During a terrible 2023 Washington Commanders offensive line, right tackle Andrew Wylie was arguably the biggest failure. However, in 2024 NFL free agency, the Cincinnati Bengals’ Jonah Williams can take his position.
According to Bryan Manning of Commanders Wire, Williams is the O-lineman the commanders should want to sign. He argued for a list that Alyssa Barbieri of Touchdown Wire had put together, and according to Manning, Williams is attainable because the Bengals “have other players to pay, even though they would love to retain him.” He ought to have a robust market when he enters free agency.
Despite this, Williams switched to right tackle in 2023 to make room for Orlando Brown, having started his career at left tackle. Williams’ asking price can change if some teams consider him to be a left tackle.
Thankfully, Williams doesn’t require the commanders to pay more than necessary. “Washington should pursue Williams to play right tackle and use the draft to find the left tackle of the future to protect the rookie quarterback,” the statement reads, not where they need him to play.
Although it’s a good strategy, Wylie would undoubtedly run into problems with it. especially considering that he will likely have a higher salary cap burden for the organization in 2024.
Leaders Allow Space for Jonah Williams
Williams has plenty of room to spread out along Washington’s front five. “The Commanders could have as many as four new starters in 2024,” stated Manning. Only RG Sam Cosmi is certain of a position.
After Cosmi progressed from strength to strength in his final season as an NFL draft pick in the second round in 2021, keeping him makes sense. Cosmi received a PFF Commanders grade of “fourth among all guards.”
With Wylie signed by the Commanders due to Cosmi’s problems on the edge, the grade represented a successful position transition for Cosmi. Williams could offer some steadiness to the same position, but that didn’t work out.
On the other hand, Williams was a reliable presence on the right and put on some impressive pass-protection performances. like the Week 15 PFF CIN Bengals performance in which he blanked the Minnesota Vikings.
With performances such as these, Williams’ 2019 NFL draft ranking of 11th overall makes sense. After having shoulder surgery to end his rookie season, Williams returned to form and helped the Bengals of 2021 win the Super Bowl.
He played a significant role in a playoff journey that ended with the Tennessee Titans as casualties. Playing left tackle against Pro Bowl defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons, No. 73 made an amazing drive block that showed off Williams’ strength in the running game and set up Joe Mixon for a touchdown.
Williams would increase the blocking of the Commanders during both stages. Something Wylie had difficulty with in the previous season.
Andrew Wylie Not able to pass the test
After the heights he achieved in aiding the Kansas City Chiefs to the 2023 Super Bowl, Wylie appeared to be a steal when he signed a free agent. According to PFF, Wiley outran Haason Reddick and the Philadelphia Eagles defensive line, which had recorded 70 sacks.
After joining the NFC East, Wylie was unable to replicate that form. Rather, according to Pro Football Focus, the 29-year-old was a walking door for pass-rushers, giving up nine sacks, six quarterback hits, and 42 pressures.
In Week 8, Wylie suffered from mental torture as he faced Reddick again. Mark Tyler of Hogs Haven highlighted this sack, which perfectly encapsulated Wylie’s troubles.
It would be more economical to let Wylie go since, according to Spotrac.com, he will be liable for $9,416,666 in salary limit violations this year. Additionally, in 2025, he will bear a cap hit of $10,416,668.
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