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After staying relatively quiet during the first two days of the legal tampering period, the Washington Commanders were busy Wednesday, only hours before the new NFL league year began.
Washington surprisingly released longtime defensive tackle Matt Ioannidis and, shortly after, also starting left guard Ereck Flowers. The release of Flowers was a bigger surprise. The Commanders had already lost starting right guard Brandon Scherff to free agency. Now, Washington would be without both of its starting guards from 2021. One could argue that Flowers and Scherff were among the best pair of guards in the NFL in 2021.
After those releases hit the news, a bigger story emerged when it was revealed running back J.D. McKissic would instead be signing with the Commanders after initially agreeing to a two-year deal with the Buffalo Bills.
The team wanted to retain McKissic, and after not offering him a deal before free agency, he agreed to terms with the Bills. However, after agreeing to a contract with Buffalo, Washington wanted to match the deal. McKissic did not want to leave and changed his mind. That was good news for the Commanders and offensive coordinator Scott Turner, as McKissic is a valuable offensive weapon.
Washington also designated safety Landon Collins as a post-June 1 cut, meaning it will save $11.9 million on the 2022 salary cap in a few months.
Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reported Wednesday that wide receiver Cam Sims had re-signed with Washington on a one-year deal worth $3 million. Washington also tendered kicker Joey Slye at around $2.4 million.
The Washington Commanders are re-signing WR Cam Sims on a one-year, $3M deal with $2M guaranteed, per source.
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) March 16, 2022
Washington also released veteran safety and special-teams stalwart DeShazor Everett Wednesday. Everett’s release was expected as he’s dealing with a tragic off-field issue.
Per OvertheCap.com, the Commanders have around $19.8 million in cap space as of early Thursday morning. That number apparently hasn’t taken into account McKissics, Sims, or Slye’s deals. However, more importantly, Washington has some wiggle room — and more coming — to either sign a costly veteran or add depth at a few positions, such as wide receiver, offensive line, defensive tackle and safety.
Before Wednesday, the defensive tackle position was still in good shape. Washington had starters Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne, along with Ioannidis. The Commanders lost promising four-year vet Tim Settle earlier this week, as he signed with the Buffalo Bills.
If Washington planned on releasing Ioannidis, and in no way do I believe this was decided upon on Wednesday, why not release him last week? It would give you an opportunity to match the modest offer Buffalo gave Settle. Settle, a Virginia native may have stayed with more money and an increase in playing time. Now, you could be looking at an issue in the future as Payne’s contract is up after the 2022 season. Depth at defensive tackle is now an issue.
The Flowers’ release was even more puzzling. Washington planned to lose Scherff. The Commanders felt comfortable with Wes Schweitzer and Saahdiq Charles battling it out to replace Scherff. Both players impressed at guard last season. However, now you have to replace both guards. Flowers, 27, has played the best football of his career during his two stints with Washington. He was going to count $10 million against the salary cap. Why not negotiate an extension?
Could Washingon pursue veteran guard Andrew Norwell? Norwell is the same age as Scherff, and also a former All-Pro. He also spent four seasons with Rivera in Carolina. Norwell could play one guard spot, while Schweitzer and Charles battled it out for the other spot. Norwell would likely play left guard, which is where Flowers played.
Could Washington also be clearing out room for a big acquisition? Defensive back Tyrann Mathieu seems doubtful as Washington re-signed Bobby McCain Tuesday. Sure, Mathieu is the far superior player, but it would almost seem like a waste of resources to sign McCain and then pursue Mathieu with so many other needs. One thing to note, both Mathieu and McCain can play multiple positions in the secondary.
Perhaps Washington could pursue linebacker Bobby Wagner. That would be smart, but Wagner has plenty of options. Do we believe he’d choose the Commanders?
Regardless, Washington has plenty of holes to fill and these next few weeks in free agency should be interesting.