Commanders should keep these free agents on their radar ahead of Week 5

The 2024 season has quickly become a lot of fun for what was supposed to be a rebuilding Washington Commanders team, but there are still gaps on a 3-1 roster.

Gaps along both sides of the trenches. Gaps that could be filled by two former third-round picks who are still available in free agency.

One is a once highly-touted edge rusher whose raw athletic tools and versatility should appeal to Washington head coach Dan Quinn. Injuries have been a problem, but the Commanders offer the right scheme to revive the career of a young player who still has plenty of upside.

A second free agent who should be on the team's radar is firmly in the winter of his career. This 33-year-old guard with a ton of starting experience would add beef and quality injury cover along an interior rapidly becoming a team strength.

Myjai Sanders fits Commanders pass-rush schemes

He's not come close to living up to the billing as the 100th player selected in the 2022 NFL Draft, but Myjai Sanders fits what the Commanders want to do on defense. Specifically, how Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. want to rush the passer.

Their plan depends on roving edge rushers who can attack protection in multiple ways. Either as traditional defensive ends or standup rushers.

Sanders fits the bill as a 6-foot-5, 248-pounder with the body type perfect for a multiple-front scheme. The 26-year-old can put heat on the pocket from anywhere along the front, provided he stays healthy.

That's been a problem for somebody who landed on injured reserve before the 2023 season thanks to a hand problem. Sanders did show intriguing potential when he saw the field, registering nine pressures, four hurries, three sacks, and two quarterback knockdowns as a rookie.

He still landed with the Houston Texans last season, playing in only seven games. What Sanders needs is a show of faith from a team playing a style of defense geared to his strengths.

The Commanders can offer both. They should when edge defenders like Dante Fowler Jr. are continuing to struggle.

Gabe Jackson is a smart offensive line depth signing

Mauling people along the interior offensive line is becoming a calling card for the Commanders on coordinator Kliff Kingsbury's watch. His Xs and Os have helped, but Washington is winning upfront because left guard Nick Allegretti and center Tyler Biadasz were signed in free agency to join right guard Sam Cosmi.

It turns out that signing tough, resourceful, and proven veterans can help a problem position. Who knew? General manager Adam Peters has a fair idea, and he should return to the experienced well again to pluck Gabe Jackson off the market.

Jackson makes sense as a smart depth signing because he's durable and flexible. The 81st pick from 2014's draft class can play left and right guard and has started 132 games across stints with the Raiders, Seattle Seahawks, and Carolina Panthers.

Adding Jackson to the depth chart would give Kingsbury and offensive line coach Bobby Johnson a credible next-man-up behind both Allegretti and Cosmi. That's a relevant need since the recent arrival from the Kansas City Chiefs is dealing with an ankle injury sustained during Week 4's hugely enjoyable win over the Arizona Cardinals.

Allegretti has already become somebody the Commanders can't afford to be without for too long. At least unless they would have a worthy replacement in Jackson.

The 6-foot-3, 335-pound Jackson can re-adjust the heart of defensive front sevens and keep Kingsbury's increasingly effective running game trending in the right direction.

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