Tag: DeAndre Carter

Washington receiver DeAndre Carter visits multiple teams

The Commanders have yet to reach a deal with DeAndre Carter, and now he is visiting other teams.

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DeAndre Carter was Washington’s third-leading receiver in 2021, with 296 receiving yards. Carter tied for second on the team with three receiving touchdowns and also averaged 25.1 yards per kickoff return and added another touchdown.

Not a bad signing for Washington, as Carter signed with the Commanders for one year at $970,000.

Now, Carter is a free agent, and while the Commanders want him back, no deal has been reached, and the speedy Carter is visiting other teams.

Carter visited with the Chicago Bears Monday and is scheduled to meet with the Los Angeles Chargers Tuesday. If Washington wants to retain Carter, it may need to its offer. Both the Bears and Chargers have more salary-cap space than the Commanders.

The Commanders have lost three free agents and released three players. Washington has only signed two outside free agents but retained Cornelius Lucas, Bobby McCain, Cam Sims and J.D. McKissic.

Carter was a surprise in 2021 and proved to be one of Washington’s more reliable weapons when targeted. However, the team must have a set price on Carter and is unwilling to move off that price.

Report: WR DeAndre Carter visiting Chargers

The Los Angeles Chargers are hosting a core special teams player.

Looking to solidify their special teams department ahead of the 2022 season, the Chargers are meeting with a return man.

According to Pro Football Network’s Aaron Wilson, Los Angeles is expected to host wide receiver DeAndre Carter on a visit on Tuesday.

In 2021, Carter played for the Commanders, where he returned 16 punts for 134 yards (8.4 yards per return) and 36 kickoffs for 904 yards (25.1 YPR). He also caught 24 passes for 296 yards and three touchdowns.

Carter has spent time with the Bears, Texans, Eagles, 49ers, Patriots, Ravens, and Raiders.

The Bolts’ return specialist from last season, Andre Roberts, remains a free agent.

Commanders GM: ‘Always pressure to win’

Washington general manager Martin Mayhew discussed several topics this week, including how the team has met with the agents for Terry McLaurin and Daron Payne.

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Martin Mayhew met with the Washington press in conjunction with the NFL owner’s meetings in Florida.

Here are some excerpts:

Mayhew really likes Carson Wentz’s skill set, his big arm and says he is a great person as well. “Carson was the best option for us.” Mayhew said he also had conversations with Frank Reich a former teammate in Buffalo, and Colts’ GM Chris Ballard. “We were very comfortable making that decision.”

When asked about pressure, Mayhew actually laughed saying there is always pressure in the NFL. “We are in this thing to win and every team is always under pressure to win.”

Mayhew did not agree that good players don’t want to come to Washington, stating they have talked with several agents about players who wanted to come to Washington. He also assured the press that NFL free agency doesn’t end after the first week. It is an ongoing process and they are still talking with free agents.

Mayhew mentioned it was a priority trying to get Cam Sims and J.D. McKissic back for 2022 and that they have already talked with the agents for Terry McLaurin, Daron Payne and DeAndre Carter, but didn’t feel he should elaborate any further right now.

When asked if this team is now a contender Mayhew wisely responded, “I think when you start thinking that way, you lose sight of what is important. What is really important is getting better every day. I was on two teams that went to a championship and we never really talked about that. It was about continual improvement…”

When asked what Wentz brings to the team: “An elite skill set, he is 6-foot-5 a tremendous athlete, a guy with a great arm, can make plays down the field, can see the entire field, can read coverages, can go through progressions. He has the ability to make everyone around him better.”

When asked regarding the 2022 NFL draft: “We have needs. We need good football players, across the board.”

Mayhew spoke highly of last season’s offensive line, the coaching of the line, and losing two guys who played well for that line. He expects them to have another good offensive line in 2022.

Some of the rookies had flashes of good and some struggles as well. He was not overly concerned, pointing out the different positions some being more difficult to learn than others.

He has not seen Curtis Samuel or talked with him, but he has talked some with Chase Young regarding his rehab.

Mayhew conveyed there has been talk with other teams regarding each of those teams’ draft positions and possible movements in the draft. He understandably did not elaborate further.

There is more, so here is the link. 

 

John Keim doesn’t expect Brandon Scherff to return

ESPN’s John Keim discusses free agency and quarterbacks.

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ESPN’s Washington Commanders insider John Keim appeared on Kevin Sheehan’s The Team 980 show Tuesday, stating he is not yet accustomed to writing Washington Commanders. But Keim did say (as I did last night) he saw the survey as actually a positive for the Commanders that 41% already like the name.

Bobby McCain, J.D. McKissic, DeAndre Carter and Joey Slye are free agents Washington would like to retain. Due to his injury history, don’t expect Brandon Scherff to come back at a high price tag. Keim feels there will be a market for McKissic, however, because he is very good out of the backfield. Ricky Seals-Jones and Cam Sims are also good depth guys they would like back. Adam Humphries is wanted; however, he is good enough he could sign elsewhere, being more selective of the quarterback.

