Former Commanders DE Chase Young to sign with the Saints

Chase Young signs with the New Orleans Saints.

Chase Young has a new home. According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, Young has agreed to terms with the New Orleans Saints.

The No. 2 overall pick of the Washington Commanders in the 2020 NFL draft, Young was traded at last season’s NFL trade deadline to the San Francisco 49ers for a third-round choice.

After a rookie season in which he recorded 7.5 sacks and was named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, Young battled inconsistent play and injuries for the next two seasons. Last offseason, Washington chose not to pick up Young’s fifth-year option for 2024.

Young returned to the field in September, and in seven games for the Commanders, he had five sacks. After the trade to the 49ers, Young appeared in nine games in a pass-rushing role and had 2.5 sacks, giving him 7.5 for the season and tying his career high.

Instead of re-signing Young, the 49ers signed Leonard Floyd and Yetur Gross-Matos last week.

Young will turn 25 in April.

Josina Anderson of CBS Sports revealed that Young’s one-year deal is worth up to as much as $13 million with incentives.

 

Former Commanders kicker Joey Slye lands with Jaguars

Washington’s kicker since 2021, Slye has a new home.

Former Washington kicker Joey Slye has found a new home. On Monday, Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network revealed that Slye had signed a one-year deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Slye essentially trades places with Brandon McManus, who replaced him with Washington last week. McManus spent last season with the Jaguars after nine seasons with the Denver Broncos.

The former Virginia Tech star first entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the New York Giants in 2018. New York released him before the season, and the Carolina Panthers picked him up. Slye spent two seasons in Carolina before he was released in 2021.

In the season’s first two months, the Texans and 49ers had kicker injuries, each signing Slye as a replacement. He was waived in November after San Francisco kicker Robbie Gould returned.

One week later, he signed with the Commanders, where he served as the kicker for more than two seasons.

Slye has one of the NFL’s strongest legs but often battled consistency issues, particularly with extra points. Since 2019, Slye has missed 18 PATs, including eight in Washington. He has made 82.3% of his career field goals.

With Slye gone, punter Tress Way will have a new long snapper and kicker in 2024.

Commanders sign former Chargers cornerback Michael Davis

Michael Davis spent his first seven NFL seasons with the Chargers.

Heading into the weekend, the Washington Commanders had signed 14 outside free agents but had to address two critical positions: Cornerback and offensive tackle.

On Sunday, the Commanders signed former Dolphins first-round pick Noah Igbinoghene to a one-year deal. Igbinoghene spent last season with Dan Quinn and the Cowboys. While he’s considered a depth signing, there’s hope that the 24-year-old can still fulfill his potential.

On Monday, Washington general manager Adam Peters continued adding to the cornerback room, signing former Chargers cornerback Michael Davis to a one-year deal.

Davis, 29, is entering his eighth NFL season in 2024, having spent the first seven years with the Chargers. An undrafted free agent out of BYU in 2017, Davis has appeared in 107 career games with 74 starts. The 6-foot-2 cornerback has 349 career tackles, 69 passes defended and eight interceptions.

The signings of Igbinoghene and Davis do not prevent the Commanders from addressing the position in the draft but does give Washington some veteran depth with Kendall Fuller gone. The Commanders’ top two cornerbacks are currently 2021 third-round pick Benjamin St-Juste and 2023 first-round pick Emmanuel Forbes.

Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones talks players following Dan Quinn to Commanders

The Cowboys’ EVP understands why players and coaches want to follow Dan Quinn.

When Dan Quinn left the Dallas Cowboys after three seasons as defensive coordinator to become the head coach of the Washington Commanders, it was clear that some would follow.

Whether it be Quinn’s fellow coaches or players, Quinn was popular in Dallas, with star linebacker Micah Parsons often discussing Quinn’s impact on him. Unfortunately for Washington, though, Parsons is not available.

Since Quinn was named head coach, Dallas secondary coach Joe Whitt Jr. and assistant defensive line coach Sharrif Floyd followed him to the Commanders. Whitt is Washington’s new defensive coordinator, while Floyd is the assistant defensive line coach. Quinn tried to pry other assistants from Dallas, but the Cowboys refused to give Washington permission to interview them.

Free agency opened last week, and Quinn wasted no time looking to his former team to help his new team. On the first day of the legal tampering period, the Commanders quickly agreed to terms with center Tyler Biadasz and defensive end Dorance Armstrong. Then Washington agreed to terms with defensive end Dante Fowler Jr.

