Commanders' Last-Minute Guide to 2023 NFL Free Agency
The Washington Commanders head toward 2023 free agency with a lot of work in front of them.
Washington was close to being a playoff team this past season, finishing with a respectable 8-8-1 record. However, it was the only NFC East team that did not make the postseason. And while the Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles appear to have their franchise quarterbacks in place, the Commanders are still searching.
Second-year quarterback Sam Howell could be the guy, but Washington is not guaranteeing him the starting job.
"We'll give him every opportunity to earn it, and we'll see what happens when we get into training camp and through it," head coach Ron Rivera said, per Charean Williams of ProFootballTalk.
Much of the offseason will be focused on Howell's development, but the Commanders also need to put a quality team around him. That process starts in free agency, which officially opens at 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday.
Below, you'll find a quick refresher on the Commanders' biggest needs, most notable free agents, potential targets and cap situation heading into free-agency week.
Overview
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Projected Cap Space: $16.6 million
The Commanders already took care of one piece of offseason business by giving standout defensive tackle Daron Payne the non-exclusive franchise tag. Payne logged an impressive 64 tackles, 11.5 sacks and five passes defended in 2022. Barring an unforeseen development, he'll play in Washington again this season.
Using the tag will cost the Commanders $18.9 million in 2023. That's a hefty chunk of cap space, but Washington still has just under $17 million in projected cap room.
While that's not an excessive amount, it's more than enough for the Commanders to be players on the open market—especially if general manager Martin Mayhew gets creative with his contract structuring.
And Washington could be aggressive in free agency. With Eric Bieniemey entering the fold as the new offensive coordinator, the Commanders could want several new players who fit his vision for the offense. First, though, Washington must consider re-signing a few of its own.
Notable Free Agents
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LB Jon Bostic
QB Taylor Heinicke
LB Cole Holcomb
CB Danny Johnson
C Tyler Larsen
DE Efe Obada
WR Cam Sims
G Trai Turner
The good news for Washington is that there aren't many full-time starters slated to hit the open market. Right guard Trai Turner, linebacker Cole Holcomb and nickelback Danny Johnson are arguably the biggest contributors headed to market.
Defensive end Efe Obada (four sacks, 24 tackles in 2022) is a fine rotational player who would be worth keeping. Backup center Tyler Larsen and linebacker Jon Bostic provide valuable depth as well.
Cam Sims has fallen out of the offensive game plan since logging 477 yards back in 2020, but he knows Washington's personnel—though perhaps not the scheme Bieniemy is introducing—and plays special teams.
The big unknown is whether Washington will retain quarterback Taylor Heinicke as a mentor for Howell. Heinicke started 24 games for the Commanders over the last two seasons, and with Carson Wentz gone, he's the most experienced signal-caller in Washington. With Howell being labeled QB1, at least entering the offseason, Heinicke may try to earn a starting job elsewhere.
Biggest Needs and Potential Targets
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Offensive Line
The Commanders could be inclined to let Turner walk after one year with the team. Regardless, Washington should be interested in upgrading an offensive line that allowed 48 sacks in 2022.
If Howell is going to be the future, the Commanders must be sure to protect him.
Fortunately, several intriguing free agents are scheduled to be available. Guards Ben Powers, Nate Davis and Dalton Risner should all be of interest to the Commanders. It could also make sense to pursue Kansas City Chiefs tackle Orlando Brown Jr.
Brown is a four-time Pro Bowler who has played both tackle positions. He's also well-versed in Bieniemy's offense after spending the last two years in Kansas City.
Linebacker
With Holcomb and Bostic headed to free agency, Washington should think long and hard about adding another quality linebacker to play next to budding star Jamin Davis.
Washington should also be eager to upgrade a run defense that ranked 16th in yards per carry allowed (4.4) in 2022. Adding a premier linebacker behind the team's powerful defensive front could help do just that.
Several good linebackers are expected to be available, including Tremaine Edmunds, Lavonte David, Drue Tranquill, David Long Jr. and Deion Jones. Adding one of them in free agency would be logical.
Quarterback
While Howell might be Washington's quarterback of the future, it will need to sign a veteran signal-caller if it doesn't retain Heinicke. Rivera has admitted that he'd prefer a quarterback who will push Howell in camp.
"We're not looking for a guy we've got to spend a lot of capital on," Rivera said, per Williams. "We're looking for a guy that's going to come in and compete, first and foremost."
If that quarterback isn't Heinicke, Washington could look to an experienced veteran like Jacoby Brissett or Mike White. It could also take a flier on a younger quarterback like Baker Mayfield or Sam Darnold, depending on their price points.
Washington should not be in on Jimmy Garoppolo, who has a projected market value of $34.9 million annually. He's the sort of pricey acquisition that Washington isn't interested in making for the quarterback room.
* Contract and market information via Spotrac.
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