Commanders Still Have Major Needs After Free Agency Week 1
The Washington Commanders have filled some holes on the roster in free agency, but the team is still in need of figuring things out.
Here's a quick look at what the team still needs going into the second week of free agency ...
Feb 27, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Washington Commanders general manager Adam Peters talks to the media at the 2024 NFL Combine at Indiana Convention Center.
Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Quarterback - Like Peters said in Indianapolis he needs a new starting quarterback for his new team, and that's priority No. 1 as we head into the month of April.
The favorite appears to be LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels, but there's plenty of time for that to change or even become more solidified.
Offensive Tackle - Wylie is clearly the team's best tackle at the moment but many expect that title to be challenged with an early draft pick inside the top 40.
In fact, there's a growing desire to see Washington trade back into the first round to grab a late Day 1 tackle like JC Latham from the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Defensive End - Despite the strong free agency moves we wouldn't go as far as to say the position is solidified beyond the realm of another challenger entering the picture.
An NFL Draft prospect like Penn State's Chop Robinson seems like an outside candidate to slip into the second round, but if he does it would be hard for the Commanders to pass him up.
Cornerback - Despite investing a first round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft in the position Peters would be wise to consider dropping another top 100 selection into the group.
Tight End - A healthy and capable Zach Ertz could really provide a safety net for a young quarterback, but he won't be around long to do it.
Grabbing a rookie like Brock Bowers (Georgia) seems unlikely, but a guy like Cade Stover (Ohio State) is more realistic and could develop into the starter of the future.
Free Safety/Nickel - One of the more interesting camp stories is going to be where this new staff plans to play defensive back Quan Martin.
It's possible that decision will be made based on which position they can address through the annual selection meeting.
Future Considerations - There are several other positions that project to need backend players that could be developed into eventual contributors.
Positions like linebacker have had great additions like Bobby Wagner arrive, but will still need to figure out what the future holds.
On top of that, both the kicker and punter positions are held down currently by older players who could find themselves on the replacement schedule sooner rather than later.
