Grading the Commanders latest six moves including Sam Howell trade

Commanders let Kamren Curl depart

After rising from a seventh-round afterthought into a prominent starter, Kamren Curl was looking to get paid. The talented safety had a price in mind - something the Washington Commanders were unwilling to pay when push came to shove.

Although the Commanders haven't brought in any safety help as yet aside from perhaps Jeremy Chinn, their decision on Curl was clear. He eventually took a two-year deal with the Los Angeles Rams that could be worth up to $13 million. This is far lower than the initial market projection, but it was the best offer on his table.

In truth, Curl couldn't have hit free agency at a worse time. Countless veteran players in the position were released as part of cost-cutting measures around the league. The market wasn't exactly robust as it became undervalued. The Arkansas college product is still getting a hefty pay increase, but it might not have been what he had in mind.

It would have been nice for Curl to stick around and continue his impressive backend partnership with Darrick Forrest. Replacing him becomes one of Washington's biggest defensive needs immediately, especially considering Kendall Fuller is also departing the secondary.

Grade: C+

Unlike most veterans, Curl is young and ascending. Some believe Chinn can fill the void, but his regression started when the Carolina Panthers switched him back to the safety spot after starring as an outside linebacker in 2020. Those in power will have a plan, but this might be the biggest free-agent miss of all so far.