On Sunday, Washington signed cornerback Noah Igbinoghene. A former first-round pick of the Dolphins in the 2020 NFL draft, Igbinoghene spent last season in Dallas.

Last week, Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones spoke about those coaches and players following Quinn to Washington.

“Yeah, I mean that’s part of being, if you choose to go to Washington, Philadelphia or New York, that’s what we’re going to have,” Jones said. “It’s nothing but respect off the field, but when it comes time to compete against each other, then that’s what’s going to happen. It’s no surprise when we were having our farewells to him, which no one thinks more of DQ than our organization and what he brought to the table here. And obviously, the players enjoyed playing for Dan, so it doesn’t surprise me a bit that they (want to follow him).”

Jones was speaking of how fans were upset with Dallas’ disappointing offseason thus far after his father, owner and GM Jerry Jones, said the Cowboys would be “all in” this offseason. The Cowboys have watched multiple key players depart while remaining mostly inactive in free agency.

Bobby Wagner reveals former Washington linebacker London Fletcher was a mentor

Wagner reveals the impact London Fletcher had on his career.

When Bobby Wagner was introduced to the media last week after signing a one-year deal with the Washington Commanders, he made it clear why this was the spot for him.

“I think DQ (Dan Quinn) does an amazing job of just putting all the players in the right positions and, you know, getting the best out of everybody,” he said. “Nort’s (LB coach Ken Norton Jr.) one of my favorite coaches of all time, so that was enough for me.”

Quinn coached Wagner early in his career with Seattle for two seasons and had tried to sign Wagner in each of the last two offseasons when he was the defensive coordinator of the Dallas Cowboys.

Norton was Wagner’s linebacker coach for his first three NFL seasons and his defensive coordinator for four seasons. But another person important to Wagner led him to Washington: London Fletcher.

Fletcher enjoyed a 16-year NFL career that ended after the 2013 season. His final seven seasons came in Washington. Wagner’s first two NFL seasons were Fletcher’s final two in the league.

“I’ve been a huge fan of London Fletcher and actually somebody I was able to meet last year in person,” Wagner said. “And he’s been a huge help in my career. I reached out to him one time, and he offered some advice. So, just understanding there has been great linebacker here and I wanted to be a part of that.”

Fletcher is now a member of Washington’s broadcast team, so there will be plenty of opportunities for the pair to catch up this season.

Fletcher has been on the Hall of Fame ballot in recent years but continues to fall short.

Commanders sign a former a Dan Quinn cornerback

Is Igbinoghene a depth signing or can the former first-round pick be more for the Commanders?

It won’t bring much praise or excitement but the Commanders did sign a player at a position of need.

Sunday, the Commanders signed cornerback Noah Igbinoghene on a one-year deal.

Igbinoghene will come with not much fanfare, but he is known by the Commanders’ new head coach, Dan Quinn.

Igbinoghene played for the Cowboys on Quinn’s 2023 defense. He played in five games, did not make a start and saw action on only 25 defensive snaps and 77 special teams snaps.

In the 2023 season, Igbinoghene scored his first NFL touchdown against the NY Giants. Here it is.

The Miami Dolphins selected Igbinoghene 30th overall in the 2020 NFL Draft out of Auburn. In his three seasons with the Dolphins (2020-22), Igbinoghene didn’t perform up to expectations, making only five starts. The Dolphins then traded him to the Cowboys during the 2023 NFL preseason.

Igbinoghene (5-11, 197) will turn age 25 in November and becomes the fourth former Dallas Cowboy to follow Quinn from Dallas to Washington. He joins Tyler Biadasz (C), Dorance Armstrong (DE) and Dante Fowler Jr. (DE).

Running a 4.48 40-yard dash and displaying a 37-inch vertical jump, Igbinoghene certainly possesses the physical ability of NFL corners, but his production thus far suggests this is a depth signing unless Igbinoghene can resurrect his career.

 

WATCH: Jeremy Reaves reveals Tress Way’s reaction on his return to the Commanders

It’s safe to say that Tress Way is fired up that Jeremy Reaves is back for the Commanders.

It’s no secret that Washington punter Tress Way and safety Jeremy Reaves are close. When Reaves learned he made the Pro Bowl in 2022, Way’s reaction—he also made the Pro Bowl—was terrific.

Over the years, we’ve learned that Reaves is also a favorite of Way’s kids, including his young son, Beau.

However, with a new regime, there was a chance that Reaves and Way wouldn’t be teammates anymore. Reaves was a free agent, and general manager Adam Peters hadn’t progressed with any of Washington’s free agents before free agency opened last week.

