So, with the Commanders having a substantial need for edge rushers, a center, offensive tackle, left guard, and tight end, would they sign a player for perhaps too much money?
So often, in NFL free agency, the first two days result in players being extremely overpaid. Then, the price tag significantly reduces, and players are signed to contracts that make much more sense according to their actual value.
In their first four seasons in the NFL, Detroit Lions guard Jonah Jackson was quite durable the first two seasons starting all 16 games. In the last two seasons, he has missed four and five games, respectively. Is this a trend of his durability waning? It may be nothing of the sort. It’s the type of questions that Adam Peters and others must consider and sometimes it is much harder to know which decision to make.
Bengals tackle Jonah Jackson has spent time at both left and right tackle in his first four seasons. According to PFF, in his 2023 season, he earned only a 59.1 grade. So, again, a general manager like Peters must consider what to make of such a low grade this past season. Was it an anomaly? Is it part of a downward trend?
The Jets Bryce Huff is an edge rusher who has been speculated to be coveted by the Commanders. PFF reported that Huff “ranks first among 73 qualifying edge defenders with a pressure rate of 20.9% since 2022, and his 90.4 pass-rushing grade over the span places him sixth at the position.”
Dolphins guard Robert Hunt enjoyed perhaps his finest season in 2023, scoring a 76.4 PFF grade. In his four seasons, Hunt ranks 14th among NFL guards with a 73.2 pass-blocking grade. Hunt did, however, miss seven games during the 2023 season.
Will the Commanders be able to meet a couple of needs during this free agency period next week without overspending?
