Commanders' Last-Minute Guide to 2024 NFL Free Agency
The Washington Commanders were one of the NFL's worst teams in 2023, and now, they're poised to be one of the league's most interesting.
The Commanders have a new and experienced coaching staff consisting of head coach Dan Quinn, offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. Washington also owns the No. 2 pick in April's draft and more cap space than any other franchise.
Washington has a very real chance to improve dramatically in 2024, and the work will begin when free agency officially kicks off at 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday.
Here, you'll find a final look at Washington's biggest needs, top impending free agents and potential free-agent targets.
Overview
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Projected Cap Space: $96 Million
The Commanders have numerous needs for new general manager Adam Peters to address this offseason. We're talking about a team that won only four games while ranking dead-last in total defense, 24th in total offense, dead-last in points allowed and 25th in scoring.
Washington's biggest need remains at quarterback, where second-year man Sam Howell simply didn't show enough in 2023. While the Commanders haven't publicly turned the page on Howell yet, the presumption is that they'll target a new quarterback with the second overall pick.
Howell, meanwhile, could become a viable trade chip.
"Several teams" would be interested in Howell if he becomes available, according to Ralph Vacchiano of Fox Sports.
And while the plan is likely to draft Washington's next quarterback of the future in April, the Commanders can spend the next several weeks preparing for that draft choice by upgrading most other areas of the roster.
Fortunately, Peters and the Commanders will have no shortage of cap space.
Notable Free Agents
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LB Cody Barton
QB Jacoby Brissett
S Kamren Curl
CB Kendall Fuller
OT Cornelius Lucas
G Charles Saahdiq
WR Curtis Samuel
K Joey Slye
While the Commanders' roster wasn't good this past season, it wasn't entirely devoid of talent. Washington can afford to let several players walk, but a couple of impending free agents should be priorities.
Specifically, the Commanders should work hard to retain safety Kamren Curl and cornerback Kendall Fuller. While neither was great statistically in a bad Washington defense this past season, but are above-average starters who will generate heavy interest on the open market.
Fuller and Curl were ranked eighth and 19th overall, respectively, on Bleacher Report's 2024 free agency big board. Both defensive backs have the potential to be defensive building blocks for the rebuilding Commanders.
Offensively, Washington should also seriously consider keeping wide receiver Curtis Samuel. The versatile playmaker finished second on the team in receiving yards behind standout Terry McLaurin last season, and he'd provide a very reliable target for Washington's next quarterback.
The offensive line, which surrendered 65 sacks last season, could largely use an overhaul. However, keeping a player like Cornelius Lucas or Charles Saahdiq could make some sense for insurance purposes.
Biggest Needs and Potential Targets
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Quarterback
Washington shouldn't be in the mix for a pricey veteran quarterback like Kirk Cousins or Baker Mayfield this offseason—not with a quarterback almost assuredly coming with the second overall pick.
However, it would be logical to sing a veteran signal-caller to be a mentor and/or to provide a bridge if needed. Backup Jacoby Brissett is set to be a free agent, and even if Howell isn't traded, he may have no interest in advising his replacement.
If Brissett cannot be retained, veterans like Tyrod Taylor, Gardner Minshew and Drew Lock would make plenty of sense to fill the gap in Washington.
Edge-Rusher
The Commanders chose draft and cap capital over pass-rushing talent at last year's trade deadline, dealing both Montez Sweat and Chase Young. Those deals will aid the incoming regime and the rebuilding effort, but they leave Washington in need of pass-rushing help.
Young and Sweat combined for 11.5 of Washington's 39 sacks in 2023.
Several good sack artists are expected to be available this offseason, though the player pool took a hit when Brian Burns and Josh Allen each received the franchise tag.
The list of remaining pass-rushers, though, is still impressive and headlined by the likes of Danielle Hunter, Bryce Huff, Josh Uche and Jadeveon Clowney.
Guard
Washington's offensive line was a huge liability in 2023, and it's perhaps the one reason why Howell might get a pass for his up-and-down sophomore campaign. The interior of the line was particularly vulnerable, and with Charles and center Tyler Larsen both potentially departing in a few days, it should be a free agency focus.
Fortunately, guard is one of the deeper positions in this year's FA class. The cost of good guards is rising—Kevin Dotson just inked a three-year, $48 million deal with the Los Angeles Rams—but the Commanders would be wise to spend on the position.
The list of starting-quality guards scheduled for free agency includes Robert Hunt, Mike Onwenu, Connor Williams and Kevin Zeitler.
*Cap and contract information via Spotrac.
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