ASHBURN, Va. — NFL free agency is off and running, and we’re keeping track of every major signing, trade and release of the 2024 offseason, with analysis from our NFL Nation reporters and grades from our experts. The new league year begins Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET, which means free agent signings can be made official after that.
The first round of the 2024 NFL draft begins April 25 on ESPN.
Here’s a breakdown of every 2024 NFL free agent signing by the Washington Commanders and how each will impact the upcoming season:
Austin Ekeler, RB
The former Charger agreed to a two-year deal worth up to $11.43 million on Monday.
What it means: Washington didn’t try to re-sign Antonio Gibson but did need another back to pair with Brian Robinson and Chris Rodriguez. Ekeler has been a productive back in his first seven seasons with 8,239 total yards from scrimmage. In Kliff Kingsbury’s offense, they needed another back with pass-catching experience. Ekeler wasn’t as productive running last season, averaging a career-low 3.5 yards per carry. But he doesn’t need to carry the ball as often as he did in the past with Robinson and Rodriguez also capable. Ekeler does need to be productive in the pass game.
What’s the risk: If he’s no longer a consistent producer in the pass game. Ekeler caught 51 passes last year, his lowest total in the last five seasons. He had a drop on 5.4 percent of his targets, matching a career-low. He showed glimpses of his explosiveness, but for it to work for Washington it has to be more consistent. The Commanders could always add another multi-dimensional back in the draft, but they will need Ekeler to be productive.
Bobby Wagner, LB
Wagner joins the Commanders on a one-year deal worth up to $8.5 million.
What it means: Washington adds a strong leader to a defense desperately in need of one. It also highlights a possible defensive shift for the team. The Commanders used a 4-3 base the past four seasons but, if they want, can now use the 3-4 base front coach Dan Quinn used in Dallas the past three years. Wagner played in a 3-4 the past two seasons and he remains an effective blitzer. The Commanders needed better leadership on defense; he can fill that role.
What’s the risk: At age 34, the big question will be what does Wagner have left? It’s only a one-year deal so if he isn’t up to his past standards then it’s not a risky investment. The key will be how Washington uses him — do they still view him as an every-down player? They can increase his effectiveness by not needing him to do everything.
Marcus Mariota, QB
Former Eagles QB Mariota is signing with the Washington Commanders on a one-year deal with a base value of $6 million and upside to $10 million, a source tells Adam Schefter.
What it means: Washington now has a veteran to pair with a rookie quarterback. The Commanders are widely expected to draft one with the second overall pick in April. They already have Sam Howell but needed someone with more experience to serve as a backup/mentor. It also calls into question Howell’s future with the team, especially if other teams make a decent offer. They don’t have to move him — they could always see if he can be a strong No. 2 in the future — but he would be their third quarterback this season.
What’s the risk: Mariota signed only a one-year deal and he’s fine as a backup, but he has not proven to be a quality starter during his first nine seasons. If they decide to move Howell, the risk would be that he develops into a mid-tier starter or high-end backup elsewhere. But if the quarterback they pick in the draft becomes a top starter they will be able to live with that scenario.
Ertz knows offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury’s system from their days with the Arizona Cardinals, and he can be an effective option as a tight end operating in the slot. He’ll be helpful to others who will need to learn a new offense. Ertz can also provide a security blanket for a rookie quarterback, assuming Washington drafts one with the second overall pick.
What’s the risk: Because it’s a low-cost signing there’s no real risk. Ertz has been hit impacted by injuries each of the last two seasons — a quadriceps injury in 2023 and a knee the previous year.
When healthy he can still be effective. The risk would be if Washington fails to add more players at this position. Cole Turner, a fifth-round pick in 2022, has not been productive with 13 career catches. Armani Rogers, who caught five passes in 11 games as a rookie in 2022, missed last season with an Achilles injury. Rogers showed some flashes two years ago after converting from quarterback, but the Commanders should look to draft another tight end.
Dante Fowler Jr., DE
What it means: Depth. And another familiar face. Commanders coach Dan Quinn recruited Fowler to Florida and coached him in Atlanta and Dallas. They’ve now added three defensive ends during free agency and Fowler will provide help as a rotational pass rusher. Fowler had 10 sacks the past two seasons combined in Dallas. The Commanders could add more depth here, possibly via the draft but it doesn’t need to be a high priority as it appeared before this week.
What’s the risk: Minimal. Though the terms haven’t been disclosed — neither length nor money — it was not expected to be a big deal. Also, the coaches know exactly what they’re getting in Fowler. As always, the risk would be in not adding more talent to this position via the draft. Washington needs more talented young players to develop at this spot.
Frankie Luvu, LB
Luvu agreed to a deal for three years worth up to $36 million.
What it means: Washington fills yet another hole, this time at inside linebacker next to Jamin Davis. The Commanders have been unable to solidify this position for a while and they now have a player coming off two solid years in Carolina. Luvu can move around and is considered a good blitzer — something new coach Dan Quinn likes in his linebackers.
What’s the risk: The risk was in failing to sign a linebacker. Washington lacks depth at the position so it can’t be done adding at this spot, but Luvu gives them a starter. He’ll have to show he can handle calling signals all the time — he did handle it after Shaq Thompson was lost for the season in Carolina last year. Luvu also was named a captain. Washington is betting that he’ll continue to ascend; the lone risk will be if he does not.
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