With the first week of the 2024 NFL free agency cycle winding to a close, what is the Commanders’ biggest area of need?
Washington signed 14 new unrestricted free agents: QB Marcus Mariota, RB Austin Ekeler, TE Zach Ertz, C Tyler Biadasz, G Nick Allegretti, DL Dorance Armstrong, DL Dante Fowler Jr., DL Clelin Ferrell, LB Bobby Wagner, LB Frankie Luvu, LB Anthony Pittman, S Jeremy Chinn, K Brandon McManus and LS Tyler Ott.
The Commanders also signed three of their own unrestricted free agents: DL Efe Obada, S Jeremy Reaves and WR Jamison Crowder.
Adam Peters has done a great job of being able to sign players to meet needs at center, guard, edge rusher and linebacker. With Jacoby Brissett wishing to reunite with offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt in New England, Peters also signed Mariota to be a veteran who has lived under the pressure of being the second overall draft selection (2015).
At this point, there is an area of concern, and that would be at offensive tackle. After all, they will need to protect their quarterback better in 2024. The tackles currently on the roster are Andrew Wylie, Alex Akingbulu, Trent Scott, and Braeden Daniels. Mason Brooks is another possibility right now listed simply as “OL.”
The new administration and coaching staff could choose to re-sign Cornelius Lucas. Lucas has served well as a swing tackle, moving wherever needed.
Interestingly, for those who have not yet noticed, the current Commanders roster lists Sam Cosmi as a tackle. Cosmi was switched inside from tackle to guard for 2023 and was arguably the best offensive lineman on the team last season.
The Commanders really need to find some tackles soon and in the draft as well.