Overview: Last offseason, the franchise underwent seismic transition, with team owner Dan Snyder eventually forced to sell after decades of scandal and dysfunction. Josh Harris’ new ownership group paid a world record $6.05 billion for the Commanders, highlighting the potential that one of the NFL’s legacy franchises still has.
On the field, they are a long way from regaining that status. Ron Rivera was sacked after a 2-0 start turned into the worst record of his four-year career. Sam Howell didn’t do much to suggest he’s the answer at quarterback, taking a staggering 65 sacks with middling-to-low-tier advanced metrics (EPA per play, dropback success rate), casting his 3,946 passing yards in a different light, not to mention the 21 interceptions he threw, which matched his 21 touchdowns.
So Harris and company cleaned house, eventually hiring Dan Quinn as head coach despite public feuding with Lions assistant Ben Johnson, as well as recruiting 49ers executive Adam Peters as general manager and returning Kliff Kingsbury to the NFL as offensive coordinator.
With the No. 2 overall pick in a deep quarterback class, as well as the NFL’s most cap room, Washington has the potential to turn things around sooner than expected.
Key Free Agents
CB Kendall Fuller WR Curtis Samuel S Kamren Curl RB Antonio Gibson (OT) Cornelius Lucas (LB) Cody Barton
Who is in or out: A new ownership group and coaching staff means many new faces, and it’s unlikely that any of Washington’s next free agents will reach to the level of the “few cornerstone pieces” that new GM Adam Peters has stated are already on the roster. Samuel is likely the closest, but the Commanders may opt to let him walk in a deep wide receiver draft/free agency class. Curl, on the other hand, has versatility in his game, which may lead the Commanders to prioritize his return.
Key free agent needs.
Positions include tight end, edge rusher, and offensive line.
Why are there so many holes? The Commanders reduced their own pass rush group by trading away Montez Sweat and Chase Young in the middle of the season, so that area will require attention. The team hasn’t had a true tight end threat in years, and while Sam Howell frequently held onto the ball for too long, 65 sacks is a lot for any offensive line to give up.
Do they have the money? They have all the money. According to Spotrac, the Commanders have an NFL-high $83.5 million in cap space, over $10 million more than any other team.
Potential notable cuts
DT Jonathan Allen, OT Charles Leno Jr.
Why they might have left: Allen, 29, earned the Pro Bowl in 2021 and 2022 despite a modest decline in his performance previous season. The Commanders must decide whether that is worth the $21.4 million cap hit in 2024. Leno Jr., meanwhile, is owed $15.5 million and might be released once the offensive line is rebuilt.
Draft picks
First round: No. 2
Second round: No. 36.
Second round: No. 40 (from the Bears).
Third round: No. 67.
Third round: No. 101 (from the 49ers)
Fourth and fifth rounds
Sixth and seventh rounds
Good draft fit.
Drake Maye, quarterback, North Carolina
Why him? Maye is the top overall prospect on Yahoo Sports draft guru Nate Tice’s big board, with “a blend of size, athleticism, and arm talent, paired with an aggressive mindset.” And the Commanders may very well have him fall to them at No. 2 if the Bears (or whoever trades up to No. 1) prefer USC quarterback Caleb Williams’ upside over Maye. In either case, expect the Commanders to target their future quarterback in this draft class, whether it’s Maye or another top prospect.
What will shift the fantasy football needle this offseason?
The Commanders need to bring in a good quarterback. Fortunately, Washington is in a good position to do just that with the second overall pick.
The coaching staff was a little underwhelming, but there is still skill on this club to help develop a rookie quarterback. Terry McLaurin is a legitimate No. 1 receiver who has never been partnered with a competent quarterback. He’d be the ideal veteran to jumpstart a young player’s growth quickly. Jahan Dotson was not productive last year, but he had the potential to be a quality starting flanker or slot receiver. Brian Robinson has been a good back for the past two seasons. We’ve seen some of these players make an impact in fantasy without stellar quarterback play, and they might all improve if Washington hits at No. 2 overall. — Matthew Harmon
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