The Washington Football Team went 7-10 in the 2021 season. They will be looking to turn things around in 2022 as the Washington Commanders.
This offseason will be an important one for the team as they will be on the hunt for a starting quarterback. Their acquisition of Ryan Fitzpatrick didn’t go as planned last season, as he was injured in Week 1 and didn’t see the field again after that.
Taylor Heinicke showed some flashes filling in as the starter, but Washington would be smart to look for upgrades. The offense has a ceiling with Heinicke running it. He would be an excellent backup, but if they go into 2022 with him as the starter, it will be a bit of a letdown.
That is where a lot of the team’s attention will be, and rightfully so. With improved quarterback play, Washington could have challenged for a playoff spot in 2021. Their improved defense took a step back, which also contributed to the team falling out of the postseason race.
The loss of Chase Young hurts, but this defense has a ton of talent. If they can address their issues at the second level at the linebacker position, they could turn into one of the stronger units in the league.
That is exactly where Bryan Manning of Washington Wire believes they will go. If the Commanders can target one player in free agency this offseason, he believes it should be linebacker De’Vondre Campbell.
Campbell played with the Green Bay Packers in 2021 and proved to be the biggest steal of the last offseason. He signed a one-year deal worth $2 million and turned in an All-Pro season for Green Bay. Now, he will be looking to cash in.
Campbell racked up 111 tackles with two sacks, two interceptions and two forced fumbles. He finished the season with a PFF grade of 85.8 as one of the best linebackers in the NFL. Given the cap issues the Packers are facing and the fact that Davante Adams is also a free agent, it seems unlikely that Campbell will have the franchise tag placed on him.
Washington should pounce if Campbell does hit free agency. There will undoubtedly be questions about whether or not he is a one-hit-wonder, but he would be a nice upgrade in the middle for the Commanders they can count on every week.
Campbell is durable, playing at least 850 snaps every season since his rookie year in 2016. He is a true every-down linebacker, something that is not easy to find. Washington’s glaring need for an inside linebacker would disappear if they were to land Campbell.
