2022 Commanders free agency preview: Brandon Scherff is as good as gone

Brandon Scherff is Washington’s top free agent, but unlikely to return in 2022.

The Washington Commanders drafted Brandon Scherff No. 5 overall in the 2015 NFL draft. The goal was to play Scherff at right tackle, opposite of perennial Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams, and Washington would be set at offensive tackle for at least a decade.

Things didn’t work out as planned as it didn’t take long for coaches to realize Scherff would operate best at guard, while 2014 third-round pick Morgan Moses would claim right tackle.

It was a smart move by former head coach Jay Gruden and his staff as Moses and Scherff would lock down the right side of Washington’s offensive line for the next six seasons.

Scherff would become a free agent after the 2019  season, and Washington would apply the franchise tag to Scherff. Despite Washington’s attempts to work out a long-term agreement with Scherff, he would also play under the franchise tag in 2021.

Now, he will hit unrestricted free agency for the first time in his NFL career.