Overview: Last offseason brought seismic change to the franchise, with team owner Dan Snyder finally forced to sell after decades of scandal and dysfunction. The new ownership group led by Josh Harris purchased the Commanders for a world-record $6.05 billion, underscoring the potential that still remains with one of the NFL’s legacy franchises.
On the field, they’re a long way from reclaiming that stature. Ron Rivera was fired after a 2-0 start spiraled into the worst record of his four-year tenure. Sam Howell didn’t do much to suggest he’s the answer at quarterback, taking a staggering 65 sacks with middling-to-bottom-tier advanced metrics (EPA per play, dropback success rate) casting his 3,946 passing yards in a different light, not to mention the 21 interceptions he threw matching his 21 touchdowns.
So Harris and company cleaned house, ultimately hiring Dan Quinn as head coach amid public bickering with Lions assistant Ben Johnson, while also hiring 49ers executive Adam Peters as general manager and bringing Kliff Kingsbury back to the NFL as offensive coordinator.
With the No. 2 overall draft pick in a loaded quarterback class, not to mention the most salary-cap space in the NFL, there’s a chance to turn things around quicker than expected in Washington.
Who’s in/out: A new ownership group and coaching staff means a high likelihood of lots of new faces, and it’s doubtful any of Washington’s impending free agents rise to the level of the “few cornerstone pieces” Peters said are already on the roster. Among the team’s first notable moves in free agency was the addition of running back Austin Ekeler on a two-year deal. Samuel is perhaps closest, but the Commanders might let him walk in a rich wide receiver draft/free agency class. Curl, meanwhile, has a versatility to his game that might see the Commanders prioritize bringing him back. Gibson is gone, taking a reported three-year, $17.25 million deal with the New England Patriots.
Key free-agent needs
Tight end
Edge rusher
Offensive line
Why the holes? The Commanders depleted their own pass rush group by trading away Montez Sweat and Chase Young midseason, so that area has been addressed by the reported addition of free agent DE Dorance Armstrong. The franchise also hasn’t had a true tight end threat in years, and while Howell regularly held onto the ball too long, 65 sacks is an awful lot for any offensive line to give up. The reported deal with former Cowboys center Tyler Biadasz will help on that front.
Do they have the money? They have all the money. The Commanders are an NFL-high $85.2 million under the cap, according to Spotrac.
Potential notable cut
Why they might be gone: Leno and Thomas each were cut on March 1. Leno was due $15.5 million. As for Allen, he just turned 29 and made the Pro Bowl in 2021 and 2022, while seeing a slight dip in his numbers last season. The Commanders have to decide if that’s worth a $21.4 million cap hit in 2024.
Good draft fit
Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
Why him? Maye is the No. 1 overall player on Yahoo Sports draft expert Nate Tice’s big board, with “a blend of size, athleticism and arm talent, paired with an aggressive mindset.” And the Commanders could very realistically have him fall to them at No. 2, if the Bears (or whomever might trade up to No. 1) covet USC QB Caleb Williams’ upside over Maye. Either way, expect the Commanders to target their quarterback of the future this draft class, be it Maye or another elite prospect.
What can move the fantasy football needle this offseason?
The Commanders need to add a quality quarterback. Luckily, Washington is in a prime position to do just that with the second overall draft pick. The coaching staff ended up a little underwhelming but there is still talent on this team to help incubate a rookie QB. Terry McLaurin is a legitimate No. 1 receiver who has never been paired with an acceptable passer. He’d be the ideal veteran to accelerate a young guy’s developmental path immediately. Jahan Dotson was not productive last year but has all the skills to be a solid starting flanker or slot receiver. Brian Robinson has been a good back through two seasons. He makes for a natural fit as the early down power back in a committee with newcomer Austin Ekeler. We’ve seen some of the incumbent Washington players make a fantasy impact without good quarterback play and they all could jump a level if the Commanders hit at No. 2 overall. — Matt Harmon