Commanders Offseason Preview: 3 Free Agent Guard Targets

The Washington Commanders' offseason has already seen a ton of change happen in some of the most important groups in the organization.

Those changes should be continuing as the Commanders look to bolster an offensive line that finished 2023 ranked 25th in the league in offensive line efficiency.

We previously took a look at some offensive tackle options for Washington, so now let's hit the guards.

THE BEST OPTION: KEVIN DOTSON, LOS ANGELES RAMS

Turning 28 in September Dotson is expected to get around $16.5 million per year (annual average value) on his next contract according to Spotrac.

He was ranked top 10 in total blown block percentage and blown run block percentage in 2023 and 11th in blown pass block percentages according to Sports Info Solutions. High rankings here are a good thing.

Of course, that combination of youth and performance is going to make him a player several teams covet, and he could even become a franchise tag target for the Rams if they are determined to keep him in town.

THE ACCEPTABLE OPTION: KEVIN ZEITLER, BALTIMORE RAVENS

If you can't stay home, even an NFL home, then moving just down the road is usually a pretty attractive option.

Throw in a dash of Zeitler perhaps feeling the Ravens have given up on him prematurely and the fact the Commanders visit their interstate rivals in 2024 and you have some attractive reasons for the veteran to jump on board.

He's projected to sign a two-year deal worth around $14 million total and while he turns 34 in March he's still proven to be a very serviceable interior offensive lineman.

Teams don't tend to commit premium draft capital to the guard position too often, so getting a guy like this would allow Washington to spend modestly while getting a year or two of veteran stability opposite Sam Cosmi.

THE RISKY OPTION: ROBERT HUNT, MIAMI DOLPHINS

There are going to be some who view the risky option as the best one because Hunt's play on the field has been good enough to warrant that type of hype.

Among the 64 NFL guards in 2023 who played the most snaps, Hunt ranked first in total and blown pass block percentage and third in the run game.

Those are incredibly high marks for an interior lineman who will turn just 28 this season.

But he also suffered from hamstring injuries that cost him six games officially, and really seven considering he played just two snaps in one.

When he did return for the final two games of the year, they were the worst-graded performances he had in the back half of the season.

Is the blocking proficiency enough to outweigh that? Sure, but it does mean signing him comes with at least some risk.

Other names to look for include Dalton Risner (Minnesota Vikings), Ezra Cleveland (Jacksonville Jaguars), Damien Lewis (Seattle Seahawks), Jon Runyan (Green Bay Packers), Jonah Jackson (Detroit Lions), John Simpson (Baltimore Ravens), and Graham Glasgow (Lions).