then taking a swing at Austin Ekeler could be worth its weight in gold. Lynn was his head coach for the Los Angeles Chargers once upon a time. He was integral in his emergence into one of the league's most dynamic dual-threat options. There are some injury concerns, but this is a home-run hit in no uncertain terms aside from that.

Ekeler and the Chargers are at loggerheads on a new deal. Reports suggest he'll be free to test the market and see what else is out there. While paying running backs with plenty of mileage isn't the current trend around the NFL, this is one player the Commanders might make an exception for.

Lynn is going to be working almost exclusively with Washington's running backs. Signing Ekeler not only brings a familiar face into the building, but it also has the scope to completely legitimize the ambitious franchise plans under Dan Quinn and Adam Peters.

It's a long shot, but don't dismiss the possibility entirely.