According to Bryan Manning of Commanders Wire, the Commanders should sign Williams as an offensive lineman. He presented his case for a list produced by Touchdown Wire’s Alyssa Barbieri, and Manning believes Williams is attainable because “while the Bengals would love to retain him, they have other players to pay.” He should enter free agency and have a solid market.
Although Williams began his career at left tackle, he switched to right tackle in 2023 to accommodate Orlando Brown. Some teams may view Williams as a left tackle, which might affect his asking price.”
Fortunately, the Commanders do not have to pay over the odds for Williams. “For Washington, it should pursue Williams to play right tackle and use the draft to find the left tackle of the future to protect the rookie quarterback.”
It’s a sound strategy, but it will almost certainly lead to disaster for Wylie. Especially because he’s expected to be one of the team’s biggest cap hits in 2024.
Commanders Have Room for Jonah Williams.
There are plenty of spots for Williams along Washington’s front five. As Manning put it, “the Commanders could have up to four new starters in 2024.” Only RG Sam Cosmi is certain of his position.”
Keeping Cosmi makes sense, given that the second-round pick in the 2021 NFL draft improved significantly last season. Cosmi was ranked “fourth among all guards” by PFF commanders.
The grade represented a successful position transfer for Cosmi, whose problems on the edge led the Commanders to sign Wylie. That didn’t work, but Williams may provide some consistency in the same position.
Williams, on the other hand, was a constant presence on the right side, putting on some outstanding pass protection performances. For example, in Week 15, he blanked the Minnesota Vikings, according to PFF Cincinnati Bengals.
Performances like this explain why Williams was selected 11th overall in the 2019 NFL Draft. Shoulder surgery ended his debut season, but Williams came back strong to help the Bengals reach the Super Bowl in 2021.
He played an important role in a playoff run that saw the Tennessee Titans lose. No. 73’s drive block against Pro-Bowl defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons resulted in a touchdown for Joe Mixon and demonstrated Williams’ running power. Williams’ contributions to the Commanders’ blocking in both phases were significant. Something Wylie struggled with last season.
Andrew Wylie Did not make the grade.
Wylie appeared to be a home run signing in free agency after his performance in helping the Kansas City Chiefs win the 2023 Super Bowl. Wiley dominated Haason Reddick and the Philadelphia Eagles’ defensive front, which had recorded 70 sacks, according to PFF.
When Wylie transferred to the NFC East, he was unable to replicate his previous form. Instead, the 29-year-old was a revolving door for pass rushers, giving up nine sacks, six quarterback hits, and 42 pressures, according to Pro Football Focus.
Wylie was plagued during his Week 8 duel against Reddick. This sack, emphasized by Mark Tyler of Hogs Haven, encapsulated Wylie’s difficulties.
Moving on from Wylie would be a cost-effective move, as he accounts for $9,416,666 against this year’s salary cap, according to Spotrac. He’ll also have a $10,416,668 cap hit in 2025.
The Commanders have an out in ’25, but moving Wylie to left tackle or maybe left guard could help them rescue some of their investment. At the very least, positioning Williams close to Cosmi would ensure that the commanders are strong on one side of the lines.
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