The Washington Commanders exceeded all expectations in the first year of the Dan Quinn era. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels was the driving force behind Washington’s comeback, guiding the team back to the NFC Playoffs, where they won two road games before losing in the NFC Championship Game. According to PFF, they will enter the offseason with the third most forecasted cap space out of all 32 clubs.
That means the Commanders will have the resources to improve their roster while facing some predicted free agency departures. Offensively, the Commanders’ urgent needs are at wide receiver, where they plan to add a quality No. 2 and pair him with Terry McLaurin. But Quinn will also want to look at the available defensive assets as he continues to shape this club to his liking. Washington may need to investigate their possibilities at linebacker.
Veteran Bobby Wagner and Dante Fowler Jr. are also ready to become free agents. These two would be significant losses, but Washington might respond with a massive signing of their own. According to Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report, the Commanders may be interested in Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Zack Baun, who is coming off a breakout season that included a Super Bowl LIX victory. “Baun, who was a first-team All-Pro and Defensive Player of the Year finalist, has established himself as a versatile defender.
The only question is whether he can continue to flourish away from Philly’s talented defence, something rival Commanders should be anxious to discover. Washington is attempting to construct a championship contender and may require a new defensive leader with Bobby Wagner set to enter free agency. Signing Baun would be a significant move for a variety of reasons. One, pursuing Baun takes him away from their renowned NFC East foe, who may lose multiple key contributors to free agency in the coming weeks.
However, it also strengthens the Commander’s defence by bringing expertise and leadership into the midst of the formation. By teaming him with rising star Frankie Luvu, Washington immediately improves their defence for the upcoming season. Baun, who recently completed an All-Pro season, will be in high demand by other clubs eager to consolidate their position in the playoffs. However, Washington’s $68 million in effective cap space will give them an advantage over competing clubs in this situation, and they may be able to make Baun the strongest offer.
The Commanders will not want to go too far into that pool to complete this transaction, but with this cap space, Washington should be considered genuine contenders for Baun and other large free agents searching for a new home in free agency.
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