Category: 2022 Offseason

Did any Commanders make ESPN’s list of best team fits for top 50 free agents?

Is Washington a good fit for any of ESPN’s top 50 free agents?

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The Washington Commanders were aggressive early in the 2021 free-agency signing period. Washington signed quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick to a one-year deal and inked wide receiver Curtis Samuel and cornerback William Jackson III to three-year contracts.

The early results for these signings weren’t encouraging; however, Jackson did turn his season around in the second half before missing the final three games due to injury. Fitzpatrick attempted six passes, while Samuel caught six passes.

The Commanders are certainly hoping for a bounceback season from Samuel in 2022 when he is paired with a new quarterback. The mystery of Washington’s offseason is who will it land to play quarterback?

That answer is likely not in free agency, although the Commanders could sign a veteran if they fail to land a top target through the trade market. If Washington is forced to sign a veteran like Jameis Winston or Mitchell Trubisky, it will still likely select a quarterback high in the 2022 NFL draft.

Outside of quarterback, how aggressive will the Commanders be in free agency?

ESPN recently listed its top 50 free agents, and Jeremy Fowler and Matt Bowen followed that up with the best team fit for those free agents. Surprisingly, the Commanders aren’t listed as the best fit for any of the top free agents.

Washington guard Brandon Scherff, the No. 13 free agent, is listed as the best fit for Carolina. That’s not a surprise as no one expects the Pro Bowl guard back in Washington.

These opinions are completely subjective. Washington will be involved with some free agents, as it looks to surround the new quarterback with pieces to make a run. Two free agents I like for the Commanders among ESPN’s top 50 are Rams guard Austin Corbett (No. 48) to replace Scherff, and Packers linebacker De’Vondre Campbell (No. 43).

Campbell was a player I liked last offseason and the Packers signed him on the cheap. Campbell had the best season of his career and was named first-team All-Pro. He will get paid. Signing Campbell would fill Washington’s biggest need on defense and allow the team to use its draft picks on either a quarterback or other offensive weapons for the new quarterback.

It’s going to be a massive offseason for Washington coach Ron Rivera.

 

Ron Rivera, the man in ‘Command’

Ron Rivera talks John Madden, and tells the origins of “Riverboat Ron.”

How did Ron Rivera become “Riverboat Ron?”

Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera aka “Riverboat Ron” recounted the story Friday as a guest on Pro Football Talk with host Mike Florio.

As a high school football player, he and his friends were out one day in Monterey, California, when suddenly Rivera spotted this large man and his family together. It was Oakland Raiders head coach John Madden. Rivera approached him, introduced himself, they chatted briefly and Rivera told Madden he was going to play in the NFL someday. To which Madden responded, encouraging Rivera to follow his dream, signing an autograph for Rivera. Rivera still possesses Madden’s autograph in an old scrapbook.

30 years later, Rivera had been a head coach for two seasons with the Carolina Panthers. Panthers owner Jerry Richardson advised Rivera he needed a mentor, instructing Rivera his good friend was expecting Rivera’s call. Richardson’s friend was none other than John Madden.

Rivera telephoned Madden and was told directly that he was only 3-13 in games decided by 6 points or less. Madden encouraged Rivera to look at those games again, asking himself what he could do differently. Following Madden’s advice, watching the film, taking notes on those games, resulted in about a 15-to-20-page report.

Rivera traveled to Madden, bringing the report for Madden to see, only to be told by Madden the report was not for Madden, but for Rivera, asking, “What did YOU learn?” Rivera felt perhaps he had been too safe, to which Madden responded, “Ron, there is no book. You’ve coached enough, you’ve played enough, go from your gut.” Thus “Riverboat Ron” was born, the man willing to gamble when his gut tells him, it is time.

Florio inquired how quarterbacks are more available today than in previous decades and Rivera agreed, pointing to Detroit letting Matthew Stafford go to the Rams for his opportunity to win a Super Bowl, while the Lions have an opportunity to build through the draft choices obtained in the trade.

