Incoming general manager Adam Peters has plenty to do, but first on his list has to be free agents. Who to keep, who to say goodbye to.
In an offseason that likely sees more than half of the 53-man roster leaving, Peters has a few tough choices right away on his own roster. With only $7.133 million in dead money on the 2024 salary cap, the team has nearly $90 million in cap space with 44 players signed.
Undoubtedly, Washington will flash some cash on a few prominent free agents leaguewide. But first, Peters needs to sort out his own house.
Kam Curl is the first decision. The former seventh-round pick has produced well over four seasons on cheap contracts. He's going to want to get paid. Maybe not $15 million for his position because All-Pro isn't on his resume, but Curl was certainly the bright spot of many defenses.
Jacoby Brissett will be a pricey backup quarterback after a couple solid relief appearances last season. If Washington figures on drafting a passer in the first round then there's no need to keep Brissett, who will probably command up to $10 million on the open market. But, if Washington opts to keep Sam Howell as starter, then Brissett is a needed backup. Washington can find someone cheaper, but probably not better.
Antonio Gibson filled a need in space over four seasons. He can catch a pass and make plays. Gibson staying really depends on the new offensive system. If Washington needs a hybrid like Gibson, then re-sign him. Otherwise, move along.
Curtis Samuel has been a productive receiver/runner over the last three years. Like Gibson, his value depends on the incoming system. And, there will be a market for the hybrid receiver. Most likely, Samuel heads elsewhere.
Receiver Jamison Crowder was a midseason pickup who was an adequate punt returner and spot receiver. But, he's getting older and a cheaper, younger version can be found. Byron Pringle was a seldom-used receiver who occasionally made a big play. But, again, not irreplaceable.
On the offensive line, Cornelius Lucas has done a nice job as a key backup tackle that can play anywhere on the line. Last season wasn't his best, but the team needs depth. Same goes for center Tyler Larsen, who played decently in spots but always seemed hurt. Washington should just opt for younger and healthier. Ditto for guard Saahdiq Charles.
Defensive end is wide open after trading Chase Young and Montez Sweat at midseason. Young wouldn't have re-signed anyway and Sweat would have cost too much, so the Commanders opted to grab second- and third-round picks for them. But, now Washington has nothing outside. Free agent Efe Obada suffered a serious leg injury late in the season. Casey Toohill and James Smith-Williams are free. Washington must spend heavily in free agency for pass rushers and maybe keep one of its free agents for depth.
The Commanders are also empty at linebacker, which isn't a completely bad thing given the unit didn't play that well. That said, the incoming defensive scheme isn't known so whether the team moves to a 4-3 or keeps a 3-4 that really played 4-2-5 more than half the time will decide some veterans' fates.
Cody Barton was the leading tackler on a one-year deal and worth re-signing, and Khaleke Hudson, David Mayo and Jabril Cox are fair backups. It's starters that Washington needs to upgrade. Former first-rounder Jamin Davis made big strides last season before hurt, but is nowhere close to a Pro Bowler.
In the secondary, Kendall Fuller is free after four seasons as a pricey free agent from Kansas City. Last year was his best season. But, the market will probably overpay for him. Jeremy Reaves was an excellent special teamer in 2022, but hurt early last season. He's worth keeping on a small deal. There's also Curl to factor as the unit's playmaker.
On special teams, Washington needs to sign a deep snapper after cutting Camaron Cheeseman. Kicker Joey Slye is now available after missing eight field goals last year. Largely, Slye has been consistent inside 40 and a good kickoff man so he may stay. Punter Tress Way has one year left. He has been a staple over the past decade as probably the team's best punter ever, but his stats have declined over recent years. Most likely, the team keeps him.
After years of being frugal over the offseason as owner Dan Snyder exited, Washington needs to invest more heavily in free agency with offensive and defensive lines the keys. Suddenly, $90 million doesn't seem enough.
