In March, the Washington Commanders signed two veteran free agents early in free agency to start on the offensive line in 2023. Washington reached deals with Andrew Wylie to play right tackle and Nick Gates to play center.
In the 2023 NFL draft, Washington added Arkansas center Ricky Stromberg [third round] and Utah offensive tackle [Braeden Daniels]. Still, analysts and fans believe the Commanders didn’t do enough to fix a woeful unit.
On Monday, NFL teams began making roster cuts in order to get down to 53 players ahead of Tuesday’s 4:00 p.m. ET deadline. Washington surprisingly placed Daniels on the reserve/injured list with a torn rotator cuff. That meant the Commanders could be looking to add a veteran tackle.
But that doesn’t mean Washington should forget about improving the interior depth, too. The Commanders have depth at center, with Gates, Stromberg and Tyler Larsen, who will likely make the 53-man roster. All three can play guard, too. As we know, it’s all about position flex for head coach Ron Rivera.
Over the last two days, a pair of intriguing offensive linemen were released. The Falcons released former third-round pick Jalen Mayfield, and the Browns released Michael Dunn. Both are guards and while the Commanders could use a veteran tackle, they can’t ignore adding players with either a high upside [Mayfield] or who could push one of their current starters [Dunn].
Mayfield, who was a third-round pick in 2021, played guard as a rookie. He struggled. He missed the 2022 season, and by the time he returned, Atlanta’s offensive line was set. Therefore, the Falcons released the disappointing Mayfield.
Mayfield may just need a change of scenery and possibly compete with Saahdiq Charles and/or Chris Paul. At worst, he could provide depth while offensive line coaches Juan Castillo and Travelle Wharton continue developing him.
As for Dunn, his release came as a surprise. He appeared in 28 games with four starts over the past three seasons. The 29-year-old is a native of Bethesda, Md., and played collegiately at Maryland.
Here’s what Jarrett Bailey of Touchdown Wire said about Dunn’s work this preseason.
Another Cleveland Brown, and for good reason because Dunn was a menace over the last month. He showed consistent ability to pull and get to the second level. An athlete in space clearing the path for ball carriers is all you could ask for in a guard, and Dunn showcased that ability.
The Commanders are high on Charles and right guard Sam Cosmi. Both are talented, athletic and former tackles. Both have had issues staying healthy, especially Charles.
Mayfield and Dunn would give you different things. Mayfield could be another project that Washington doesn’t have room for, which would be understandable. But Dunn would provide an immediate upgrade for the room.
Cleveland’s social media team had wished Dunn happy birthday on Twitter earlier in the day on Monday before he was released.
Should the Commanders look into acquiring either of these players or wait and see if a capable tackle hits the waiver wire?
The frustrating part for many fans is that this coaching staff thinks this unit is good enough. Is it? It could be, but the Commanders shouldn’t be against adding outside help because there are plenty of questions surrounding this group.