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One week into NFL free agency, and the Washington Commanders have certainly lost more than they’ve gained. However, for Washington head coach Ron Rivera, he’s hoping the team’s most significant acquisition — quarterback Carson Wentz — is enough of an upgrade to take the Commanders to the next level in 2022.
While Wentz wasn’t a free-agent signing, he is the centerpiece of Washington’s offseason. Outside of Wentz, the Commanders have only brought in one outside free agent in guard Andrew Norwell. The Commanders signed Norwell after Washington released left guard Ereck Flowers in a salary-cutting move.
Pro Football Focus recently looked at all 16 NFC teams and how they’ve handled the offseason thus far, including trades and free agency. PFF breaks teams down into three categories: below average, average, above average.
Where did Washington rank?
PFF has the Commanders in the “below average” category.
The Commanders’ biggest move thus far was trading for quarterback Carson Wentz. Last season’s approach of treading water at the position didn’t work out at all, and their reaction this time around seems to be a little knee-jerk in response. Wentz was better last season than he was in 2020, but his PFF grade (70.9) still ranked 22nd in the league. And in the last month of the season with everything on the line, he made seven turnover-worthy plays in four games.
Wentz upgrades what the Commanders had in Taylor Heinicke, but the opportunity cost is what hurts their free agency grade. Comparable quarterbacks are still available without needing to give up draft picks or $28 million in 2022. Losing both starting guards has been partially offset with the signing of Andrew Norwell, who likely represents a lateral move from Ereck Flowers. Bobby McCain earned the best PFF grade of his career last season for Washington, so it made sense for the team to bring him back.
Losses include Landon Collins and Matt Ioannidis for the defense, with Ioannidis, in particular, a significant departure. He posted a 70.0-plus PFF pass-rushing grade in each of the past five seasons and was a reliable source of interior pressure.
PFF is correct thus far. There is still plenty of free agency remaining, as some of the most impactful players sign between now and the draft as teams look for value signings. The Commanders need to add depth on the offensive and defensive lines, in the secondary, at tight end, and a starting inside linebacker.
If Washington can do some of those things, no one will remember what some considered a quiet start to the offseason.