Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera loves “position flex.” How often have we heard Rivera praise a player with position flex over the last three years?
So, with multiple holes along the offensive line, it was no surprise that Rivera and the Commanders targeted offensive linemen who could play multiple positions.
Former New York Giant Nick Gates agreed to a three-year deal with Washington. Gates had spent most of his time in New York playing guard and center. With the Commanders needing help at all three spots, where did coaches see Gates in 2023?
Gates met with the media Thursday after signing his contract and was asked about his role. It sounds like he’ll be Washington’s center, or at least competing for the position next season.
“I think center, where I will be taking most of the reps, I assume,” Gates said. Center/guard, that’s where I play usually. I definitely felt more comfortable at center; I feel like it’s my natural position.”
Why is Gates more comfortable at center?
“I just like being in control of everything, making calls and telling everybody what to do,” he said. “It holds me accountable because you got to know everything.”
In some news that will make quarterback Sam Howell smile:
“I think I can help the young quarterback out, be there to protect him and let him know nothing is going to happen.”
With Gates expected to begin at center, it begs the question: What happens with Chase Roullier? Tyler Larsen and Gates are under contract for 2023. Roullier is, too, but with a cap hit of $12.4 million. The Commanders love Roullier, but you must consider he missed half of the 2021 season with a leg injury and almost all of the 2022 season with another leg injury. If Roullier is back, it’s likely under a different cap number.
A returning Roullier would also ensure that Washington is much better prepared at center in 2023 with Gates, Roullier and Larsen on the roster.
Gates’ versatility gives the Commanders options.
