Grading the first seven signings made by the Washington Commanders during an eventful start to the free-agency period in 2024.
Adam Peters told fans not to expect lavish spending in free agency. While that proved accurate to kick off his first recruitment phase as general manager, the Washington Commanders were still incredibly active as part of his grand plans for progression.
The Commanders brought in no fewer than seven new faces. That makes it eight in total after veteran tight end Zach Ertz joined the ranks before the legal tampering period. It was a significant statement of intent from the new regime, who brought in quality pieces without jeopardizing their financial flexibility down the road. This is a far cry from how business was conducted under previous ownership.
Much more is needed if the Commanders want to hit the ground running with head coach Dan Quinn leading the charge. Peters knows that better than anybody, so expect to see further transactions and potential re-signings. There's also the small matter of nine draft picks to further strengthen the ranks.
With that being said, we took a look at and graded the first seven Commanders signings in 2024 free agency.
Commanders signed Tyler Biadasz
The Washington Commanders were on the lookout for center help after releasing Nick Gates. Dan Quinn convinced Adam Peters to turn to someone he knows well. Someone with starting experience with plenty of good football left in the tank.
Tyler Biadasz is a solid performer and a strong pre-snap communicator. He's a Pro Bowler who gave up just three sacks from 1,028 snaps last season. This represents an immediate upgrade on anything the Commanders have at a cost that works well for all parties.
Grade: B+
This should solidify one problem position immediately. Biadasz brings outstanding credentials to the table and knowing some Washington coaches from his time with the Dallas Cowboys is only going to help smooth the transition.
If you're in North Carolina and want to claim $250, just click this link and sign up for FanDuel, deposit $10 or more into your account and wager $5 or more on any game today. Just like that, you get $250 in bonus bets. It's that simple. Just make sure to sign up now because this deal ends soon.
Commanders signed Dorance Armstrong
After trading Montez Sweat and Chase Young before the 2023 deadline, finding productive edge rushers was another key need for the Washington Commanders this offseason. While it would be wise for those in power to acquire several additions in this critical area of the field, they quickly turned to someone who played their best football under Dan Quinn.
It didn't take long for speculation to rise surrounding Dorance Armstrong's potential arrival once Quinn became head coach. The defensive end flashed on the Dallas Cowboys defensive rotation under his guidance. This was overshadowed by more high-profile names such as Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence, but he reportedly generated considerable interest from teams looking to strengthen their pass-rushing options.
Armstrong opted for an instant reunion with Quinn, which can help the Commanders. There is some concern about how the player can handle extra responsibilities from a starting role, but his ability to set the edge against the run and explosiveness getting after the quarterback leave reasons for encouragement.
Grade: B
This is a solid signing, especially if the Commanders plan to make Armstrong one of their legitimate starting options. That said, general manager Adam Peters should still scour the market and examine edge-rushing draft prospects as one of his top priorities in the coming weeks.
Commanders signed Frankie Luvu
With Jamin Davis being the only linebacker under contract worthy of starting responsibilities, the Washington Commanders needed to find additional assistance at their defensive second level. Someone with the tone-setting credentials that were sorely lacking under previous head coach Ron Rivera.
Mission accomplished.
The Commanders agreed to terms with Frankie Luvu, who is a difference-maker in every sense of the word. His production since becoming a starter with the Carolina Panthers came in for significant praise. He's a sideline-to-sideline force who evolved into the beating heart of their progressive defense in 2023.
Luvu can play anywhere along the linebacking corps with supreme efficiency. He impacts the game in all phases, makes everyone around him better, and brings an infectious enthusiasm that teammates gravitate towards. Considering the money involved, this could be an absolute steal when it's all said and done.
This was a home run hit. One that can benefit the Commanders on the field and in the locker room.
Grade: A+
Luvu was arguably the best all-around linebacker on the market and the Commanders snapped him up in a cost-effective manner. The player is sure to thrive within Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr.'s system. This move should also allow Davis to be deployed more in keeping with his athletic attributes - something else that also has the scope to improve Washington's defense overall.
Commanders signed Austin Ekeler
Even though the Washington Commanders have Brian Robinson Jr. and Chris Rodriguez Jr. in their running back room, Antonio Gibson's free-agent departure to the New England Patriots indicated something else was needed. Again, this was done with supreme efficiency by general manager Adam Peters, beating out competition from elsewhere along the way.
Austin Ekeler joins on a two-year deal that works out as a one-year rental contractually if things don't go well. He might be approaching 30 years old, but he's one of the best dual-threat backs in the league when healthy. More importantly for the Commanders, the veteran is also a significant red-zone threat with 69 career touchdowns.
There is no pressure on Ekeler to become a genuine three-down presence. Robinson and Rodriguez can also share the load, giving Washington a potentially dynamic three-headed monster for their quarterback - whoever that might be - to lean on.
Ekeler is also someone Anthony Lynn knows well from their time together with the Los Angeles Chargers. He knows how best to utilize the player and will offer considerable guidance to offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury throughout the campaign. Expecting miracles might be unrealistic, but it's another low-risk option with a high-end upside.
Grade: B
If the Commanders can count on Ekeler to become an asset in the passing game and contribute his fair share of touchdowns, it'll help enormously. How Kingsbury uses him will be crucial, which is why Lynn's role in this instance becomes integral.
Commanders signed Brandon McManus
When Ron Rivera was fired as expected following his fourth-straight losing season, those players who were closely associated with the head coach also faced the chop. This proved to be the case for kicker Joey Slye, who was replaced at the first opportunity by general manager Adam Peters soon after the legal tampering period got underway.
The Washington Commanders agreed to terms with Brandon McManus on a one-year deal. He boasts an 81.4 percent field-goal success rate over his 10-year career, most of which was spent on the Denver Broncos before joining the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2023.
McManus benefitted from the high altitude in Denver for almost a decade. This is notoriously easier for kickers and allows them to make kicks much further than their usual distance limits. His consistency is a plus, but missing so many field goals from deep with the Jaguars last season - converting only 50 percent of efforts from 50 yards or further - is a potential complication.
Grade: C
Hopefully, the Commanders can get another year out of McManus and take it from there. One could argue that Rivera was far too loyal to Slye despite his constant failings. If the new addition struggles, there's a high chance Peters and head coach Dan Quinn won't be so lenient.
Commanders signed Nick Allegretti
After starring for the Kansas City Chiefs during the AFC Championship game and Super Bowl, the Washington Commanders moved swiftly to sign interior offensive lineman Nick Allegretti. This will likely be as a starting left guard depending on what other reinforcements come into the fold.
It was a small sample size from Allegretti last season as the primary understudy to Joe Thuney and Trey Smith. When the veteran went down and he got an opportunity to shine, he seized the moment. He also made himself a nice chunk of change for good measure.
If Allegretti can build on this newfound momentum and make a go of things in Washington, it'll be a shrewd piece of business. He'll likely get the first shot at securing the left guard position, but one couldn't dismiss the possibility of additional competition arriving via the 2024 NFL Draft given how deep the class is across the offensive line.
An interior trio of Allegretti, center Tyler Biadasz, and right guard Sam Cosmi appears to be a huge upgrade. This all needs to jel and the Commanders need to find a premier left tackle to replace Charles Leno Jr., but time is now on their side.
Grade: B-
It could all go wrong for Allegretti, but this could also become a masterstroke from Adam Peters in pursuit of providing a cleaner pocket for whoever the Commanders decide on as their franchise quarterback.