Keim is certain Washington coaches will want to play Cole Holcomb and Jamin Davis outside, so they will pursue an inside linebacker in free agency or the draft. A good inside linebacker would really make an impact in this defense. Keim genuinely feels Davis can play on the outside better than he did inside.

Who might the Commanders cut this offseason? Landon Collins is simply not feasible unless they lower that cap hit. “I don’t think Landon Collins is going to get that (his current salary) on the open market,” expressed Keim. He played well enough at a hybrid, if he does go to another team, they will likely use him in a similar role.

Keim laughingly said of course they are going hard after a quarterback. Head coach Ron Rivera has stated so multiple times. Deshaun Watson certainly would draw interest from Washington but there are too many questions and his court cases could also go into May.

Understandably Keim insisted it doesn’t make sense why the Raiders’ new coach Josh McDaniel or Seattle would get rid of their starters Derek Carr and Russell Wilson, respectively. There is no clear path to the next quarterback in either case.

Would they be interested in Carson Wentz? Keim thinks so but was quick to add that Wentz is someone they would probably add with a QB draft choice as well.

Texas extends an offer to 2024 Mater Dei offensive tackle DeAndre Carter

Texas officially enters Carter’s recruitment alongside USC and Michigan.

The Longhorns are back in the running for another prospect from California powerhouse Mater Dei. Continue reading “Texas extends an offer to 2024 Mater Dei offensive tackle DeAndre Carter”

How did Washington’s special teams perform in 2021?

How did Washington’s special teams perform in 2021?

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Late last week, Rick Gosselin of FanNation released his annual NFL Special Teams Rankings.

Gosselin ranked all 32 teams in 22 kicking-game categories. Points were assigned according to their standing — one for best and 32 for worst — and in the end, the Baltimore Ravens finished atop the rankings.

Washington placed 20th in the rankings with the Eagles close behind at 21st. BTW, Dallas placed 6th and the NYG rounded out the top ten.

DeAndre Carter’s kickoff return touchdown against Atlanta helped Washington finish third in kickoff returns category averaging 25.1 yards.

Washington did have some other success on special teams this season, as Tress Way was fifth in yards per punt at 48.4 yards.

Joey Slye kicking for three teams (Houston, San Francisco, Washington) placed 21st in yards per kickoff with 63.6. Washington, of course, was hurt in the kicking department this season, resulting in their releasing Dustin Hopkins and Chris Blewitt.

Slye had an extra point attempt blocked on MNF at home against Seattle. Even more, the kick was scooped up by Seattle and returned all the way, scoring two points. On the play, Slye pulled his hamstring during the return and was replaced by Brian Johnson who kicked three games for Washington before Slye’s return. Johnson kicked the game-winner against the Raiders in Week 13.

15 NFL teams did not have a kick blocked this 2021 season. Unfortunately, the team that was dead last at No. 32 was Washington. It was one of the real low marks of the season as Washington had an overwhelmingly embarrassing six kicks blocked during 2021.

But Joey Slye saved the kicking inconsistency for Washington upon his return. Slye would finish making 9 of 10 extra-point attempts and all 12 of his field-goal attempts for Washington.

 

How did Washington quarterback Kyle Allen perform in relief?

Kyle Allen saw his first action of the season and had Washington in a position to tie the game late. Unfortunately, he came up short.

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Kyle Allen saw his first action of the season in Week 14 against Dallas.   How did Allen perform?

I feel he made two excellent passes; more on them shortly.

He took what the defense gave him on his only play of the first half, running 11 yards for a first down.

Taylor Heinicke and Tyler Larsen were both injured, so Allen again entered the game at 12:30, remaining in the game. On his second possession, Washington drove 73 yards in 13 plays.

On a second & 15 at the WFT 46, Allen confidently completed a long-out to Cam Sims for 19 yards to the Dallas 45.

On a third & 4 at the Dallas 29, Allen dumped the ball to Jonathan Williams, who nicely advanced for 19 yards to the 10, leading to a touchdown.

Trailing 27-20, facing a second and 3 at the WFT 37 with just under 3 minutes remaining, Allen delivered this long pass to DeAndre Carter, who could have made this catch for a first down at the Dallas 30 with 2:40 remaining.

Allen, being sacked, fumbled on the next play, ending the WFT comeback hopes.

Allen finished his day 4-9 for 53 passing yards (5.9 ypa), and 11 rushing yards in two carries, and was on his way to giving Washington a chance to tie until a final turnover ended things.

Studs and Duds from Washington’s 27-20 loss vs. Cowboys

Studs and duds from Washington’s 27-20 loss to the Cowboys.

The Dallas Cowboys defeated the Washington Football Team 27-20 in a Week 14 NFC East showdown. While the score indicates a competitive, back-and-forth game, this contest was anything but that as the Cowboys led at halftime, 24-0.

Washington quietly got back into the game behind the strength of its defense. The WFT held the Cowboys to three second-half points, which came on a turnover by Washington deep in its own territory.

Washington’s offense scored two second-half touchdowns, while linebacker Cole Holcomb returned an interception for a touchdown. Suddenly, Washington was within one possession.

