The Washington Commanders did well in free agency, keeping some of their own free agents, including star defensive tackle Daron Payne while adding multiple players at positions of need.
Before free agency, any Washington fan would tell you the Commanders’ three most pressing needs were offensive line, quarterback and cornerback. In free agency, the Commanders signed two potential offensive line starters, Andrew Wylie and Nick Gates, quarterback Jacoby Brissett and claimed cornerback Cameron Dantzler off waivers from the Vikings.
Washington is likely done making a major move at quarterback. You can’t rule anything out, but the Commanders love the combination of Sam Howell and Brissett. There is a real belief in Howell from Washington’s coaching staff, but he’s far from a guarantee.
Even after those moves in free agency, Pro Football Focus believes each of those positions remains a need. I tend to agree. Here’s PFF’s analysis.
The Commanders have done a nice job addressing some of their most pressing needs this free agency period. They signed Andrew Wylie to play right tackle in order to kick Sam Cosmi inside. They also signed Jacoby Brissett to compete with Sam Howell for the starting quarterback job. But quarterback could obviously be in play for them with their first-round pick in the draft. As far as their biggest need right now, cornerback seems to be the obvious choice. That could very well be where they end up going with their first-round pick if there isn’t a quarterback or offensive lineman of preference available.
While Wylie and Gates are upgrades for Washington, the Commanders need more youth on the offensive line. If one of the top offensive linemen falls to No. 16, it will be difficult to pass on one.
As for cornerback, Dantzler, while talented, is nothing more than a one-year flier. The Commanders need a true No. 1 cornerback to line up with Kendall Fuller and Benjamin St-Juste. Fortunately for Washington, it’s a good year to need a cornerback.