Should Commanders Sign 'Tackling Machine' Rashaan Evans?

Should the Washington Commanders sign free-agent tackling machine Rashaan Evans ahead of their Week 1 contest with the Arizona Cardinals?

The Washington Commanders have some question marks at the linebacker position going into the season.

The team signed Cody Barton from the Seattle Seahawks to replace Cole Holcomb, who inked a deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers earlier in the year ... but the team could use some extra reinforcements.

Perhaps the Commanders should sign free agent linebacker Rashaan Evans.

Last year, Evans played 17 games with the Atlanta Falcons and was a tackling machine. He had a career-best 149 tackles, a total that ranked top eight in the NFL for the 2022 season, and only missed three on the season. 

Still just 27 years old, Evans has the potential to continue improving as he enters what could be the prime years of his career, which could come as a starter for the Commanders.

Rashaan Evans is coming off of his best season as a tackler from his time with the Atlanta Falcons / Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

"Washington is set to start Cody Barton and Jamin Davis in the middle of its defense this season," Bleacher Report writes. "Davis was graded higher than Barton by PFF last season, and he finished just 46th out of 81 linebackers whom they graded. It makes sense to give Davis time to develop. He's in his third season and was a first-round draft pick in 2021. But Evans would make sense as competition for Barton and the third linebacker in base sets."

Although it's surprising that Evans is still sitting on the free agent market, it could have something to do with his struggles in pass coverage last year. In 2022, Evans allowed a 112.6 passer rating while in coverage. Although that number is concerning, he's shown that he can perform much better against the pass than he did last season. 

Back in 2021, Evans only allowed an 82.2 passer rating when targeted. He may never be considered lockdown in coverage, but considering how he locks up players with his tackles, he'd certainly be an asset for the Commanders from day one.

It's unlikely that Washington signs Evans for their Week 1 contest, but don't be surprised if he finds his way onto the roster at some point this season, especially if the team struggles with tackles early on.