Stay or go? Predicting the future of 2024 Commanders free agents at midseason
By Dean Jones
Cody Barton - Commanders LB
Cody Barton's arrival in free agency was expected to offset the loss of Cole Holcomb. Aside from one or two decent displays, the veteran linebacker has simply not been up to the required standard and now finds himself on injured/reserve.
Verdict: Departure
One solace for the Washington Commanders is they only signed Barton to a one-year deal. Once the time comes to cut ties with the former third-round selection, they'd be unwise to consider anything else.
Jacoby Brissett - Commanders QB
Jacoby Brissett is unlikely to ever see the field unless Sam Howell goes down with an injury. However, he's been a key cog in the youngster's development as a mentor behind the scenes, going through the game tape and preparing him for upcoming challenges.
Verdict: Departure
One could argue that the Commanders should have traded Brissett before the deadline. The veteran sticking around will benefit Howell greatly, although he'll probably walk away after the season in the hope of finding somewhere with a more realistic chance to compete for starting reps.
Kendall Fuller - Commanders CB
Many were writing off Kendall Fuller's chances of getting another deal from the Commanders beyond 2023. But all the veteran cornerback does is produce against the league's best - something that's continued throughout the current campaign.
Verdict: Extension
It seems as if Emmanuel Forbes might need extra time to develop before going up against the more elite wide receivers. That's why giving Fuller a two-year deal would be a smart piece of business by whoever is in the front office.
Curtis Samuel - Commanders WR
Curtis Samuel's thrived for the Commanders this season. Having a creative play-caller such as Eric Bieniemy has helped enormously, but the wide receiver must finish the season positively in pursuit of securing a new contract.
Verdict: Extension (if the money is right)
Samuel is currently counting $13 million against the salary cap on the final year of his deal. Even though prices are going up around the league, the Commanders might look for another option if that figure gets touted around during any pending talks with the player's representatives.
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