The NFL salary ceiling increased to $255 million this year, elevating the Washington Commanders along with it.
The Commanders now have the most cap space in the National Football League, with $96 million to spend, allowing them to rely heavily on free agency to fill voids in their squad.
Washington could use part of that money to bolster its defence, which is losing linebacker Cody Barton, safety Kam Curl, and cornerback Kendall Fuller. The Commanders also traded two defensive ends, Montez Sweat and Chase Young, midway through the 2023 season.
“Their biggest weakness is defence, and that’s where the free agent group excels,” analyst Sam Monson said on “The PFF NFL Podcast” Thursday. “I think they can go shopping in free agency and actually bring in some players that legitimately transform the defence.”
Monson believes the Commanders could pursue top linebackers such as Danielle Hunter of the Minnesota Vikings, Brian Burns of the Carolina Panthers, and Bryce Huff of the New York Jets.
“With the money they have, they could do both. “They could double-dip,” Monson explained. “If they could come out of this free agent group with two starters, even if they’re high-priced ones, I think that would be good.”
To fill Curl’s safety post, the commanders could turn to Kyle Dugger, a former New England Patriot.
“With his rare position versatility at 6-foot-2 and 228 pounds, Dugger can be deployed at multiple levels in subpackage personnel to create impact production,” wrote ESPN’s Matt Bowen, saying that the safety may suit coach Dan Quinn’s defence.
As Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator, Quinn showcased the hybrid skill sets of players like Micah Parsons and Jayron Kearse, who is now a free agent. Parsons alternated between linebacker and defensive line, while Kearse played both safety and linebacker.
The increased 2024 salary cap might benefit teams like the Cowboys, who are trying to stay under the limit. According to Spotrac, Dallas will need to restructure at least $3.2 million in player compensation to meet the criteria.
Other teams that must perform financial gymnastics this offseason include the New Orleans Saints, Buffalo Bills, and Miami Dolphins.
The $255 million ceiling, a $30 million increase over 2023, provides more flexibility to teams juggling large quarterback contracts and high-priced veterans. Front offices throughout the league estimated a cap closer to $240 million.
The new restriction, which the NFL attributed to increased broadcast income, allows failing teams like the Commanders to quickly revamp their roster through free agency.
With plenty of budget room, Washington could fix glaring deficiencies on the offensive line, where defences sacked quarterback Sam Howell a league-high 65 times in 2023. Though right guard Sam Cosmi is set to maintain his starting spot following a successful season, the Commanders may look to free
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