Would Washington like to do something like that this offseason? “Yes, if the right situation is available, we want to get in on it,” expressed Rivera.

Wearing the new burgundy and gold Commanders’ jacket, Rivera spoke of the Commanders developing and building their own culture. However, the former Chicago Bear linebacker was quick to point out that Joe Gibbs accomplished so much in the past for Washington, winning three Super Bowls with three different quarterbacks. Remembering their great teams Rivera spoke of needing to honor them for their great accomplishments.

He spoke of the NFL owners needing to hire more minorities but also voiced current coaches and front office personnel perhaps need to be introducing owners to other minorities more often along the way.

Florio inquired as to the overtime rule that permits the team first on offense to win the game right away. Rivera understands that can happen, but feels defenses need to make something happen in the overtime. Rivera spoke of fans not complaining about the rule when the defense makes something happen in the overtime period.

Which NFL draft prospect is named as an ideal fit for the Commanders?

Which quarterback was labeled as the best fit for the Commanders?

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The Washington Commanders need a quarterback. Will Washington swing and miss on top targets such as Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson? Probably so.

The Commanders will also check in on the availability of Deshaun Watson and Derek Carr, too, but those discussions probably lead nowhere.

That leaves the 2022 NFL draft. Yes, Washington could sign a veteran like Jameis Winston, Marcus Mariota, or Mitchell Trubisky — all former top-three picks — but everyone would know those players are placeholders for a year, at best.

The Commanders had a large presence at last week’s Senior Bowl. General manager Martin Mayhew, top personnel executive Marty Hurney, offensive coordinator Scott Turner and quarterbacks coach Ken Zampese were among those in Mobile, Alabama, to watch six of the top seven quarterback prospects available in the draft.

One player who came away a winner was Malik Willis of Liberty. The athletic quarterback amazed scouts with his arm strength in the inclement weather and athleticism.

Bleacher Report recently previewed six prospects with rising draft stock and named some ideal landing spots for the six prospects. Willis was deemed a good fit for the Commanders.

Best Fits: Atlanta Falcons, Washington Commanders, Pittsburgh Steelers

Very few prospects have generated as much buzz through the all-star game process in 2022 as Malik Willis (scouting report).

According to the NFL Mock Draft Database, Willis held an average ranking of 35 on big boards on January 23. On February 7—after his performance at the Senior Bowl—his ratings had gone up to 21. Essentially, Willis made a good argument to be taken in the first round.

At Senior Bowl practices, Willis impressed with his arm. ESPN’s Jordan Reid said, “he has the strongest arm of any QB in Mobile” after his performance on Day 2 of practice.

In the actual game, he showed off his wheels with 54 rushing yards on four carries.

Ultimately, Willis might be in the same boat as Trey Lance of the San Francisco 49ers. He has all the tools to be an NFL quarterback, but a year to learn his offensive system and adjust to the speed of the game could be beneficial.

A few teams could afford to do that. The Falcons can start Matt Ryan for one more year. The Commanders could roll with Taylor Heinicke for another season if they needed to. The Steelers could give Mason Rudolph a chance to show he can replace Ben Roethlisberger for a year.

However, all three franchises would benefit from the upside Willis brings to the table.

Willis makes sense for Washington if it fails to land a star. That would likely mean a veteran, such as Trubisky, is signed to start until Willis is ready. While the Commanders love Taylor Heinicke, he will not go into 2022 as the starting quarterback, unless there are injuries.

 

 

Commanders quarterback draft options are varied

Washington will have options at quarterback in the 2022 NFL draft if it fails to land an impact veteran. But how good are those options?

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It’s that time of year.

The offseason where college quarterbacks travel up and down prospective draft boards much more than other players. Happens every year.

Washington is slated to choose in the No. 11 spot for now, barring a trade.

