Which Washington Commanders' news stories have hit the headlines as fans continue to bask in the glory of the recent ownership change announcement?
It's been a weekend of celebration for Washington Commanders fans after official confirmation of the sale agreement between Dan Snyder and the group led by Josh Harris. It's not over the line just yet, but the exclusive deal between both parties for $6.05 billion seems like the last major hurdle before a formal vote from NFL owners.
Obviously, this is a busy time for news and at times it's been hard to keep up. Among the stories causing debate recently include Ron Rivera's message, Carson Wentz's realization, Dan Snyder's stubbornness, and how NFL owners are viewing the Josh Harris group's bid.
Let's delve into each topic in more detail.
Story No. 1
Ron Rivera's message to Commanders rookies
It's easy to forget that first-year players have been put through their paces at the team's rookie minicamp in recent days. This is an acclimatization period and a chance for those further down the depth chart to impress before OTAs, but the message from head coach Ron Rivera via Sports Illustrated was clear.
"More than anything else is pay attention. Be very attentive, pay attention. That's probably the biggest thing because one thing a coach wants to do is he wants to make sure he feels that what he's telling the young man, he's listening to, he's hearing and he's understanding. If you're not sure, ask straight up, ask and that's all right. It just shows that you wanna make sure you know what you're doing. You wanna make sure that you know you're doing it right."Ron Rivera via Sports Illustrated
This is sound advice not only in football but within any sort of employment. Demonstrating a willingness to learn and having the confidence to speak up in pursuit of personal progress is always a solid foundation from which to build in any profession.
Carson Wentz's realization after Commanders release
After a flurry of activity in free agency and the 2023 NFL Draft, Carson Wentz is arguably the most high-profile quarterback remaining on the market. Cam Newton could also hold claim to this, but many around the media are skeptical he'll get another shot after missing the entire 2022 campaign.
Wentz's big trade to the Washington Commanders failed to provide an upturn in production. It was clear from early on things weren't going to work out and when the time came, releasing him to save $26.17 million in salary-cap space was an easy call to make.
While the Commanders are now moving forward with Sam Howell and Jacoby Brissett, a recent report from Jeremy Fowler of ESPN via Adam Wells from The Bleacher Report indicates there's been interest in Wentz and the signal-caller is willing to assume any role for another opportunity.
"I was told he's been working out in L.A., plans to play this year. He's had interest from some teams. He's open to various roles; could be as a starter, could be as a backup, but he just wants to play this coming year."Jeremy Fowler, ESPN via Bleacher Report
Looking at Wentz's current career trajectory, a backup position heading into training camp is probably the best-case scenario. Anything else would be a gamble of epic proportions, which the Commanders found out to their cost last season.
Dan Snyder digging in before Commanders exit
While Dan Snyder has now agreed to sell the Washington Commanders to the ownership group led by Josh Harris, he has some tricky obstacles to overcome before riding off into the sunset with more than $6 billion. Primarily, this centers on the Mary Jo White report relating to a toxic culture in the workplace.
Before anything gets rubber-stamped, Snyder and his legal team are reportedly lobbying the league not to make the report public, according to Don Van Natta Jr. and Seth Wickersham of ESPN. Something that was denied in no uncertain terms by a team spokesperson.
"Completely false and a blatant fabrication by someone with no actual knowledge of this matter."Commanders spokesperson via ESPN
Roger Goodell has previously stated that the findings will be made public. But with the hard work now done regarding investigations, Snyder is said to be digging in his heels for one final pardon after more than two decades of franchise mismanagement.
If Snyder uses what little leverage he has in terms of selling the Commanders as a bargaining chip, it might change matters. However, according to a source speaking with ESPN, there is absolutely no chance of that happening.
"His odds of burying the report are the same as his odds of trading for Patrick Mahomes. He can try to not sell the team, but that isn't a real option."League source via ESPN
The end is near for Snyder. But the billionaire is unlikely to go down without a fight.
Desire to remove Dan Snyder from Commanders trumps all
After some initial skepticism earlier in the week thanks in no small part to a story from the Washington Post, things are entering the final stages before Josh Harris' ownership group formally takes charge of the Washington Commanders. And to say the news was met with a positive response would be the biggest understatement imaginable.
The positivity as a new era dawns has been so refreshing. But according to Mark Maske and Nicki Jhabvala from the Washington Post via Pro Football Talk, the NFL's fierce desire to remove Dan Snyder from the equation is superseding the doubts surrounding Harris' offer.
"If not for the other owners’ strong desire to remove Snyder from the league, the Harris deal probably would not be approved without some revisions."The Washington Post via PFT
The main concerns surrounding Harris' bid stem from the number of partners in his ownership group and whether he has the financial means to assume the principal owner title. But in all honesty, it's unlikely the league would approve such a mammoth deal without proper due diligence.
This could be the Post doubling down after their initial report came with something completely to the contrary soon after. I guess we'll find out for sure at the next batch of NFL owners' meetings, which are scheduled to begin on May 22 and might include a final vote on the Commanders' sale.
With any luck, anyway.