Commanders news: Brian Robinson, splash moves, OL standards and Sean Taylor

Which Washington Commanders news stories are hitting the headlines as we move closer to a critical free agency for the franchise?

Dan Quinn's new coaching staff have been familiarizing themselves with each other this week. We are a long way from the 2024 season, but this is an important part of the planning process as the Washington Commanders look to lay the foundations for a profitable future.

There won't be time to come up for air where fans are concerned in the coming weeks. Until then, the stories causing debate include the Commanders being linked with a splash move, setting new standards along the offensive line, Brian Robinson Jr. getting special praise, and Sean Taylor's brief yet magnificent career coming under the microscope.

Let's delve into each topic in more detail.

Commanders OL standards

Bobby Johnson becoming Washington Commanders offensive line coach raised a few eyebrows. Things didn't go well during his final season with the New York Giants. Perhaps this fresh start is exactly what he needs. But make no mistake, he's got a huge job on his hands.

The Commanders' protection was abysmal last season, and that's being kind. Johnson is looking to change that by raising standards across the board based on comments via Sports Illustrated.

"Here's what we're looking for. Here's a standard we're looking to set. Are you going to climb to that standard? If you are, great, you're going to find a role. If you're not, somebody else is going to have that role. And you'll be surprised, most guys go, 'That's all I want. I want a clear expectation so I know what I'm working toward,' and that's really what we're trying to set here…To get to this level, you've got to be a driven guy. If you know what your expectation is, a lot of guys will strive to reach that. That's what the message is going to be…And it's not going to be different from guy to guy. It's going to be consistent across the board."

- Bobby Johnson via Sports Illustrated

This should be the minimum requirement. Johnson's options are going to look completely different by the time OTAs roll around. His job will be to mold Washington's revamped unit into a productive force - and quickly. Easier said than done, but not impossible if the right reinforcements arrive.