All of December and January, we heard how none of the top quarterbacks in this 2022 draft class would have been in the top five of the 2021 class. You recall the 2021 QB class resulted in Trevor Lawrence going to the Jaguars (1), Zach Wilson to the Jets (2), Trey Lance to the 49ers (3), Justin Fields to the Bears (11) and Mac Jones to the Patriots (15).

Six quarterbacks were at last week’s Senior Bowl week in Mobile, Alabama. How are those six quarterbacks to be ranked? Who knows? Frankly, the rankings differ depending upon the publication, analyst, or scout.

After the Senior Bowl, Pro Football Focus has just ranked their top five quarterbacks for now:

1-Sam Howell, (UNC), 2-Desmond Ridder (Cincinnati), 3- Matt Corral (Ole Miss), 4- Kenny Pickett (Pitt), 5- Carson Strong (Nevada).

Some things jump out right away in their listing. Only three are listed in the top 32, and none are listed as the top 15 players to be drafted. Keep in mind Washington is slated to draft at No. 11.

Yet, according to some analysts, one quarterback actually performed much better last week than the rest, displaying his athleticism and strong passing arm. Which one of the five? Nope, it was actually Malik Willis of Liberty University who has not played against the competition of the other top five in the QB class.

During bad weather on Wednesday, through rain and wind, Willis displayed a stronger arm, generating velocity as his passes cut through the bad conditions better than all other passers.

Willis was projected last month to be a second-round selection. Now he will start moving up draft boards. Then it will be off to the NFL Combine (March 1-7), where quarterbacks will be under the microscope, leaping up and falling down draft boards.

We have a long way to go until April 28-30 for the 2022 NFL Draft, so don’t put too much into these Mock Drafts you see now.

Russell Wilson ‘not against’ being traded to Washington’

Russell Wilson “not against” playing in Washington?

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Did you see the photo from the Pro Bowl this weekend of Jonathan Allen and Russell Wilson?

On Monday morning, Kevin Sheehan, in the first and third hours of his daily show on the Team 980, stated because of the sources he talked to that were in Las Vegas this past week, he is confident that “Russell Wilson is not against being traded to Washington.”

Would Seattle trade Wilson? He is under contract, and would Washington be willing to pay enough to outbid other NFL teams desiring an elite starting quarterback?

Sheehan proposed that if Wilson were to assemble a list of teams to whom he was willing to be traded, he now believes Wilson would include Washington on the list.

Sheehan did not rule out Aaron Rogers, stating he believes Rodgers is better than Wilson and would instantly make the Commanders a contender. He also added that Deshaun Watson is the youngest of the three and would be the ideal choice if Washington’s primary interest were how long they could have one of the three under center. Sheehan did acknowledge no one knows if Washington would even pursue Watson with his current legal issues.

Sheehan said he would choose Rodgers over Wilson if he had a choice for three seasons. Former Washington Redskins safety Mark Murphy the current Chief Executive Officer for the Packers, made it clear over the weekend that the Packers desire Rodgers to return to Green Bay.

Wilson has two years remaining on his contract and would become a free agent following the 2023 NFL season.

Sheehan warned Commanders fans that the franchise would be “mortgaging their future” to trade for either Wilson or Rodgers (five years older than Wilson), and then he took calls from listeners.

 

Commanders land at No. 11 in ESPN ranking of NFL offseason salary cap space, draft picks

Washington is in good shape to fill its two biggest needs this offseason.

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The Washington Commanders desperately need a quarterback. And an inside linebacker. Fortunately for the Commanders, they are in a good position to fill those needs in 2022.

ESPN recently ranked all 32 teams using draft capital, first-round picks and salary-cap rooms to determine which teams were in the best shape to improve this offseason.

Washington was ranked No. 11:

Draft capital AV sum: 77.9
First-round pick: No. 11
Current cap space: $37.5 million

Washington has the No. 11 overall pick, but at the moment only six selections in the 2022 draft. It does have enough cap space to consider a free-agent move at quarterback, but much remains to be seen.

