Washington Commanders are expected to make an inevitable move to recoup from disastrous mistake
The Commanders will be receiving a massive salary cap boost heading into NFL free agency after they repair a trade that never worked out.
The Washington Commanders are days away from kicking off their NFL free agency plans, and they’ll need to be active.
After a very conservative approach last offseason, all eyes are on general manager Adam Peters to add talent this offseason and make upgrades around the roster. To make additions, they’ll also have to subtract players and let others walk in free agency.
The latest report says the Commanders are expected to finally move on from their biggest mistake, which will help them this offseason.
The Commanders are expected to release CB Marshon Lattimore before the new league year
The Commanders have a top-5 salary cap space in the NFL, and they will earn a lot more in the coming days with the report of them finally releasing CB Marshon Lattimore before the new league year.
It’s a move that has been expected since the season ended, but his injury did complicate things as well, with an injury settlement on the table. The Commanders also weren’t in a huge rush to move on, because there was no deadline. Lattimore has a $2 million roster bonus due on March 15th, so expect a move to happen before then at the latest.
A release would save the Commanders $18.5 million and give them even more to work with in free agency.
The Commanders need to make the most of the salary cap savings
Saving $18.5 million is a big deal, but so is trading away a third, a fourth, and a sixth-round pick for a cornerback that didn’t work out. Now, Peters needs to turn those savings into one big splash signing like Devin Lloyd, or multiple under-the-radar signings on defense, especially at EDGE. I don’t expect them to be in on Trey Hendrickson, and players like Tyler Linderbaum may be too expensive, but the Commanders have too many needs to sit back and sign older veterans again.
They also need to replace Lattimore, and there are a lot of questions about the cornerback room, despite drafting two corners high in the last two drafts. Mike Sainristil took a major step back, and Trey Amos’ impressive rookie season came to an end after a fractured fibula. Cornerback is one of the most important positions in Daronte Jones’ defense, and he needs high-IQ and experienced playmakers.
I’m circling Jaylen Watson, Eric Stokes, and Cor’Dale Flott as top targets in free agency who could fit the scheme, and still be younger options.
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