Which Washington Commanders news stories are hitting the headlines as speculation continues to rise before the free-agent frenzy?
Business is about to pick up for the Washington Commanders. One could argue it's not slowed whatsoever since the 2023 season concluded. But with free agency and the NFL Scouting Combine upcoming, it's time for the new regime to implement its ambitious plans for progress.
It'll be fascinating to see how things unfold in the coming weeks. While we wait for further developments, the stories generating discussion include Curtis Samuel's future, Jacoby Brissett potentially being in demand, Dan Quinn receiving criticism, and Magic Johnson's increasing influence behind the scenes.
Let's delve into each topic in more detail.
Commanders might not retain Jacoby Brissett
After flashing during cameo appearances in 2023, quarterback Jacoby Brissett goes into free agency as one of the more coveted quarterbacks. That could change if Jimmy Garoppolo and Russell Wilson are released, but there should be a few willing suitors for the veteran given his experience and ability to perform under difficult circumstances.
David Harrison from Sports Illustrated highlighted the benefits of giving Brissett another deal, especially if the Washington Commanders go with a rookie signal-caller at No. 2 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. However, the writer also acknowledged that the former North Carolina State star might not want to stick around without guarantees of a genuine quarterback competition this summer.
"[Jacoby] Brissett would provide a veteran presence for whichever young quarterback the Commanders were to bring in, and that's always a positive. However, the question remains whether Brissett would even wish to return to Washington with a new coaching staff. Perhaps he may look towards a new path that could give him a better opportunity to see the field."David Harrison, Sports Illustrated
Brissett will have options. That - above all else - probably indicates that his future lies away from Washington in 2024.
Commanders HC Dan Quinn criticized
Dan Quinn's arrival as Washington Commanders head coach was met with some skepticism. Fans were expecting a bigger, bolder splash under the new regime. That doesn't make him less qualified, but it does mean that the need to hit the ground running is glaring in pursuit of getting everyone onside quickly.
Quinn was the subject of criticism from former Dallas Cowboys head coach Dave Campo recently. He claimed that there was too much of a friendly approach to his coaching methods based on comments via USA Today Sports. He also accused Washington's new man at the helm of failing to hold his players accountable for good measure.
"From a culture standpoint…… I’ll just say one thing this way. I know Dan Quinn very well. I was not in the office, in the building, I’m here in Jacksonville, so I saw a bunch of the games. I saw that game. I’m going a little bit on some hearsay. But I think the one thing about Dan is he’s a fine gentleman, and he’s smart, and his scheme was okay, but he was a little bit too buddy-buddy, I think, with the players, and that’s part of it. You can’t have a lot of accountability if you don’t stand a little bit above it of the people that you’re trying to get to be accountable."Dave Campo via USA Today Sports
Campo said it himself, it's all hearsay. His leadership credentials are highly respected around the league and one of the big reasons why the Commanders went in this direction. Quinn's heard all the criticism - it's water off a duck's back - but proving people wrong by maximizing his second head coaching chance is paramount.
Magic Johnson's influence
It's no secret that Magic Johnson had a hand in Kliff Kingsbury turning down the Las Vegas Raiders in favor of becoming Washington Commanders offensive coordinator. The basketball icon and limited ownership partner used his stroke to convince the play-caller to make some last-minute adjustments. Something that can also serve the franchise well in pursuit of acquiring free agents to join this ambitious project.
Johnson is revered and idolized in the sporting and business world. It's not a bad ace to play - one that could tip the scales if a target of interest is on the fence. However, Mike Florio from Pro Football Talk erred on the side of caution given that Ben Johnson and Mike Macdonald spurned Washington's advances during the recent hiring cycle.
"Basketball’s version of Elvis has entered the building in Washington, and if he can help the Commanders win a jump ball or two in recruiting, so be it. Especially with free agency approaching. But let’s also be realistic. The Commanders whiffed on at least two head-coaching candidates before hiring Dan Quinn. Ben Johnson passed, and Mike Macdonald chose Seattle, Washington over Washington, D.C. So Magic is not necessarily 1-0 when it comes to closing deals. He’s quite possibly 1-2. Either way, he’ll get a chance to improve his recruiting record next month, when it’s time to sign players away from other teams."Mike Florio, Pro Football Talk
Just how involved Johnson will be in terms of free-agent recruitment remains to be seen. He's got impressive contacts. He's got a silver tongue capable of winning people over. But the Commanders being out of Dan Snyder's grasp might be the biggest factor of all.
Curtis Samuel's big decision
Another Washington Commanders' free agent who's expected to be a hot commodity is Curtis Samuel. The dynamic wide receiver's versatility and ability to create separation quickly make him an intriguing option if the price is right. There's a good chance those in power look to keep him around given his potential fit within Kliff Kingsbury's offense. Whether he'll agree to an extended stay is the big question.
This could be Samuel's last big contract, so his representatives will want to extract maximum value. The Commanders would be wise not to enter a bidding war with so many holes elsewhere. The former second-round pick's status as a complimentary option is another potential complication.
David Harrison from Sports Illustrated highlighted the benefits of keeping Samuel around. If he does depart, the writer expects Washington to fill the void either with a cheaper free-agent option or from one of the deepest wide receiver draft classes in recent memory.
"It's not likely [Curtis] Samuel will be devoid of suitors this offseason, making it a tad more difficult for his current team to retain his services. When healthy, Samuel is paramount for the Commanders' offense. However, with Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson ahead of him on the depth chart, Samuel could look for an opportunity elsewhere, and Washington could look for a cheaper option either via free agency or the draft to fill in the role."David Harrison, Sports Illustrated
Samuel faces a big decision. While his connection to Terry McLaurin from their college days at Ohio State could help, Ron Rivera's departure also indicates he'll be more than willing to take his chances elsewhere if the right opportunity comes along.