There is good news and bad news. First, Washington doesn’t have a ton of glaring needs. Quarterback and inside linebacker are positions that must be improved heading into 2022. The other needs, such as cornerback, safety, wide receiver, or guard, aren’t as pressing and you can find depth in the middle of the draft or in free agency.

The bad news is what if you need to trade for a quarterback? For instance, if Russell Wilson became available, what would it cost? Or, what if Washington wanted to move inside the top 10 to land a quarterback, such as Malik Willis?

The more you move to land a quarterback, lessens your ability to find a linebacker or to find depth. But, if you somehow landed Wilson — a longshot — you do whatever it takes.

One thing is certain: head coach Ron Rivera cannot afford another offseason with little impact from his top acquisitions, whether via free agency or the 2022 NFL draft.

Washington signs veteran linebacker to a contract extension

David Mayo is back for another season in 2022.

The Washington Football Team signed an inside linebacker on Friday. No, Washington didn’t fill its biggest offseason need, but it kept linebacker David Mayo in town for another season with a one-year contract extension.

Mayo, who signed with Washington last March, played 16 games for the WFT in 2021. Mayo mainly was a key contributor on special teams but did move into the starting lineup at inside linebacker late in the season with rookie Jamin Davis struggling. Mayo played reasonably well, allowing Cole Holcomb to play his more natural position as an outside linebacker.

In the Week 16 loss at Dallas, Mayo played every defensive snap, and the following week played 66% of the snaps.

Keeping Mayo was a smart move for Washington. He’s cheap, he knows the defense, is a critical part of special teams and can help the younger linebackers. And, most importantly for head coach Ron Rivera, he’s reliable.

Former Washington QB Dwayne Haskins will remain in Pittsburgh

Former Washington quarterback Dwayne Haskins may get a chance to compete for Pittsburgh’s starting job in 2022.

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Apparently, Dwayne Haskins is wanted by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reported Sunday afternoon that the Steelers will place a restricted free agent tender on the former Washington quarterback drafted in round one by Washington owner Daniel Snyder.

Interestingly enough, the restricted free-agent tender will be an original-round tender. “Original-round” tender brings back quite the memories for Washington fans. During the 2019 NFL draft, Washington owner Daniel Snyder made it known he wanted Haskins with the 15th overall selection.

Kyle Smith, then the director of college scouting, reportedly watched as other members of the Washington staff silently did not agree with the Snyder preference of Haskins. One coach reportedly was sick to his stomach about it as the tension increased in the room as the time drew nearer for the 15th selection by Washington. One report had Smith, when no one else would speak up, raising himself up, standing and delivering a passionate speech expressing his displeasure. And can you blame him? After spending all of that work and effort as director of college scouting, only to have your owner make the pick himself?

The first-round tender by Pittsburgh means the Steelers will have to pay Haskins a salary somewhere in the range of $2.5 million for the 2022 season. It also assures Pittsburgh that Haskins will undoubtedly be with the Steelers for 2022. No other NFL team in their right mind is going to even consider offering a first-round choice nor match the tender offer for Dwayne Haskins.

Ben Roethlisberger is supposedly going to retire, Mason Rudolph has struggled in relief and Haskins has yet to prove himself ready. The Steelers know they are in trouble at quarterback.

After being 3-10 in the 13 games he started, Haskins was released by Ron Rivera, on Dec. 29, 2020, after violating NFL Covid protocols for at least a second time. Haskins was signed by Pittsburgh three weeks later but did not take an offensive snap in 2021.

 

 

2 potential Brandon Scherff replacements in Rams-Buccaneers playoff game

Two potential Brandon Scherff replacements in Sunday’s NFC playoff game between the Rams and Buccaneers.

Brandon Scherff was the No. 5 overall pick in the 2015 NFL draft by the Washington Football Team. Seven seasons, five Pro Bowls and two franchise tags later, Scherff will finally hit unrestricted free agency in March.

Multiple times over the past year, Scherff has insisted his goal is to finish his career in Washington and did so earlier this month on locker cleanout day.

