New Washington general manager Adam Peters has his work cut out for him this offseason. Peters inherits a roster with plenty of holes on both sides of the ball.
Fortunately for Peters, the Commanders have six of the top 102 selections in the 2024 NFL draft, including No. 2 overall, and an estimated $75-80 million in cap space this offseason.
Before Peters attacks the roster, he must first find a head coach. Washington’s head coaching search picked up last week with several candidates interviewed.
With some of their teams eliminated from the playoffs, the Commanders could begin scheduling second interviews this week. However, four of the coaches Washington interviewed remain alive in the NFL playoffs, and the Commanders will need to wait at least another week before pursuing a second interview.
As for Washington’s roster, we rank the Commanders’ top 10 needs heading into the 2024 offseason.
1. Quarterback
Sam Howell did some good things in 2023. However, his final seven games led to him being benched twice. Howell was dealt a lousy hand in 2023. Former coach Ron Rivera put all his chips on Howell — a 2022 fifth-round pick — and would double down on Howell every time he was questioned about the young passer. That was a lot of pressure from Howell, and he didn’t receive a lot of help from his offensive coordinator — who didn’t like to run the football — his offensive line, or his wide receivers.
While Howell is under contract for two more seasons, it would be criminal not to consider a quarterback at No. 2 overall in the draft. Peters is smart, and the odds are Washington will come away with a young passer in April to pair with Howell in 2024.
2. Edge Rusher
This room will look a lot different in 2024. Washington began the 2023 season with Chase Young, Montez Sweat, James Smith-Williams, Casey Toohill and Efe Obada — its top five defensive ends — all slated for free agency in 2024. So, the Commanders spent two day-three picks on edge rushers K.J. Henry and Andre Jones Jr. in the 2023 NFL draft.
Young and Sweat were traded at the NFL trade deadline. Smith-Williams and Toohill are not permanent starters, while Obada is a veteran and is doubtful to return. Henry showed some flashes but, right now, is more of a rotational player, while Jones failed to distinguish himself after an impressive summer. You could see Toohill or Smith-Williams back in a rotational role, but the Commanders will hunt for two starters on the edges. While we may not know who the defensive coordinator is, or what type of scheme they will run, we do know Washington badly needs pass-rushing help.
3. Tight end
Logan Thomas is beloved in Washington’s locker room. The veteran had a career year in 2020 but failed over the past three seasons to deliver a strong follow-up season. Of course, he battled injuries, but Thomas lacks any type of explosiveness after the catch. As a veteran in his 30s, he’s probably a salary-cap casualty this offseason.
Most top tight ends are found in the NFL draft — not free agency. Georgia’s Blake Bowers is likely a top-15 pick. Washington will not take a tight end that high; however, it could select one with one of their second-round picks. A good tight end is a quarterback’s best friend, especially a young quarterback. Expect Peters to heavily target the position in the draft. Remember, it was Peters who found George Kittle in his first draft for the 49ers in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL draft.
4. Left guard
Washington needs to remake the offensive line in 2024. The Commanders struggled badly up front in 2023, particularly at left guard, center and right tackle. Saahdiq Charles failed to prove he should be in the franchise’s long-term plans after an up-and-down four seasons at guard and tackle. Chris Paul started several games at left guard, and he, too, struggled. There will be a new left guard in 2024.
5. Cornerback
It’s a shame Washington needs more help at cornerback after spending so many resources on the position. Emmanuel Forbes, a first-round pick in 2023, struggled badly. The Commanders better hope he can turn things around once he gets better coaching. Benjamin St-Juste went backward in his third season after showing promise in 2022. Forbes’ fellow rookie, Quan Martin, is a player to watch here. Martin was impressive and can play numerous positions.
The Commanders’ best corner, veteran Kendall Fuller, is a free agent. Washington would like to have him back as he can also play corner or safety. Even if Fuller returns, expect Peters to target a starting cornerback this offseason.
6. Center
The Commanders signed Nick Gates to a three-year contract last offseason, and he was benched by Week 8. He returned later in the season when Tyler Larsen was hurt. Larsen was better, but he is over 30 and injury-prone. The Commanders selected Ricky Stromberg in the third round last season, but he finished 2023 on injured reserve. With a new quarterback likely coming in, it’s essential that Washington fixes this position. Perhaps Gates is the answer with a different scheme, or Stromberg is healthy and ready to take over. Regardless, finding a solution here is critical for the offensive line this offseason.
7. Right tackle
Wylie signed a two-year deal last offseason after a strong performance in the playoffs for the Chiefs during their Super Bowl run. He struggled with opposing pass rushers all season. Wylie is better at guard. However, he’s not moving to right guard because Sam Cosmi is excellent there. Perhaps Peters sees Wylie as an option at left guard, leaving one less hole to fill in 2024. Regardless, the Commanders will target a right tackle in free agency or the draft.
8. Linebacker
The Commanders have until early May to decide if they want to exercise Jamin Davis’ fifth-year option. As of now, that appears doubtful. Davis has made significant strides over the past two seasons and is still improving. A coaching change could also change his fortunes. Davis should have never been drafted in the first round, especially as a Mike linebacker.
We would rank linebacker higher on this list, but we aren’t certain of the scheme yet. Davis could benefit from a strong presence in the middle. Rivera and Jack Del Rio foolishly de-emphasized the position over four years, and it showed. Peters drafted Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw in San Francisco, and you can bet he’ll be looking hard for gems at linebacker in rounds three through seven.
9. Left tackle
We aren’t here to pick Charles Leno. He’s not nearly as bad as some on social media tell you he is. However, Leno will be 33 in 2024 and is entering the final year of his contract. The Commanders could also save over $7 million by releasing him this offseason. Washington should be looking for a young upgrade here. Fortunately, the 2024 NFL draft is deep at offensive tackle. It wouldn’t be shocking to see the Commanders select two offensive tackles. Peters will not ignore the offensive line as Rivera did.
10. Shifty running back
Washington needs a pass-catching back in the mold of J.D. McKissic. McKissic was excellent before an injury likely ended his career. The Commanders never entirely used Antonio Gibson properly. A third-round pick in 2020, Washington immediately made him a full-time running back, and he succeeded. However, his best role was always as an offensive weapon. Have some carries and catch passes in space. He is now a free agent.
Look around the NFL, and you’ll see some of the best offenses have a strong pass-catching back. The Commanders have a good starter in Brian Robinson Jr. Robinson is a solid receiver, too, but he’s not the shifty type they need on third downs. Chris Rodriguez Jr. is also another promising young back. Look for a day-three selection here.
