NFL Free Agency: 3 Players Washington Commanders Should Target
With the second-most cap space heading into the offseason and a projected five picks in the top 100 in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Washington Commanders will look very different next season regardless of who the decision-makers are.
Per Spotrac, the Commanders are projected to have just over $86 million in cap space to spend in free agency - plenty for a team that could be heading toward a full-blown rebuild. But how should they spend that money?
Here are three impending free agents Washington (4-9) should target.
Dalton Schultz, Houston Texans tight end:
It's no secret that the Commanders have needed more out of their tight ends in recent years. Logan Thomas has been solid but has only topped 500 yards and four touchdowns once in his career in 2020. He also turns 33 and will be in the final year of his contract next season.
Dalton Schultz, 27, has been a reliable target for rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud and is heading toward his fourth straight season with at least 500 yards and four touchdowns. Schultz has 40 catches for 455 yards and five touchdowns through 11 games this season.
Before signing a one-year deal with the Texans, Schultz had 211 catches for 2,122 yards and 17 touchdowns across five seasons for the Dallas Cowboys.
Few players can help a young quarterback more than a solid tight end. Schultz can be just that for Sam Howell.
Dalton Schultz has caught 22 touchdowns in his career.
Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Kevin Zeitler, Baltimore Ravens offensive lineman
Few units have been more disappointing than the Commanders' offensive line. They have allowed 58 sacks, the second most in the NFL this season.
Kevin Zeitler, 33, has been one of the more reliable offensive linemen in the NFL across his 12-year career. PFF has graded him at 70.1 and has credited him with only allowing two sacks this season. His leadership could be pivotal for a team that needs to draft and develop young offensive linemen.
If the Commanders' offense is going to do a better job of keeping their quarterback upright, signing an offensive lineman of Zeitler would be a step in the right direction.
Stephon Gilmore, Dallas Cowboys cornerback
No unit has fallen off more than Washington's defense.
After allowing the seventh-fewest points per game (20.2) in 2022, the Commanders have allowed the most (30.4) through 13 games this season. They've also allowed the most passing yards (266) per game, compared to the fourth-fewest (191.3) last season.
Stephon Gilmore would be of a similar mold to Zeitler, a reliable veteran who can be pivotal toward the Commanders' development of young defensive backs like rookie first-round pick Emmanuel Forbes.
Gilmore has two interceptions this season and a solid grade from PFF with a 70.9.
If Washington could sign Gilmore, he'd provide stability in the back end of a Commanders defense in desperate need of a veteran who can produce and help mentor their young players.
