Commanders Free Agency Plan: Splash Signings or Address Team Needs?

The Commanders locked Daron Payne away for the next four years, but with free agency looming, is the franchise set to be big players or will they address several needs instead?

As the NFL's legal tampering period and free agency approaches, the Washington Commanders moved to secure a key defensive piece.

Daron Payne, who was initially franchise tagged, signed a four-year, $90 million contract with Washington in what many hope is the first of many dominos to fall over the next few days.

With Payne's future sorted, could Ron Rivera and his front office now have a clearer picture in mind regarding free agency?

The quarterback position is the most pressing need for Washington. With Jimmy Garoppolo the last of the "big names," still unsigned, could the franchise now turn its attention to getting a veteran signal-caller? 

Or are they happy with the 2023 season being a "see what we have with Sam Howell" type of year? If that is the case, could adding another weapon to the cards?

Some players who could be available and on the cheap are Juju Smith-Schuster and Jakobi Meyers, while others in Odell Beckham Jr. and DeAndre Hopkins are likely out of the question given the salary both would command.

Another interesting idea is Washington fortifying its offensive line. Players such as Kansas City Chiefs Orlando Brown Jr, San Francisco 49er Mike McGlinchey, Indianapolis Colts' Ryan Kelly and Jacksonville Jaguars' Jawaan Taylor could all be seen as upgrades on the offensive line.

All of whom wouldn't break the bank (Brown Jr. could command a sizeable fee) and could help ease Howell's transition as the team's starting quarterback.

Plenty of options are available, not to mention the Commanders holding the 16th pick in the draft as well. 

So, does Washington go for a "splash" signing in free agency or attend to other needs cost-effectively? 

It makes for exciting viewing over the next few days.

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