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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 millionWashington 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.