Super Bowl LVIII is over, with the Kansas City Chiefs defeating the San Francisco 49ers. That means the offseason is upon us.
The offseason began for Washington five weeks ago after a Week 18 loss to the Dallas Cowboys handed them their eighth consecutive loss to finish the season with a 4-13 record.
Since then, Washington fired head coach Ron Rivera and hired general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn. And with the most salary cap space in the NFL and five of the top 100 picks in the 2024 NFL draft, including No. 2 overall, the Commanders have a chance to drastically improve next season.
But before Washington gets to free agency, it must decide on its 28 free agents. Some will remain, others will leave. Much of it will depend on the price.
We look at Washington’s top 11 free agents and determine if they should stay or go — and why.
WR Curtis Samuel
Samuel played three seasons for Washington after signing as one of its top free agents in 2021. He missed most of his first season, but was a reliable target in each of the past two seasons. Samuel is a good player, still young (27) and can lineup at different positions. However, he will likely demand more than the three-year, $34.5 million contract he signed in 2021. New offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury would love to have Samuel, but Peters can probably find cheaper alternatives.
Verdict: Go
CB Kendall Fuller
Kendall Fuller has played six of his eight NFL seasons in Washington. He came back in 2020 and has been Washington’s top cornerback the entire time. He has some knee issues and will be 29. He is considered one of the top free-agent defensive backs on the market, and the Commanders may not want to pay more than the $10 million average annual salary he’s earned the past four seasons. This is a tough call. Fuller is a versatile player who can line up at numerous positions, a locker-room leader, excellent tackler and has a high football IQ. But this will come down to money. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Commanders sign someone from the outside who is younger.
Verdict: Go
S Kam Curl
Kam Curl’s free agency should be fascinating. How will he be viewed around the NFL? Washington has loved Curl. He is an excellent player and is always reliable. Some feel that he could be a cornerstone player for Quinn over the next few years, but, again, this will come down to cost. Curl isn’t a playmaker, meaning he does not force turnovers. That could knock his value down a bit on the open market. Curl and the Commanders will find a way to get something done.
Verdict: Stay
RB Antonio Gibson
Antonio Gibson is such a case of what if for the Commanders. Neither Scott Turner nor Eric Bieniemy really ever knew how to best use Gibson. A college wide receiver, Gibson transitioned into a full-time running back in the NFL and rushed for over 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns as a rookie. His production went down each season, and he battled fumbling issues. With Kingsbury in town, Gibson could be an intriguing player to keep. He can offer similar versatility as Samuel for cheaper. He is much bigger with less wiggle than Samuel, but he is a playmaker. Unfortunately, Washington may think it can find a cheaper player in the draft. But don’t be shocked if Gibson is back in the burgundy and gold next season.
Verdict: Go
OT Cornelius Lucas
People often overlook Lucas. In four years in Washington, he’s played in 62 games with 31 starts. He’s started at left and right tackle. While he should never be considered one of your starting tackles, Lucas is the ideal swing tackle every NFL team should have. If you lose one of your starters, Lucas is a capable and dependable reserve. He’ll be 33 in 2024, so that will keep his price down. Why not bring him back on a one-year deal?
Verdict: Stay
LB Cody Barton
Barton played almost every snap for the Washington defense when he wasn’t hurt. He wasn’t very good. There are things to like about Barton, as he has good size, is physical and has good speed, but he was often slow to react in 2023. He should be a long-term backup somewhere, and it’s doubtful that’ll happen in Washington.
Verdict: Go
LB Khaleke Hudson
When Quinn described the type of players he loved, Hudson fit those descriptions to a tee. Every time he gets an opportunity to play, he does a good job. You’re not getting a star in Hudson, but you will get a smart, athletic player who gives you 100% on every snap, whether it’s on defense or special teams. He makes plays and he’s reliable. He should be back on a modest contract.
Verdict: Stay
S Jeremy Reaves
Another beloved player. Reaves had a dream 2022 season when he was honored as a Pro Bowler and first-team All-Pro for his work on special teams. Sadly, he injured his knee in Week 5 and was lost for the season. In Reaves, you’re getting a standout on special teams who is a solid backup at safety, too. When Reaves plays on defense, he is solid. Reaves should be back for many reasons. And he will not cost Washington a lot to retain.
Verdict: Stay
DE James Smith-Williams
A seventh-round pick in the 2020 NFL draft, Smith-Williams delivered over the course of his first four years. Due to injuries, he played a lot. Unfortunately, he doesn’t give you anything as a pass rusher. He can set the edge and play the run, which you need on your roster. Washington will be aggressive at upgrading the pass rush, and it could decide to keep a pair of second-year players — K.J. Henry and Andre Jones Jr. — over Smith-Williams. They offer more potential as pass rushers and are on rookie contracts. Smith-Williams and his good buddy Casey Toohill are likely competing for one spot to remain.
Verdict: Go
DE Casey Toohill
Toohill had a career-high five sacks in 2023. He started eight games after the Commanders traded Chase Young and Montez Sweat. He was one of several defensive ends who had an opportunity to prove they could get to opposing quarterbacks with some frequency. While he was the best of the bunch, he didn’t prove he should be back under a new regime. Quinn could pick between Toohill and Smith-Williams, and if he does, he’ll likely go with the guy who provides more pass rush — and that’s Toohill. Regardless of who stays, they are more rotational defensive ends than full-time starters, which is important.
Verdict: Stay
G Saahdiq Charles
Washington waited four years for Charles to deliver on his talent and it never happened. A college tackle, Washington moved Charles inside. He showed tremendous potential at times, but consistency evaded him. There were also the injuries. He is unlikely to be back in 2024.
Verdict: Go