Ultimately, Washington’s rally fell short in the end, and its four-game winning streak is no more.

It was another rough game on the injury front for Washington. Terry McLaurin, Taylor Heinicke, Charles Leno and Tyler Larsen were among the new injuries Sunday. Leno returned, while the others did not.

Here are the studs and duds from Washington’s Week 14 loss to the Cowboys.

WATCH: Taylor Heinicke finds DeAndre Carter for 3rd touchdown pass of the day

Taylor Heinicke finds DeAndre Carter for his third touchdown of the day.

The Washington Football Team tied things up with the Panthers at 14 just before halftime when quarterback Taylor Heinicke found wide receiver Terry McLaurin for a 12-yard touchdown.

The score was critical because Washington would also receive the second-half kickoff.

For fans, the immediate thought is 14 points in a row with back-to-back possessions, but it rarely happens that way in the NFL, unlike in Madden.

However, in Washington’s case, it worked out. Heinicke led an impressive opening drive of the second half that culminated with a four-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver DeAndre Carter to give Washington a 21-14 lead.

It was Heinicke’s third touchdown of the day and the third consecutive game in which Carter has scored.

It was a beautiful route concept by offensive coordinator Scott Turner. He had tight end John Bates and Carter lined up on the left side of the formation, with Bates clearing out the defenders and Carter cutting back with the ball waiting for him.

Behind Enemy Lines: Previewing Week 11 with Washington Wire

We asked @Washington_Wire’s @BryanDManning to catch us up on our old Panthers buddies in Ron Rivera and Taylor Heinicke ahead of the Week 11 matchup.

The Carolina Panthers have seen plenty of the Washington Football Team of late — Sunday’s meeting will be their sixth over the past seven seasons.

To prepare ourselves for yet another somewhat familiar clash, we asked Washington Wire managing editor Bryan Manning to catch us up on the Panthers’ Week 11 opponent.

Panthers Wire: You might be able to say Panthers fans are pretty well-acquainted with Ron Rivera—nine years, three division titles, an NFC crown. But what has he brought over and meant to Washington now almost two years into his run?

Washington Wire: Leadership.

We hear a lot of talk about culture, and while culture is important, some things haven’t changed, but I don’t blame Rivera. He inherited a mess, and the mess he inherited had nothing to do with the players or the salary cap. His players respect him. Fans appreciate him.

However, one thing people worry about is perhaps he has too much power. We shall see if that holds true. But Rivera was the perfect hire at the right time.

PW: And with Rivera also came, of course, a carryover of some talent from Carolina. That includes quarterback Taylor Heinicke, who spent 2018 with the Panthers. What has he shown you through his nine games in 2021?

WW: Heinicke is a playmaker. The coaching staff tried to turn him into a game manager, but that doesn’t work.

He needs to be able to use his legs to make plays. He doesn’t have a big arm and isn’t always accurate, but he often keeps Washington in games.

I believe his future is as a high-quality backup who can win games. That means he will have a long career and make a lot of money.

Not bad for someone who was almost done with football 13 months ago.

PW: Luckily for the sake of the incredible moment we’re currently in, Washington seemingly passed on the prospect of signing quarterback Cam Newton earlier in the year. Do you think that was a mistake on their part and was there a clamoring for Cam amongst the Washington faithful?

WW: I believe Washington fans felt Cam’s best years were behind him for the most part. Whether that is true or not remains to be seen.

When Ryan Fitzpatrick went down, Rivera and his staff really wanted to see what Heinicke could do over a prolonged period. I believe they felt Fitzpatrick would return, lessening the need for another veteran.

I think Rivera is still a big fan of Cam, but he realizes he isn’t the future, so he just wanted to see what Heinicke could be given a large sample size.

PW: In a real bummer, Washington will be without their two stud defensive ends in Chase Young and Montez Sweat. How do you see, with the particular strength of that unit taking such a big hit, them moving forward at the spot not only in this Week 11 matchup — but for the rest of their season?

WW: It’s tough, for sure. However, Young and Sweat only combined for 5.5 sacks halfway through the season. That’s remarkable considering what was expected.

But their presence will be missed. Washington has several young, less heralded players all vying for time. None can match Sweat or Young’s power and athleticism. The defensive coaching staff will have to be more creative in sending pressure, something Rivera alluded to in his presser this week.

PW: Since they’ll be down a few key names, give us an under-the-radar name or two we should keep our eyes on for Sunday.

WW: You’re right. Washington will be down several key performers on Sunday.

But one name you should know is wide receiver/returner DeAndre Carter. Carter earned a spot with a strong summer and he has yet to slow down. With injuries to Curtis Samuel, Cam Sims and Dyami Brown, Carter got more time at receiver, and he’s proven to be Washington’s second-best receiver in 2021. He’s small and dynamic, can line up in the slot or outside, and has scored touchdowns in each of the last two games.

Running back J.D. McKissic is another name to watch, but I don’t really see McKissic as under the radar. He is one of the NFL’s top receiving backs. When McKissic is heavily involved in Washington’s offense, the unit is better as a whole.

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