Not to worry, Reaves was re-signed late last week, becoming the first Commanders’ player to earn an extension under the new regime. Technically, it wasn’t an extension as Reaves’ contract had expired, but there was no doubt that head coach Dan Quinn and Peters wanted Reaves back.

Fans were happy with the news, too. Reaves is beloved.

Reaves met with the media after the news of his re-signing, expressing his excitement about returning to Washington. Before his time with the media was up, he was asked about Way’s reaction.

This is tremendous.

In addition to being beloved in the locker room and by fans, Reaves is also a heckuva player who has earned everything he’s received. Quinn understands what players like that mean for the culture and the locker room.

 

After one week of free agency, what is the Commanders biggest need?

The Commanders still need help at different positions, but one stands out.

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.

Commanders received more for Sam Howell than 3 former 1st-round QBs traded this offseason

Commanders GM Adam Peters is making all the right moves so far.

The Justin Fields saga is finally over. The Chicago Bears traded the 2021 first-round pick to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday for a 2025 sixth-round pick that goes to a fourth-round pick if Fields plays 51% or more of the offensive snaps in 2024.

Remember when we were told Chicago believed it could get a first-round pick for Fields? Or at least a second-round pick?

Not only did the Bears not receive a pick in the first three rounds, but instead, a conditional pick in 2025 — not 2024.

Fields is not the first quarterback traded this week. The Patriots traded fellow 2021 first-round pick Mac Jones to the Jaguars for a sixth-round pick. Then, the Steelers — after signing Russell Wilson — traded 2022 first-round pick Kenny Pickett to the Eagles for a 2024 third-round pick (No. 98 overall) and two 2025 seventh-round picks.

Lastly, the Washington Commanders traded 2022 fifth-round pick Sam Howell to the Seattle Seahawks in a pick swap that included a fourth-round pick (No. 102 overall) and a sixth-round pick (No. 179 overall) to Washington for a third-round pick (No. 78 overall) and a fifth-round pick (No. 152).

In the end, Washington GM Adam Peters turned a former fifth-round pick into a third-round pick. Meanwhile, the GMs of the other teams secured less for their former first-round quarterbacks.

Kudos to Peters.

It also says that many view Howell in a more favorable light than the other three passers. Seattle GM John Schneider acknowledged multiple teams were involved with the Commanders for Howell. There was a market for him. Can we say the same for Fields, Jones and Pickett?

Thanks to Washington’s trade of Howell, the Commanders now have six of the top 100 picks in the 2024 NFL draft. Washington will likely select its quarterback of the future at No. 2 and use the rest of those picks to build a nucleus around him.

One concern for the Commanders is the current offensive tackle depth chart. Fortunately, it’s a deep class, and Peters can use some of those picks to make a move back into the first round to land a left tackle.

It’s been less than a week since the offseason began, but the Commanders appear to be in good hands with Adam Peters making decisions.

Bobby Wagner is bringing leadership to the Commanders

Wagner talks why he came to Washington at this stage of his career and who he is excited to play with.

Dan Quinn strikes again!

Newly signed linebacker of the decade Bobby Wagner didn’t surprise anyone when he made it clear with the media Friday, that new Commanders head coach Dan Quinn was a major reason he came to Washington. In addition, his former Seattle Seahawks linebacker coach, Ken Norton Jr, is also a major factor in why Wagner is now a Commander.

“I think DQ (Dan Quinn) does an amazing job of just putting all the players in right positions and you know, getting the best out of everybody. N’s (Norton’s) one of my favorite coaches of all time, so that was enough for me.”

Turning 34 in June, Wagner has a lot of miles on him. So, Washington only signed him to a one-year deal. He was asked Friday what he brings to the Commanders at this point of his career. “I feel like I bring a leader, somebody you can depend on. A playmaker, somebody that’s going to be an extension of the coaches.”

Wagner is already planning for life after the NFL. He is determined to earn a degree (MBA) at Howard University and started the program in January online. He had planned on doing his classwork online but said, “That might change now.” Wagner is thinking that he has now signed with Washington and might attend the classes in person at Howard.

Wagner is also excited about the Commanders’ signing Carolina Panthers’ linebacker Frankie Luvu this week. Wagner expressed Friday that the two have previously worked out together in Seattle. He is high on Luvu and is excited about working together in the middle of the Commanders’ defense.

Wagner will be wearing jersey No. 54. The number was last worn by long snapper Camaron Cheeseman.