Heading into the 2024 Offseason with numerous vacancies, Washington aims to return to its former glory by constructing a well-rounded football team. With an impressive $91 million in Cap Space, the Commanders plan to fill these openings with young, talented players while maintaining fiscal responsibility. Some of Washington’s most pressing needs include:

– Quarterback

– RB #2

– WR #2

– Tight End

– Left Tackle

– Left Guard

– Center

– Right Tackle

– Defensive End

– Edge Rusher

– Inside Linebacker

– Cornerback

– Safety

– Kicker

– Long Snapper

On Day 1 of the offseason, Washington wasted no time in adding key pieces to this newly envisioned team, with none of the pending free agents from the Ron Rivera era set to return. Let’s delve into the new additions:

TE Zach Ertz (A Few Days Prior To Legal Tampering Period)

DE Dorance Armstrong  

C Tyler Biadasz 

LB Frankie Luvu 

RB Austin Ekeler 

OG Nick Allegretti 

K Brandon McManus 

REPORT CARD

TE Zach Ertz: Ertz was recruited to Washington to provide veteran leadership and possesses a solid grasp of the Kliff Kingsbury offensive system. Despite featuring in just 7 games for the Arizona Cardinals last season, Ertz concluded the year with 27 receptions totaling 187 yards and scoring only 1 touchdown. Apart from serving as a reliable target for a rookie quarterback, he is expected to contribute to the growth of the rookie tight end that Washington intends to select in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft.

Grade: B+

DE Dorance Armstrong: Armstrong enters Washington following a season where he made significant contributions with 38 tackles and 7.5 sacks. At only 26 years old, he holds a bright future under Dan Quinn’s coaching. He’s a player Washington envisions retaining in the long term due to his on-field performance. With Washington trading both Montez Sweat and Chase Young last year, bolstering their edge rushers and defensive ends became a primary focus in this free agency period.

Grade: A

C Tyler Biadasz: Washington is in dire need of stability at the center position, and Tyler Biadasz fits the bill perfectly. Despite dealing with hip issues during his college years, he has proven to be incredibly reliable, having missed only two games over the past two seasons. This makes him an ideal acquisition for Washington.

Grade: A

LB Frankie Luvu: At long last, Washington has secured a genuine linebacker, a position that has been overlooked for the past 4-6 years. With the new regime in place, addressing the linebacker position is now a priority. Washington’s signing of Frankie Luvu is poised to be the standout addition of the offseason. Heading into free agency, Luvu was ranked #11 by PFF with an impressive 80.0 grade overall, but notably excelled with a #1 ranking in pass-rushing grade at 90.1. This acquisition is sure to be welcomed by Jon Allen and Daron Payne, as it will likely create numerous one-on-one opportunities for them to dominate.

Grade: A+

RB Austin Ekeler: Ekeler had a remarkable season with 1,064 all-purpose yards for the LA Chargers. Transitioning to a Kliff Kingsbury offense, he is poised to excel both in the backfield and when lined up as a receiver. His signing was an obvious choice, especially after Antonio Gibson joined the New England Patriots. The combination of Robinson and Ekeler in the backfield shows immense potential. While some may be skeptical of this acquisition now, opinions are likely to change once the season kicks off and Ekeler begins to showcase his abilities.

Grade: A-

OG Nick Allegretti: Seeking to secure a full-time starting role, Allegretti’s addition not only enhances the locker room but also fortifies Washington’s offensive line for the long term. He brings a level of talent that could potentially elevate him to stardom. With Cosmi at RG, Allegretti offers similar athleticism on the opposite side of the line. Additionally, he possesses versatility as a lineman who can line up at tight end and make receptions. Washington is expected to leverage Allegretti’s exceptional skills to establish stability within the offensive line.

Grade: B+

K Brandon McManus: There’s a kicking competition heating up in Washington, indicating a comprehensive roster overhaul underway. Kicker was certainly on the radar for changes. Slye’s track record includes missing over five extra points in the past two seasons. Ownership seems intent on reversing the strategies implemented by Ron Rivera and his team. McManus offers a promising alternative, known for his accuracy within 40 yards and exceptional performance beyond 50 yards.

Grade: B+

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