NFL Free Agency: Commanders Sign 'Interior Mauler' to Improve O-Line?
If Sam Howell or a rookie quarterback is going to turn the Washington Commanders offense around, they have to be better protected by the offensive line.
The Commanders' offensive line was among the worst in football, as they were tied for the second-most sacks allowed with 65 in 2023. With Washington having the most cap space in the league and six of the top 102 picks in the 2024 NFL Draft, it can invest heavily into improving the trenches on offense.
ESPN broke down the top 50 free agents this offseason and where their best fit would be, and it had the Commanders signing Detroit Lions interior offensive lineman Jonah Jackson. Jackson was ranked 22nd among ESPN's top 50 free agents.
Sep 7, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Detroit Lions guard Jonah Jackson (73) at the line of scrimmage against the Kansas City Chiefs during the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
"Fitting into Kliff Kingsbury's offense in Washington, Jackson would immediately upgrade the left guard position," ESPN writes. "He can keep the pocket firm in pass protection, as he posted a 93.2% pass block win rate in Detroit last season. That's needed in D.C., as the Commanders allowed 65 sacks in 2023, tied for second most in the NFL. But Jackson is also an interior mauler who can create daylight in the run game, which could help spring Brian Robinson Jr."
Adding anything related to the Lions offensive line is a step in the right direction for Washington, as their offensive line allowed just 31 sacks in 2023, the fourth-fewest in the NFL. The offensive line helped pave the way for one of the best offenses in football, as the Lions were second in passing yards per game (258.9) and fifth in rushing yards (135.9) and points (27.1) per game.
Jackson, 27, has been a mainstay on the Lions' offensive line since he was drafted by them as a 3rd round pick in 2020. Jackson also made one Pro Bowl appearance in 2021.
One potential concern is Jackson's health. After starting 16 games in 2020 and 2021, he only started 13 in 2022 and 12 last season. He missed five games during the regular season in 2023, and he was out in the NFC Championship Game against the San Francisco 49ers due to a torn meniscus, which required surgery.
While knee injuries for an offensive lineman should raise concern, the Commanders have such a gaping need at the position. Given how bad their offensive line was last season and how important it is to protect your quarterback, let alone one who could be starting in their rookie season, Jackson is more than worth the potential risk for Washington.
