Grading the latest five Washington Commanders offseason moves, including their decision surrounding stud defensive tackle Jonathan Allen.
Although the Washington Commanders and others around the league are quickly turning their attention to the 2024 NFL Draft, general manager Adam Peters is still wheeling and dealing. He's made an impressive start to life as the front-office leader, installing a more professional approach across the board and working as a cohesive unit with other influential figures within the building.
There is a lot of hard work ahead, but the Commanders are off to a good start. Peters still has plenty of cash to further strengthen the roster if the right opportunities come along. There's also the small matter of nine draft picks - six in the top 100 - which is another great opportunity to find long-term solutions for ongoing complications.
Peters is keeping cards close to his chest right now, especially where the No. 2 overall selection is concerned. The roster looks in better shape following a flurry of activity over the last few weeks, but it will count for nothing if the Commanders cannot secure the right quarterback to take this franchise forward.
Before that, we took a look and graded the latest five Commanders off-season moves, including their stance surrounding stud defensive tackle Jonathan Allen.
Commanders let Casey Toohill walk
Casey Toohill got a big opportunity during the 2023 season. After flashing promise from a rotational role, he was thrust into the starting lineup once the Washington Commanders traded Montez Sweat and Chase Young before the deadline. Unfortunately, he wasn't able to capitalize accordingly.
Grade: B+
Toohill gained just one sack over the second half of the campaign. It came as no surprise to see the Commanders bring in defensive line reinforcements during free agency, leaving the former seventh-round selection on the outside looking in. He eventually joined the Buffalo Bills on a one-year deal, which is a pretty good landing spot for the player all things considered.
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Commanders signed James Pierre
The Washington Commanders decided to let Kamren Curl and Kendall Fuller take their chances elsewhere in free agency. Both signed on respectable but affordable deals, but general manager Adam Peters believes this is the best thing right now as part of his plans for sustained progression under his leadership.
This leaves the Commanders a little light on decent secondary options. Emmanuel Forbes and Benjamin St-Juste didn't exactly thrive last season, so the cornerback unit could become a weak link unless the duo makes strides with head coach Dan Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. leading the charge.
Washington picked up Michael Davis, who seems more like a depth option than anything else. The same applies to James Pierre after the four-year-pro signed a one-year deal once his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers concluded.
Pierre looked like his game could reach new heights in 2022. He gave up just 41.9 percent of his targets and a 58.7 passer rating when targeted. His 6-foot-2 frame made the defensive back difficult to overcome. Unfortunately for the player, he returned to being an afterthought last time around.
Grade: B
Asking Pierre to fill starting responsibilities might be a stretch, but he's a solid special teamer with proven production as a rotational piece. That's all the Commanders are probably looking for unless he takes a huge leap forward.
Commanders re-signed Cornelius Lucas
When the Washington Commanders released Nick Gates and Charles Leno Jr. before free agency began, it confirmed what fans had been craving. Adam Peters was going to revamp the offensive line. Unlike Ron Rivera, he was also going to give this the priority it deserved.
It seems as if the interior has been solidified, which is a relief. There is a glaring issue at the left tackle spot after Leno's departure - something the Commanders could look to resolve with their rich draft assets when one examines the potential options that could be available.
The Commanders went a long way to fortifying their depth by re-signing Cornelius Lucas. The versatile swing tackle is a dependable edge protector on either side with proven credentials when it comes to stepping in at a moment's notice and getting the job done.
Lucas has his sights set on taking up the starting mantle left by Leno. Whether he gets a legitimate shot at blindside responsibilities remains to be seen. If nothing else, this gives the Commanders a capable performer if their initial No. 1 left tackle goes through complications. In all honesty, the former Kansas State standout might have a better shot on the right considering how disappointing Andrew Wylie's production became during his first season with the franchise.
Grade: B+
This was a good piece of business by Peters. Lucas is a tremendous pro and a significant asset in the locker room. This also keeps a sense of continuity amid wholesale changes across the roster.
Commanders signed Michael Deiter
Speaking of offensive line depth.
The Washington Commanders cannot be accused of sitting on their hands in pursuit of providing their new quarterback with better protection. Nick Allegretti and Tyler Biadscz came during the first wave of free agency. Cornelius Lucas was re-signed. Another notable arrival came in the form of Michael Deiter, who penned a one-year deal with the organization.
Deiter is a solid if not spectacular offensive lineman. He started 10 games and played 686 snaps for the Houston Texans last season, giving up five penalties and conceding three sacks en route to a modest 57.1 grade from Pro Football Focus. More importantly, the former third-round pick out of Wisconsin has experience operating at any position on the interior.
Position versatility became a poisoned phrase during the Ron Rivera years, but it can be useful along any depth chat providing the starters specialize in one specific spot. Deiter might not set the world alight. Still, he looks to be an immediate upgrade on their backup options that's unlikely to have cost the earth.
Grade: B-
Expectations won't exactly be high for Deiter coming into the Commanders. That won't be his personal opinion, perhaps seeing the left guard spot set to be occupied by Allegretti as a job he can win during the 2024 preparation period.
Commanders not trading Jonathan Allen
Speculation was rampant around a potential trade involving Jonathan Allen this offseason. The veteran defensive tackle became more disillusioned than most after going through under season littered with underachievement. For the first time, he even hinted at potentially moving away for a better chance at contending before his powers wane.
Interest in Allen would have been high, such is the esteem in which he is held around the league. However, general manager Adam Peters ended the rumors abruptly, claiming the Washington Commanders had no intention of parting ways with the former first-round pick out of Alabama.
This is the correct call. Allen is still extremely disruptive despite a down year by his typically high standards. He seems to have bought into head coach Dan Quinn's plans and could bounce back within his expansive defensive system. There's also his supreme leadership on and off the field to factor into the equation as a definite positive.
While the temptation was there to gain additional draft assets, Allen makes everyone better when he's motivated and playing well. That's something the Commanders are banking on next season, which could lead to an extension if everything goes according to plan.
Grade: A
Allen is one of the very few cornerstone pieces that Peters inherited upon becoming general manager. Keeping him around during such an important transition into a new era was the right thing to do.