Washington general manager Martin Mayhew spoke to the media the day after Scherff in his season-ending press conference and said Washington offered Scherff a contract that would’ve made him the highest-paid guard in NFL history. Mayhew wasn’t attempting to paint Scherff in a bad light but instead wanted fans to know Washington has made efforts to keep Scherff in town long-term.

Therefore, to many fans, Scherff appears disingenuous about his desire to remain in Washington.

Veteran Wes Schweitzer could replace Scherff in the starting lineup. Since coming over to Washington in 2020, Schweitzer has started several games on the interior of the WFT offensive line — and he’s played well. He could handle the role. Or, Washington could turn to 2020 fourth-round pick Saahdiq Charles, who played well in relief of Scherff late in 2021.

If Washington likes Schweitzer in a reserve role and isn’t certain Charles is ready to replace Scherff, perhaps his replacement comes via free agency.

In Sunday’s NFC divisional round playoff game between the Los Angeles Rams and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a pair of soon-to-be free agent guards are in action — Tampa Bay’s Alex Cappa and LA’s Austin Corbett.

Interestingly enough, both also play right guard.

While Cappa and Corbett may remain with their current teams, neither team is in a great cap position. Would the Bucs and Rams prioritize re-signing a guard — even a good guard?

The 6-foot-6, 305-pound Cappa, who will turn 27 this week, is in his fourth season out of Humboldt State. He was a third-round draft choice in 2018.

Corbett, 26, was originally a second-round pick by the Cleveland Browns in 2018. He was traded to the Rams before the 2019 trade deadline, where he’s been a standout.

Washington has the cap space to sign either player if it chooses the free-agent route in replacing Scherff. While neither player is Scherff, they would cost a lot less and offer a quality and reliable replacement.

J.D. McKissic ‘definitely’ wants to return to Washington

J.D. McKissic is one of Washington’s priorities this offseason. He’d prefer to remain with Washington.

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The Washington Football Team has a busy offseason in front of them. Not only is Washington desperately seeking to upgrade the quarterback position, but it has several free agents it would like to retain.

Washington re-signed left tackle Charles Leno toward the end of the regular season, solidifying an important position for the next three years. Other free agents for Washington include Brandon Scherff, J.D. McKissic, Cornelius Lucas, Tim Settle and Bobby McCain.

Scherff is obviously the biggest name of the bunch, but he is expected to depart after back-to-back franchise tags. When discussing free agents, head coach Ron Rivera specifically mentioned Leno, McKissic and McCain as players he’d like to keep around.

McCain told reporters he preferred to stay. In a recent interview with Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post, McKissic made his preference known.

“Definitely, I want to stay,” McKissic said. “Everybody knows that.”

McKissic entered the NFL back in 2016 as an undrafted free agent from Arkansas State. He spent most of his rookie season with the Falcons before signing with the Seahawks in December. Seattle converted McKissic to running back, where he enjoyed some success with the Seahawks.

After being waived by Seattle, the Detroit Lions claimed McKissic off waivers. He spent the 2019 season in Detroit, where he played all 16 games, making three starts.

He signed with Washington in 2020, and at the time, no one thought much of McKissic’s signing. He and tight end Logan Thomas ended up being signings for Washington that offseason. Both players have played a vital role in Washington’s offense when healthy.

Washington wants to keep McKissic, and it should. Before he was lost for the season in Week 12, McKissic was having another solid season as Washington’s complement to Antonio Gibson. It’s no coincidence that Washington’s offense was more efficient when McKissic was involved. He and Gibson are an outstanding duo because both are versatile. McKissic is arguably the game’s top pass-catching running back.

Washington will have a new quarterback in 2021. Whether that quarterback is a rookie or a veteran, he’d be better if McKissic was still around.

McKissic appreciates that Washington gave him an opportunity.

“I finally got the opportunity to just really be trusted and really show my versatility and what I can do,” McKissic said. “They gave me the chance to do that.”