NFL
By: Ryan Cooley
Free agency is only a couple of weeks away, and Washington could make some splashes on the offensive end. While all eyes will be on the quarterback position, there are a good number of potential signings that would provide great depth elsewhere. Teams always need to be cautious when writing out sizable checks to free agents, as many of them usually never live up to expectations or their contract.
Here are the Commanders’ needs in free agency and potential fits on offense.
Quarterback
Reports say Washington has called nearly every team to inquire about the price of their quarterback. Rivera is determined to find a new signal-caller for the 2022 season. Whether that will be a short or long-term solution, only time will tell.
Taylor Heinicke took the reigns after Fitzpatrick went down in week one. He finished the season with 3,400 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions. His 59.4 grade ranked 29th out of 33 qualifying quarterbacks. Almost anyone they bring in will be considered an upgrade over Heinicke.
Here is a breakdown of potential free-agent quarterbacks Washington could sign.
Wide Reciever
After signing Samuel to a 3-year/$34.5 million contract last offseason and McLaurin looking for a new deal, it is unlikely they will take a big swing at a wide receiver. Signing a reliable #2 should be the priority.
Juju Smith-Schuster
After Antonio Brown’s departure in Pittsburgh, Juju failed to step up as the Steeler’s #1 option. He has yet to eclipse even 850 yards in any of the past three seasons. It is clear Juju should be a second or third option.
Juju would be a great option in Washington as they have other threats on offense, opening up opportunities for him. After a disappointing 2021 season, a cheap one-year deal could help boost Smith-Schuster’s price tag in 2023.
Russell Gage
Gage won’t be a hot commodity in free agency, which could bode well for Washington. He has provided consistent production for Atalanta the past two seasons (72/786/4 in 2020 & 66/770/4 in 2021). From week 11-18, Gage managed an 83.7 receiving grade, ranking 4th best in the league.
Gage’s versatility allows him to play both outside (203 snaps) and in the slot (202 snaps). Most of his production comes in the short to the intermediate area. Gage is only projected to make around $7.5 million per year, leaving more cap space for other positions.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling
While the Commanders have speed at wide receiver, they lack height. Cam Sims could be wearing a different uniform in 2022, meaning Washington wouldn’t have a starting receiver over 6’0. Valdes-Scantling is 6’4 and ran a 4.37 forty at the combine.
While MVS isn’t a #1, I believe he does have traits that could translate well in Washington’s offense. His career average of 17.3 yards/reception would open up opportunities for McLaurin and Samuel underneath.
DJ Chark
I have always felt Chark has a ton of potential. In 2019, he managed to haul in 73 receptions for 1,008 yards, and 8 touchdowns. His production dipped in 2020 before suffering an injury in 2021. Much like MVS, Chark is 6’4 and ran a 4.34 forty at the combine.
Chark will come with a higher price tag ($12 million/year projection via PFF) than Valdes-Scantling leading me to believe this signing is unlikely. However, if Rivera wants an unquestioned #2, he might be willing to pay extra for Chark.
Offensive Line Depth
Brandon Scherff looks to be on his way out, leaving a hole at right guard. Luckily for Washington, this is the only position on the offensive line that will need a starter. This will allow the front office to focus more on depth, which is always important to an offensive line.
Dennis Kelly (Tackle)
Kelly started five games for Green Bay in 2021 and started all 16 games for Tennessee in 2020. He has managed to grade in the mid to low 70s in three of the past four seasons. He has experience at left and right tackle, making him a great sixth man for Washington’s offensive line. He is projected to make around $1.5 million per year.
Cornelius Lucas (Tackle)
Lucas would arguably be the best offensive lineman Washington could have in terms of depth. He has been in the system for two years and has played well when called upon. He earned an 83.9 pass-blocking grade in 2020 (12th out of 86) and a 75.2 overall grade in 2021. While he would be more expensive than Dennis Kelly, he would still be cheap ($2.5 million per year projection).
Austin Blythe (Center)
It seemed a new center was starting for Washington every week in 2021 due to injuries. Having insurance in a backup center would be wise. Blythe was Kansas City’s backup after starting for the Rams in 2020.
According to PFF, “Blythe wins with his pre-snap work mentally, more than his physical dominance post-snap. This makes the center a perfect fit in zone schemes, where he can work combos and create vertical movement.” This would make Blythe a good fit in Washington since they run more zone than gap.
Ted Karras (Guard)
Karras has spent almost his whole career in New England. He has experience playing at left and right guard. His 72.9 grade in 2021 ranked 15th out of 82 qualifying guards. Karras would be a great signing since he could compete with Schweitzer for the starting right guard position if Scherff leaves. Even if Schweitzer gets the starting position, he would become one of the best backup guards in the league.
Oday Aboushi (Guard)
Aboushi is coming off a torn ACL, but has proven to be a decent backup guard. He has experience playing on both the left and right sides. He has bounced around quite a bit throughout his career, playing on six different teams since 2013.
Aboushi likely wouldn’t beat out Schweitzer for the right guard position but would provide decent depth. He is only projected to warrant around $1.5 million per year.
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