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The Washington Commanders are gearing up for the 2023 free agency period, and it's clear that they have a lot of work ahead of them. Despite finishing the previous season with a respectable 8-8-1 record, Washington was the only team in the NFC East that failed to make the postseason.
While their rivals, the Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, and Philadelphia Eagles, appear to have their franchise quarterbacks in place, the Commanders are still searching for theirs.
Although second-year quarterback Sam Howell is a promising talent, Washington is not guaranteeing him the starting job.
"We'll give him every opportunity to earn it, and we'll see what happens when we get into training camp and through it," head coach Ron Rivera said, according to Charean Williams of ProFootballTalk.
Much of the offseason will be focused on Howell's development, but the Commanders will also need to put a quality team around him. The process begins in free agency, which officially opens at 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday.
Here's a quick refresher on the Commanders' most significant needs, most notable free agents, potential targets, and cap situation heading into the free-agency week.
Cap Overview
The Commander's projected cap space is $16.6 million. The team has already taken care of one piece of the off-season business by giving standout defensive tackle Daron Payne a four-year $90m deal. Payne logged an impressive 64 tackles, 11.5 sacks, and five passes defended in 2022.
Although using the tag will cost the Commanders $18.9 million in 2023, they still have just under $17 million in projected cap room. While that's not a massive amount, it's still more than enough for the Commanders to be players on the open market.
General manager Martin Mayhew could get creative with contract structuring to bring in new players that fit Eric Bieniemy's vision for the offense. However, Washington must also consider re-signing some of its own free agents.
Notable Free Agents
Fortunately for the Commanders, there aren't many full-time starters slated to hit the open market. The most significant contributors headed to free agency are right guard Trai Turner, linebacker Cole Holcomb, and Nickelback Danny Johnson.
Defensive end Efe Obada (four sacks, 24 tackles in 2022) is a fine rotational player who would be worth keeping. Backup center Tyler Larsen and linebacker Jon Bostic provide valuable depth as well.
Cam Sims has fallen out of the offensive game plan since logging 477 yards back in 2020, but he knows Washington's personnel (though perhaps not the scheme Bieniemy is introducing) and plays special teams.
The big unknown is whether Washington will retain quarterback Taylor Heinicke as a mentor for Howell. Heinicke started 24 games for the Commanders over the last two seasons, and with Carson Wentz gone, he's the most experienced signal-caller in Washington. With Howell being labeled QB1, at least entering the offseason, Heinicke may try to earn a starting job elsewhere.
Commanders' Biggest Needs and Potential Targets
Offensive Line
The Commanders may be inclined to let Turner walk after a year with the team. Regardless, they should be interested in upgrading an offensive line that allowed 48 sacks in 2022.
If Howell is going to be a future quarterback, Washington must be sure to protect him.
Fortunately, several intriguing free agents are scheduled to be available. Guards Ben Powers, Nate Davis, and Dalton Risner should all be of interest to the Commanders. It could also make sense to pursue Kansas City Chiefs tackle Orlando Brown Jr.
Tackle Andrew Wylie has reportedly signed a three-year deal with Washington on the first day of the legal tampering period.
Linebacker
Washington should consider adding another quality linebacker to play alongside Jamin Davis, especially with Holcomb and Bostic set to hit free agency. Upgrading the run defense is also a priority, as they allowed 4.4 yards per carry in 2022.
Bringing in a top-tier linebacker to complement the powerful defensive front would be a smart move. Free agents such as Tremaine Edmunds, Lavonte David, Drue Tranquill, David Long Jr., and Deion Jones are all attractive options.
Quarterback
While Howell is viewed as the future quarterback for Washington, the team will need to acquire a veteran signal-caller if Heinicke is not retained. Rivera has expressed his preference for a quarterback who can push Howell during training camp.
The team does not want to spend a lot of money on this position and is focused on bringing in a player who can compete. If Heinicke is not the answer, Washington could consider signing an experienced veteran like Jacoby Brissett or Mike White. Alternatively, they could take a chance on a younger quarterback like Baker Mayfield or Sam Darnold, depending on the cost.
