Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera said 2023 would be a season in which his team would show growth and improvement. Rivera often referenced his time in Carolina, where he led the Panthers to a 12-4 record in his third year as head coach.
In Rivera’s first two seasons as Carolina’s head coach, he won a combined 13 games. In his first two seasons with Washington, he won 14 games.
How has Washington responded? The Commanders are 7-5-1 after 13 games and are on a bye week in Week 14. Washington began the season 1-4 but has won six of its past eight games and is in a prime position to make the NFC playoffs.
Whenever the season ends, the offseason will be critical for Rivera. There will be questions about the quarterback position. Will the Commanders go all-in on a rookie? Will Washington go with one of the options on the current roster or look for a veteran, such as Jimmy Garoppolo?
The Commanders have their own free agents to worry about, most important is defensive tackle Daron Payne. Payne is having a career season and is only 25 years old. Will Washington sign Payne to a long-term deal or apply the franchise tag?
In addition to Payne, quarterback Taylor Heinicke and linebacker Cole Holcomb are Washington’s other primary free agents. What happens to Heinicke in 2023? He’s certainly earned a raise — from someone. Holcomb was having another solid season before injuring his foot in Week 7. He has since undergone surgery and been placed on injured reserve.
The Commanders have 17 other free agents, according to Over the Cap. Here’s a look at Washington’s 20 free agents in 2023: