Grading the Washington Commanders' latest six offseason moves in 2024, including their decision to trade quarterback Sam Howell.
There is never a dull moment where the Washington Commanders are concerned. It's been one of the more dramatic and eventful weeks in recent memory as Adam Peters begins his substantial roster overhaul. The new general manager has been aggressive yet sensible in terms of spending. Some decisions were tougher than others, but the common goal remains the same.
After their latest flurry of activity, things became clearer for the Commanders. Peters has kept all options open up to this point, but there is no doubt about what those in power have planned at No. 2 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft anymore.
Peters has a plan. It's been refreshing to see the Commanders move with such conviction. Meshing so many new faces will be tricky, but head coach Dan Quinn boasts outstanding credentials and he's formed a prolific staff team capable of achieving this objective.
With that being said, we graded the latest five moves made by the Commanders, including their decision to trade quarterback Sam Howell to the Seattle Seahawks.
Commanders re-signed Efe Obada
Not many out-of-contract Washington Commanders players have been given a reprieve by the new regime. Jeremy Reaves and Jamison Crowder were re-signed earlier this week. Perhaps surprisingly, Efe Obada also got a one-year extension to solidify the team's defensive line depth.
Obada is currently rehabilitating a serious leg injury that ended his 2023 campaign prematurely. The defensive lineman revealed that Quinn was one of the few who called to show support after the incident despite being employed by a rival. That's a huge measure of the man Washington's new head coach is and the esteem in which the Nigerian-born player is held.
Grade: B
Much will depend on whether Obada's long recovery journey suffers further complications. Still, his versatility and proven production from a rotational role could be useful within Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr.'s more dynamic scheme.
Commanders didn't extend Kendall Fuller
One problem area that the Washington Commanders have yet to address is the cornerback position. This area of the field was exposed constantly in 2023. While some blame should be placed on the lack of pass-rushing pressure from the defensive front, reinforcements are desperately needed across the secondary nonetheless.
This need became more glaring after the Commanders opted not to extend Kendall Fuller. The veteran was undeniably the most consistent Washington cornerback last season. Adam Peters feels like something different is needed, although nothing has been confirmed one way or another in terms of arrivals.
Fuller signed for the Miami Dolphins on a two-year deal worth $16.5 million. This isn't exactly top-tier money considering the player's talent, which indicates there was no interest whatsoever from Peters' perspective to retain the former Virginia Tech star.
One could have made a strong case for the Commanders extending Fuller at that price. Those in power believe there is more to come from the likes of Emmanuel Forbes, Quan Martin, and Benjamin St-Juste. Peters will also strengthen at some stage via free agency or the 2024 NFL Draft depending on what fits Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr.'s system.
Grade: B-
Fuller's veteran presence would have been an asset in 2024, but the Commanders feel like it's the best thing to do. Going to the Dolphins and working opposite All-Pro Jalen Ramsey is a great spot for the player. We wish him well.
Commanders signed Anthony Pittman
There is been a supreme focus on reinforcing the defensive second level throughout the early stages of free agency. The new regime is taking a completely different approach to previous head coach Ron Rivera, acquiring several explosive and experienced figures capable of upgrading the linebacking corps considerably.
Frankie Luvu and Bobby Wagner are the two marquee arrivals. One would also expect Jeremy Chinn to spend plenty of time close to the line of scrimmage, which is where his athletic attributes are best suited. But that wasn't all, the Commanders also signed Anthony Pittman to bolster depth.
Pittman didn't impact the Detroit Lions' defensive rotation last season, but he was an influential figure nonetheless. This came thanks to some sterling work on special teams, where he became an impactful force en route to the best campaign of his professional career.
This move has got Lance Newmark's fingerprints all over it. The new Commanders' assistant general manager was a key figure in the Lions' front office before making the move to DC. He'll know what Pittman brings to the table better than anybody, so this transaction comes with an extra seal of approval attached.
Grade: B+
With Jamison Crowder re-signing and Jeremy Reaves also getting a new two-year deal, the additions of Pittman and kicker Brandon McManus strengthen the special teams unit exponentially. The Commanders should be more competitive in 2024, so fine margins will make a big difference.
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.
Commanders let Curtis Samuel walk
Another big name has gone as part of the Washington Commanders' ambitious plans for the future. Curtis Samuel was solid if not spectacular during his three-year stint with the franchise. But with long-time associate Ron Rivera heading out of the door, the versatile wide receiver opted to take his chances elsewhere.
Samuel signed a deal with the Buffalo Bills to provide quarterback Josh Allen with another dangerous target. The Commanders were never going to extend the former second-round pick out of Ohio State at the price reported. This was a three-year, $24 million deal with $15 million guaranteed that could rise to $30 million based on incentives.
The Commanders need better playmakers to put around their new quarterback. Jahan Dotson and Terry McLaurin will play their part, but another option or two wouldn't be the worst idea in the world to ensure offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury hits the ground running. Adam Peters has enough money to identify a free agent if the opportunity presents itself. It's also worth remembering that this is expected to be one of the deepest wide receiver draft classes in memory and the Commanders are loaded with picks.
Grade: B
Samuel had a lot of useful skills that perhaps could have been utilized better during his time with the Commanders. But depending on what acquisitions arrive, this might not be the big loss some are anticipating.
Commanders traded Sam Howell
When the Washington Commanders signed veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota early in free agency, it seemed to be the final nail in Sam Howell's proverbial coffin. Although he was dealt a bad hand by the organization during his first season as a starter, there is no room for sentiment as part of Adam Peters' grand plans to get this storied franchise back to prominence.
Peters was highly complimentary of Howell following a meeting between the two. He probably laid his cards on the table during their talk, so being traded to the Seattle Seahawks didn't come as the biggest shock to the former fifth-round pick out of North Carolina.
Not leaving Howell in limbo was the right thing to do. The Commanders needed to extract maximum value and give the signal-caller a fighting chance of carving out a career for himself. He now gets the opportunity to sit behind Geno Smith in a well-run organization to potentially get some playing time in the coming years.
This also leaves no doubt that the Commanders will be selecting a quarterback at No. 2 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. It seemed like a foregone conclusion from a long way out, but those in power feel comfortable enough with the options available to remove Howell completely from the equation.
Grade: A
This is a win-win for all parties. The trade allows Howell to start fresh and put his newfound experience to good use elsewhere. It also gives the Commanders higher picks to strengthen problem positions and gives Peters an extra sense of flexibility during the all-important selection process.