NFL
By: Ryan Cooley
The Washington Commanders seem poised to take a big swing at the quarterback position this offseason. However, that is much easier said than done. If the front office fails to make a trade for a high-end quarterback, don’t be surprised if the 2022 Commanders are led by another free agent signal-caller.
Here are the Commanders’ options at quarterback via free agency.
Jameis Winston
The former first overall selection hasn’t lived up to expectations, largely due to his inability to limit turnovers. Since entering the league in 2015, Winston has had 156 turnover-worthy plays. For comparison, Brady only has 150 on 2,198 more pass attempts. In 2019, Winston had 40 turnover-worthy plays, tied for the highest since PFF started collecting data (2006).
Even with his turnovers, Winston has the highest ceiling of any free agent on the market. Winston managed 15 total touchdowns to only three interceptions through 6 ½ games in 2021. He also had a big-time throw percentage (deep passes thrown into a tight window) of 7.1%, higher than Brady, Rodgers, Mahomes, and Allen.
Mitch Trubisky
Trubisky is a wild card right now. After a disappointing stint in Chicago, many believe he could have improved in Buffalo. In his four years starting with the Bears, Trubisky never had a season with a passing grade above a 66. He also never had a grade below a 63.
Trubisky isn’t Lamar Jackson or Kyler Murray fast but does possess enough athleticism to keep defenses honest. Heincke had success running the ball last season and Trubisky could replicate that success in Turner’s offense. He also managed a 73+ deep passing grade three of his four years in Chicago. Heinicke’s inability to stretch the field in 2021 (52.6 deep passing grade) severely limited the playbook.
Marcus Mariota
At Oregon, Mariota tossed 67 touchdowns to only 6 interceptions while managing a 93.2 grade in 2014. He never reached that level of play in the NFL and didn’t receive a second contract in Tennessee. Mariota was viewed as a dual-threat quarterback entering the NFL. However, he has only had more than 350 rushing yards in one season (357 in 2018).
The last we’ve seen from Mariota was in 2020 when he came in for an injured Carr. He earned an 82.1 grade in that game but has only played 24 snaps since then. The Commanders would be putting a lot of faith in an unproven quarterback if they sign Mariota.
Teddy Bridgewater
Bridgewater has become the ultimate bridge quarterback the past couple of seasons, bouncing from New Orleans to Carolina to Denver. He earned a respectable 73.5 grade this season, throwing for over 3,000 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions.
Bridgewater would be a substantial upgrade over Heinicke, but wouldn’t help Washington’s chances at becoming a contender. However, his respect and leadership could lure Rivera in to give him a chance.
Conclusion
Signing a free agent quarterback as a starter for the 2022 season wouldn’t get this team far. Free-agent quarterbacks don’t usually work out unless Tom Brady or Peyton Manning hit the open market. If Rivera decides to go this route, there is a high possibility Washington will be drafting a quarterback in April.
Jameis Winston would be the best signing of the quarterbacks listed as he has the highest upside. Trubisky is interesting after sitting a year and learning from Josh Allen and Brian Daboll, but history tells us these types of quarterbacks rarely turn it around. Mariota has barely played in two years. Bridgewater is the safest option in free agency and possesses the leadership/respect quality Rivera is looking for. However, he wouldn’t allow the playbook to fully open up due to his physical limitations.
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