The Washington Commanders were aggressive early in the 2021 free-agency signing period. Washington signed quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick to a one-year deal and inked wide receiver Curtis Samuel and cornerback William Jackson III to three-year contracts.
The early results for these signings weren’t encouraging; however, Jackson did turn his season around in the second half before missing the final three games due to injury. Fitzpatrick attempted six passes, while Samuel caught six passes.
The Commanders are certainly hoping for a bounceback season from Samuel in 2022 when he is paired with a new quarterback. The mystery of Washington’s offseason is who will it land to play quarterback?
That answer is likely not in free agency, although the Commanders could sign a veteran if they fail to land a top target through the trade market. If Washington is forced to sign a veteran like Jameis Winston or Mitchell Trubisky, it will still likely select a quarterback high in the 2022 NFL draft.
Outside of quarterback, how aggressive will the Commanders be in free agency?
ESPN recently listed its top 50 free agents, and Jeremy Fowler and Matt Bowen followed that up with the best team fit for those free agents. Surprisingly, the Commanders aren’t listed as the best fit for any of the top free agents.
Washington guard Brandon Scherff, the No. 13 free agent, is listed as the best fit for Carolina. That’s not a surprise as no one expects the Pro Bowl guard back in Washington.
These opinions are completely subjective. Washington will be involved with some free agents, as it looks to surround the new quarterback with pieces to make a run. Two free agents I like for the Commanders among ESPN’s top 50 are Rams guard Austin Corbett (No. 48) to replace Scherff, and Packers linebacker De’Vondre Campbell (No. 43).
Campbell was a player I liked last offseason and the Packers signed him on the cheap. Campbell had the best season of his career and was named first-team All-Pro. He will get paid. Signing Campbell would fill Washington’s biggest need on defense and allow the team to use its draft picks on either a quarterback or other offensive weapons for the new quarterback.
It’s going to be a massive offseason for Washington coach Ron Rivera.
