Washington Commanders’ 2023 season: 4-13; missed playoffs.
Overview: The franchise underwent seismic transformation last offseason when team owner Dan Snyder was forced to sell following decades of scandal and turmoil. Josh Harris’ new ownership group paid a world record of $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 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’ pass rush was diminished by the trades of Montez Sweat and Chase Young in the middle of the season; thus, that area must be addressed. 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
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