Commanders QB 'Splash' Affects Placement in NFC East Arms Race
After last year's efforts, the Washington Commanders have a good platform to build on. While the playoffs weren't reached, there was still plenty to be optimistic about entering next season.
So...
Will Washington be big players in the free agency market?
With the Philadelphia Eagles loading up their roster as they made the Super Bowl thanks to a host of big signings and the Dallas Cowboys thought to be in the market for a "splash" signing or two to catch up, the Commanders could be left behind.
Having made it clear last offseason that the franchise was looking at acquiring a star quarterback before "settling" for Carson Wentz, who is no longer with the team, will Washington return to that well again?
There are several options, including Geno Smith, Derek Carr, and Jimmy Garoppolo, that Washington could look to entice to the nation's capital.
Sam Howell showed positive signs during Week 18 against the Dallas Cowboys and will be given a chance to fight for the starting role once mini-camp and training camp rolls around.
But according to overthecap.com, as of Monday, the Commanders are $35.3 million below the 2023 salary cap.
That is enough to make a serious free-agent splash. But will they do it?
Having one of the league's better defenses under defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio last season and an offense that at times looked serviceable with weapons in Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, and Curtis Samuel, an upgrade at quarterback via free agency could be just the tonic.
Daron Payne's future is taken care of for this year at least, and with a glaring need at the quarterback position, it feels like Washington is in a better spot than last year to go hard for a ready-made quarterback.
Whether the franchise does or not remains to be seen as Howell might be the guy offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy wants to go forward with, but the Commanders have a chance to close the gap in the NFC East arms race.
And for some, that starts with acquiring a talented quarterback.
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