The hype of free agency has come and gone and now it’s time to look at what teams have gained and lost since March 16th and where they stand as they prepare for the upcoming draft. Let’s talk about the Washington Commanders.
Washington Commanders
Key acquisitions: QB Carson Wentz, G Andrew Norwell, DE Efe Obada
Re-signed: S Bobby McCain, RB J.D. McKissic, OT Cornelius Lucas, WR Cam Sims, CB Troy Apke, C Tyler Larsen
Departures: S Landon Collins, G Brandon Scherff (Jaguars), G Ereck Flowers, DE Matt Ioannidis (Panthers), DT Tim Settle (Bills), WR DeAndre Carter (Chargers), QB Kyle Allen (Texans), TE Ricky Seals-Jones (Giants)
Remaining free agents: LB Jon Bostic, QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, WR Adam Humphries, CB Darryl Roberts
Analysis: I have no idea what is going on. The cOmManDErS is such a bad name, they sound like an XFL/AAF/USFL team. I would’ve rather had the Red Hogs, because why not that sounds awesome, but I don’t like Commanders. It’ll grow on me, like it will everyone because we have to, but it’s…it’s not good.
Enough team name talk, let’s talk about the names that were added to this roster, more so the ones who are no longer on the team.
Washington released safety Landon Collins are underperforming his six-year contract he signed in 2019. They also let veteran guard Brandon Scherff sign with the Jaguars after seven years and two consecutive franchise tags. Fellow starting guard Ereck Flowers was released, and defensive linemen Matt Ioannidis and Tim Settle signed elsewhere.
They did make some moves to potentially improve their team, most notably the trade acquisition of quarterback Carson Wentz from the Colts. Giving up a second and two thirds, Washington has been looking for a starting QB forever, striking out on several draft picks, failing to retain Kirk Cousins, and giving shots to Ryan Fitzpatrick and Taylor Heinicke. I was excited to watch Fitz last year, but missed the whole year after a Week 1 injury. Heinicke plays like a maniac which is exciting and provided juice to the team and fans, but he’s not a franchise guy. Wentz is a very good quarterback who I don’t think was given a fair chance in Indy, so this is a good opportunity for Wentz, but this might be his last chance. All the guaranteed money is up after this year, so Washington can cut Wentz if it doesn’t work out with no dead cap hit. So Wentz gets another chance to prove himself, and Washington doesn’t have to commit to him beyond 2021.
Added to the offensive line is guard Andrew Norwell, who finished up a big contract he signed with the Jaguars in 2018 and will be a starter following the departures of Scherff and Flowers. They also brought back tackle Cornelius Lucas, who started seven games at right tackle in 2021.
The notable re-signing is defensive back Bobby McCain, who signed a two-year extension and was a full-time starter his first season in Washington last year and had a very good year.
The other extension that had some headlines to it was running back J.D. McKissic. After agreeing to terms with the Buffalo Bills, the shifty passing back backed out of the deal and signed the same deal in Washington. He was one of their best players last year, and will be a big part of the team moving forward.
Conclusion: The Washington Commanders have a long way to go to rebuild this team, and 2021 is a very big year. If Wentz proves to be the guy, he can answer that question, and focus can be turned to retaining Terry McLaurin among others. The defense is solid, and the offense could be good. This draft is very important, as the first player selected will be the very first Washington Commanders draft pick.
Football Nerds 