A new general manager and coach, along with nearly 20 free agents, threaten to scatter the 2023 Washington Commanders to the winds come spring. The 53-man roster has 44 players signed, but really looks to return maybe half of the team.
That’s not a bad thing after a 4-13 season.
Washington has Nos. 2, 36, 40, 67, 100, 102, 137, 180 and 219 in the draft. If the Commanders trade down from No. 2, add another first and maybe second this year to the pile.
While that seems a large haul, and it is, numerous needs can’t begin to be filled. Let’s review each position.
Quarterback – Washington must decide whether to roll another year with Sam Howell and maybe fix the offensive line first, or succumb to public pressure and take a passer with the No. 2 pick. There’s nothing that says can’t-miss about the top prospects and even then, Chicago (if they move on from Justin Fields) or whoever they deal the No. 1 pick to would take the best. The smart move would be to trade down and keep Howell as the starter.
Running back – Washington is fine with Brian Robinson, though his injuries and light workloads didn’t see him reach 1,000 yards in either of his first two years. Peters knows what a big-time runner like Christian McCaffrey delivers, so maybe Washington looks to upgrade. Antonio Gibson is likely gone so the team could use a hybrid runner and maybe a third-down back.
Receivers – If Curtis Samuel departs and Jahan Dotson moves to the slot, Washington might add another big receiver to pair with Terry McLaurin. Oh, drafting Marvin Harrison Jr. is tempting. Very tempting if the Commanders move down, but most likely they’ll find someone in free agency.
Tight end – Logan Thomas is now 32 years old and off a lukewarm season, despite 55 catches. His hands have never been great and Washington could upgrade off the position where John Bates is just a blocker. This could be a second-round pick.
Offensive line – Left to right, there’s room for four new starters, with right guard Sam Cosmi the only sure returnee. Cutting left tackle Charles Leno would be costly should Washington use its first-rounder on the position, and, Leno could always be moved to right tackle, but Washington figures to add a center and guard during free agency and leave tackle to the draft.
Defensive line – Once the cornerstone of the team, it’s now broken. Outside ends Montez Sweat and Chase Young were traded last season and top reserves are now all free agents. So, this is priority No. 2 after figuring out quarterback. Washington will sign at least one pass rusher in free agency and draft one.
Linebacker – Another disastrous group. Jamin Davis looked like a first-rounder in his third season before injured, but he’s still just a guy. Washington probably signs a free agent for inside and maybe a second for outside. Let’s see what system the incoming defensive coordinator brings. But, look for plenty of new faces here.
Secondary – As much as fans hated on Kendall Fuller for the first three years after returning as a pricey free agent, he delivered a solid 2023 effort. Maybe he remains under a cheaper deal. Kam Curl is a solid player, but sometimes overrated because of his seventh-round status. Now the free agent will want $15 million annually and frankly isn’t worth it. Look for Washington to go cheaper in free agency and draft at least one secondary player, while hoping the new staff fixes 2023 first-rounder Emmanuel Forbes.
Special teams – It’s not often we discuss special teams needs, but this team wants a snapper, a gunner, returner and maybe more. Kicker Joey Slye is a free agent, though the market won’t be hot for him. Punter Tress Way is in the downside of a career. If Washington’s front office has the bandwidth to worry about special teams, widespread changes are possible.
Overall, Peters may not sleep this offseason because there’s enough work for two people revamping this roster. It can’t be done in one year, but the Commanders definitely need plenty of new faces.
