NFL Free Agency: Commanders Sign offensive lineman ranked 22nd among ESPN’s top 50 free agents

If Sam Howell or a rookie quarterback is to turn around the Washington Commanders offence, the offensive line must improve. In 2023, the Commanders’ offensive line was among the worst in football, allowing 65 sacks, tied for second-most. Washington has the most cap flexibility in the league and six of the top 102 picks in the 2024 NFL Draft, allowing it to invest extensively in offensive line improvement. ESPN analyzed the top 50 free agents this offseason and determined where their greatest fit would be, with the Commanders signing Detroit Lions interior offensive lineman Jonah Jackson. ESPN placed Jackson 22nd among the top 50 free agents.

“Fitting into Kliff Kingsbury’s offence in Washington, Jackson would immediately upgrade the left guard position,” the report states. “He can hold the pocket tight in pass protection, as he had a 93.2% pass block victory percentage in Detroit last season. That’s necessary in Washington, where the Commanders allowed 65 sacks in 2023, tied for second most in the NFL. However, Jackson is also an inside mauler who can open up space in the run game, which might aid Brian Robinson Jr.”

Adding anything linked to the Lions offensive line is a step in the right way for Washington, since their offensive line allowed only 31 sacks in 2023, the fourth-lowest total in the NFL. The offensive line paved the way for one of football’s top offences, with the Lions ranking second in passing yards per game (258.9) and sixth in rushing yards (135.9) and points per game (27.1). Jackson, 27, has been a fixture on the Lions’ offensive line since his third-round selection pick in 2020. Jackson also made one Pro Bowl appearance in 2021.

Jackson’s health could be a source of concern. After starting 16 games in 2020 and 2021, he only played 13 in 2022 and 12 last season. He missed five regular-season games in 2023, including the NFC Championship Game against the San Francisco 49ers, owing to a ruptured meniscus that required surgery.
While knee problems for an offensive lineman should cause worry, the Commanders have a significant need at the position. Given how terrible their offensive line was last season and how critical it is to protect your quarterback, especially one who could start in their rookie season, Jackson is well worth the risk for Washington.