It’s been a busy offseason for the Washington Commanders. After firing head coach Ron Rivera last month, the Commanders have hired a new GM (Adam Peters) and coach (Dan Quinn). Quinn then hired an experienced and balanced staff.
Next up is the NFL combine next week in Indianapolis. But the most important date for all NFL teams is the beginning of the new league year on March 13. On that day, teams can sign free agents from other teams. The legal tampering period opens two days before on March 11.
No team has more cap space than the Commanders. Washington has over $70 million in cap space and the ability to create more. While Peters stated the Commanders will build through the draft, free agency offers an opportunity for Washington to shore up some of its holes ahead of the 2024 NFL draft in April.
Former Washington safety Matt Bowen, one of the game’s best analysts for ESPN, recently previewed free agency and named the best team fit for the top 2024 free agents.
We’ll also include where Bowen said Washington cornerback Kendall Fuller, safety Kam Curl and former defensive end Chase Young would best fit in 2024.
Detroit Lions G Jonah Jackson
Jackson, 27, has started all four years on an excellent Detroit offensive line since entering the league as a third-round pick in the 2020 NFL draft. Jackson could slot in at left guard, with Sam Cosmi playing right guard. Then the Commanders could address the center position either in the draft or sign a veteran. Bowen has Jackson has his 22nd-ranked free agent.
Fitting into Kliff Kingsbury’s offense in Washington, Jackson would immediately upgrade the left guard position. He can keep the pocket firm in pass protection, as he posted a 93.2% pass block win rate in Detroit last season. That’s needed in D.C., as the Commanders allowed 65 sacks in 2023, tied for second most in the NFL. But Jackson is also an interior mauler who can create daylight in the run game, which could help spring Brian Robinson Jr.
New England Patriots S Kyle Dugger
Dugger is Bowen’s No. 25 free agent. Also 27 and entering his fifth NFL season, Dugger was a valuable part of New England’s defense. The Patriots may want Dugger back, but he looks poised to hit the open market. The biggest question here: Why Dugger over Kam Curl? Here’s Bowen’s analysis:
Slotting the versatile Dugger into Dan Quinn’s defense makes a lot of sense. With his rare position versatility at 6-foot-2 and 228 pounds, Dugger can be deployed at multiple levels in sub-package personnel to create impact production. Over four pro seasons with New England, Dugger has 343 tackles, 9 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles and 2.5 sacks.
Dallas Cowboys RB Tony Pollard
Could the Commanders replace one Memphis back (Antonio Gibson) with another (Pollard)? Pollard is Bowen’s No. 46 free agent and would complement Brian Robinson Jr. well. Pollard is coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, but last season didn’t appear as productive as 2022. Could Pollard look for a fresh start in Washington? He would be a good complement. However, the Commanders would be wise to find a similar (cheaper) back in the draft.
With Antonio Gibson heading to free agency, the Commanders could target someone like Pollard on a short-term deal to create a backfield rotation with Brian Robinson Jr. I like that duo. Washington could then reduce the workload for Pollard while maximizing his dual-threat ability. In five pro seasons with the Cowboys, Pollard had 179 receptions, and in 2023 he rushed for over 1,000 yards for a second straight season.
Where does Bowen see as Fuller and Curl's best fits?
No. 19: Washington CB Kendall Fuller — Detroit Lions
Fuller would be a tough loss for Washington, but look for Peters and Quinn to look for a younger replacement as the team’s No. 1 cornerback. Fuller gets a chance to play for a contender, which he deserves.
No. 36: Washington S Kam Curl — New York Jets
Jets coach Robert Saleh would love the dependable and talented Curl. Can Washington lock Curl up ahead of free agency? Or is the new regime content to let him test the open market? The Commanders have some intriguing young players, but Curl has been an important part of their defense for four years.
What about Chase Young?
No. 15: 49ers DE Chase Young — Ravens
Remember the rumors of the Commanders perhaps trading Young to Baltimore? It never happened, but it always seemed like a good place for Young to play in a rotation as he did in San Francisco. Young will most likely have to settle for a one-year deal, and Baltimore would be a good place for a prove-it year.
