The Washington Commanders signed two more players this week, bringing their total to 19 since free agency opened last week. The Commanders have signed 16 outside free agents and re-signed three of their own.
Washington entered free agency with over $80 million in effective cap space. Even with these signings, the Commanders still have plenty of room to make additional moves. After signing two cornerbacks, Washington still has not added an offensive tackle. While that will be addressed in next month’s NFL draft, the Commanders should still consider adding a veteran or two at some point.
Overall, though, everyone has praised Washington’s free-agency moves. General manager Adam Peters has improved the 2024 roster without sacrificing future financial flexibility.
Commanders Wire graded each of Washington’s moves over the weekend.
Now, Brad Spielberger of Pro Football Focus weighs in on free agency, grading all 16 NFC teams. Spielberger gave four NFC teams an “A-” for their work in free agency. He gave Washington the highest grade — an “A.”
(Dorance) Armstrong is a proven perfect fit with new Commanders head coach Dan Quinn, who immediately helped him take his game to new heights upon arriving in Dallas three years ago. Washington could still stand to make another move at edge rusher, with Armstrong more a rotational piece than a top guy, but linebacker Frankie Luvu also adds another pass rush element.
Ekeler brings the pass-catching element to Washington, which lost Antonio Gibson in free agency to the New England Patriots. Ekeler’s pairing with Brian Robinson is a perfect complement of skills in the backfield.
The Washington Commanders join the New England Patriots as a team picking in the top three of the draft that probably doesn’t want a young player backing up a top draft pick, with Jacoby Brissett and Mariota now serving as bridges to the future. Mariota was the No. 2 overall pick back in 2015 and can now mentor the No. 2 pick in 2024. In addition, his athleticism and mobility, paired with a big arm, is the profile of quarterback Kliff Kingsbury likes to work with.
There has been a lot of discussion about what Washington will do with the No. 2 overall pick. Regardless of what the Minnesota Vikings want to do in the first round, the Commanders have control once Caleb Williams comes off the board at No. 1. And Washington is taking a quarterback.
Whether it’s Drake Maye or Jayden Daniels, Washington’s next quarterback will have plenty of help thanks to the Commanders’ strong free-agent class.
