The Washington Commanders fell just short of their pursuit of a playoff spot during the 2022 season. They went 8-8-1, finishing a half-game behind the Seattle Seahawks for the final Wild Card spot in the NFC.
To help get over the hump in 2023, the Commanders are going to have to be active in free agency filling the holes on their roster. There is a lot for Ron Rivera to work with, as the front office has done a solid job of unearthing talent through different avenues. With a little bit of cap space to spend, it is time to augment the roster.
Washington will spend a decent chunk of their money retaining their players, such as defensive tackle Daron Payne and guard Wes Schweitzer. After that, it will be all about adding pieces.
Who could the Commanders look to target? Here are three free agents that they should pursue during free agency.
3. LB Tremaine Edmunds
The Commanders have the makings of what can be a dominant defense. They have a front seven that gets after the quarterback with regularity without needing to blitz, which makes everyone else’s life easier. A top-10 unit across the board in 2022, all that is left is finding a linebacker to pair with 2021 first-round pick Jamin Davis.
Paying a premium price may not be feasible for Washington with potential big-money deals coming for Payne, Montez Sweat and Chase Young. But, if they can find it in their budget, Tremaine Edmunds would be a wonderful fit on their defense.
Edmunds is coming off a career year in 2022 and is set to cash in as a free agent. He is a premier coverage linebacker and also gets the job done in the run game. A do-it-all linebacker is exactly what the Commanders need and if they can afford it, Edmunds is an ideal fit.
2. OG Nate Davis
The offensive line in Washington has been solid in recent seasons, but they could have a hole to fill on the interior. In addition to Schweitzer, veteran Tre Turner is also set to hit free agency. But, if they can find an upgrade on Turner, who struggled in 2022, they should take that chance.
Turner ranked 64th out of 76 qualifying guards last season with a grade of 53. Adding some youth to that unit while upgrading it as a whole would be a good idea and Nate Davis would provide that.
Davis is entering free agency off the best season of his career with the Tennessee Titans. There is some concern as he finished the season on injured reserve, but the improvements that he made are undeniable. As long as he stays healthy, he is a sizable upgrade over Turner.
1. QB Derek Carr
The biggest need for the Commanders this offseason is a quarterback. Taylor Heinicke has filled in admirably when his number has been called the last two seasons, but he is better suited for a backup job and spot duty, not as a full-time starter.
If Washington wants to truly make that leap up the standings, they need to improve at quarterback. Carson Wentz was not the answer last season and will be replaced. Derek Carr was recently released by the Las Vegas Raiders and should be atop the Commanders’ target list.
Carr struggled in 2022 adjusting to Josh McDaniels’ system but there is no denying that he would be an upgrade for the franchise. Had he been the quarterback in 2022, Washington likely would have made the postseason.
The pieces are in place for a quarterback to step in and succeed right away in Washington. Terry McLaurin is a legitimate No. 1 receiver with Jahan Dotson and Curtis Samuel behind him. Brian Robinson Jr. and Antonio Gibson are a very strong one-two punch in the backfield.
This is an environment that Carr could thrive in right from the start. In addition, Jack Del Rio, who was the Raiders’ head coach during Carr’s best seasons in the NFL, is on the Commanders’ staff. That will bring some familiarity and a level of comfort as Carr embarks on the next chapter of his career.
