Dan Quinn reveals three critical types of players Commanders are seeking to add this offseason
Dan Quinn knows what the team is looking for this offseason, and now the Commanders need to capitalize in free agency and the NFL Draft.
The Washington Commanders turn their focus to the roster after finalizing coaching staff changes this offseason.
General manager Adam Peters has his work cut out for him with 32 pending free agents, and a long-list on needs on the roster. The Commanders need to be aggressive in adding players on both sides of the ball, and they’ll have plenty of opportunities to do so.
They’ll have to prioritize some positions over others, and head coach Dan Quinn knows the three types of players they’re looking to add this offseason.
Dan Quinn reveals three types of players the Commanders are looking to add this offseason
The Commanders have more than enough needs on the roster to fix this offseason, but adding a game-changer at certain positions will give the roster an overall boost over others. The roster lacks special talent worth building around, especially at high-value positions.
Quinn knows the team just needs foundational players, but he tells Kevin Sheehan on Team 980 the three types of players the Commanders are specifically looking for this offseason.
“If it was offense, somebody that, you know, that is adding touchdowns,” Quinn said. “And defensively, a rusher that affects the QB. Knowing like, you’ve got to go after the head of the snake. Or a defensive player that can really guard people tight in the moment of truth throws, third downs, two minutes into those spaces. So those would be the three most important factors to make heading into it.”
The Commanders need more high-caliber players on the roster
Aside from Jayden Daniels, Terry McLaurin, and Laremy Tunsil, the Commanders don’t have many true high-caliber players who can change a game at any time. They have the quarterback, the WR1, and a franchise left tackle; now it’s time to add more, especially on defense.
Offensive Playmaker
An offensive playmaker could be a top wide receiver option like Carnell Tate with the No. 7 overall pick, or it could be signing Romeo Doubs in free agency in March. The Commanders will also reportadly be looking for a pass-catching tight end, who could be someone like Kyle Pitts or Isaiah Likely in free agency as well.
Blough also said the Commanders will look to add a running back this offseason, with only Bill Croskey-Merritt under contract, and don’t be surprised if they swing big on Breece Hall, Travis Etienne, or Rico Dowdle. They’ll likely add all three this offseason, but the biggest question is which position will be the biggest investment.
Pass Rusher
A true EDGE rusher was a need last season, and here we are with it as the top need still after Peters neglected the position in the offseason. There will be plenty of potential options in the NFL Draft with the No. 7 overall pick, with Ruben Bain Jr. and David Bailey as possible targets.
Free agency can be top-heavy with Trey Hendrickson leading the way, and the Commanders were already linked to him last offseason, but only if the Cincinnati Bengals don’t franchise tag him.
Lockdown Defender
Now this one is interesting for sure. A lockdown defender who can cover tight in critical situations is pretty much a cornerback, or a secondary defender who can align in multiple areas. This could be a Mansoor Delane selection with the No. 7 overall pick, or even Caleb Downs, who thrives in coverage in key moments.
They could also afford to invest more in free agency with two corners on rookie contracts, with potential targets in Tariq Woolen and Jaylin Watson. Regardless, they need an X-factor player on defense that they haven’t had in years.
Daniels and McLaurin can change a game on offense, but the defense has been the backbreaker over the last two seasons. Daronte Jones will install a new defensive scheme, thankfully, but now he needs the talent to excel in the scheme.
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