Commanders News: Ron Rivera, Mitchell Tinsley, Rashaan Evans and Sam Howell

Commanders urged to sign tackling machine

The Washington Commanders are seemingly happy with their options heading into the 2023 season. But standing still is not an option for those in power with Josh Harris' ownership watching every move extremely closely.

Washington does boast around $12 million in salary-cap space to make additional moves should they wish. Some position groups look stronger than others, but head coach Ron Rivera probably wants to see what his current options can do in a competitive environment together before considering any acquisitions.

Alex Ballentine of The Bleacher Report named Rashaan Evans as the one free agent Washington must consider signing as soon as possible. Something that would bolster a defensive second-level unit that only has two proven performers currently.

"It's baffling that Rashaan Evans is still a free agent with less than a week to go until the season opener. He's 27 years old and coming off the best season of his career. He started all 17 games for the Atlanta Falcons and led the way with 159 total tackles while missing only three tackles on the season. Washington is set to start Cody Barton and Jamin Davis in the middle of its defense this season. Davis was graded higher than Barton by PFF last season, and he finished just 46th out of 81 linebackers whom they graded. It makes sense to give Davis time to develop. He's in his third season and was a first-round draft pick in 2021. But Evans would make sense as competition for Barton and the third linebacker in base sets."

- Alex Ballentine, The Bleacher Report

The Commanders haven't prioritized their linebacking corps this offseason as Jack Del Rio looks to implement more defensive backs into the lineup after acquiring Emmanuel Forbes and Quan Martin via the 2023 NFL Draft. Evans has some difficulties in coverage, but everything else is on point and if the money is right, this could definitely help in some capacity.