Washington head coach Ron Rivera wasn’t shy about his intent to upgrade at quarterback since the 2021 season ended. The Commanders’ top offseason priority was to upgrade at quarterback, preferably with a veteran.
Two weeks ago, Dianna Russini of ESPN made it clear Aaron Rodgers wasn’t an option. Rodgers officially returned to Green Bay Tuesday.
However, while the Commanders would have loved to acquire Rodgers, they were realistic, instead focusing on another franchise passer in Seattle’s Russell Wilson. Wilson felt more realistic due to his agent naming four teams he’d approve a trade to in 2021. While the Commanders weren’t on that initial list, Rivera felt there were reasons to be optimistic.
Last week, Seattle coach Pete Carroll seemingly shut that door.
On Tuesday, Washington’s hopes and dreams were dashed when the Seahawks traded Wilson to the Denver Broncos.
We know Washington offered “multiple” first-round picks for Wilson. How many were multiple? Grant Paulsen of 106.7 The Fan reported Tuesday that the Commanders offered three first-rounders for Wilson.
The @Commanders offered three first-round picks to the Seattle Seahawks for Russell Wilson, according to a source.
I keep seeing "multiple firsts." I'm told – more specifically – that they offered three firsts.
— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) March 8, 2022
Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reported those picks were in 2022, 2023 and 2024.
Washington offered Seattle draft picks across three years — 2022, 2023, 2024 — to try to acquire Russell Wilson, but it became clear that the Seahawks preferred an AFC team, according to a person with knowledge of the situation.
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) March 8, 2022
It’s unknown what Washington offered beyond those three first-round picks. Denver’s offered included quarterback Drew Lock, defensive lineman Shelby Harris, tight end Noah Fant, two first-round picks, two second-round picks and a fifth-round pick in return for Wilson and a fourth-round pick.
That’s a strong offer. However, it is a drop in the bucket for a franchise passer. Denver retained much of its core and added an elite quarterback in the process, making them an instant AFC contender.
As for Washington, the last elite passer available is Deshaun Watson. Watson must still sort out his legal issues, but the Commanders reportedly remain interested.
We should know more about Washington’s plans next week when free agency opens. If the Commanders sign a veteran like Mitch Trubisky, you should probably expect one of Washington’s first two picks to be spent on a quarterback next month.
At this point, Washington’s strategy should be to throw as many resources as possible at quarterback in hopes of finding the right guy.