Everyone knows the Washington Commanders need a quarterback. But even if — or when — the Commanders address the position, they’ll still have other areas that coach Ron Rivera and Co. will need to fix.
Washington’s next signal-caller has gotten plenty of attention in the past few months and the spotlight will only get brighter in weeks to come. But before that happens, let’s take a detour and examine the other needs on the roster:
Middle linebacker: The Commanders’ front office missed on its evaluation of 2021 first-round pick Jamin Davis. Davis may still very well be a productive player in the NFL, but Rivera admitted that Davis’ best fit is likely on the outside. “I think that is where he belongs right now,” Rivera said. That’s far from the three-down middle linebacker he and general manager Martin Mayhew sold Davis as on draft night.
That leaves Washington in search of a middle linebacker once again.
Veteran Jon Bostic, the team’s Week 1 starter, missed most of the season with a torn pectoral and is a free agent. While Rivera is high on Bostic, there are a number of other veterans on the market who could fill the void. Dallas’ Leighton Vander Esch has experience in the middle and could be worth pursuing, even with his shaky injury history. Denver’s Alexander Johnson and Josey Jewell come from a 3-4 scheme, but both figure to slot on the inside in a 4-3, the scheme Washington runs. Green Bay’s De’Vondre Campbell is regarded as the top option.
If Washington wants to rely on the draft again, Utah’s Devin Lloyd and Georgia’s Nakobe Dean are seen as first-round level talents.
Safety: Washington’s three-man safety trio of Bobby McCain, Landon Collins and Kam Curl found a rhythm as the year went on before Collins went down with a season-ending foot injury in December. But the position could look different next season, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if the group undergoes some changes.
For one, Washington will have to re-sign McCain — and if the team doesn’t, then the Commanders will have a sizable hole at free safety. After a rough start, McCain really hit his stride — three of his four interceptions came after Washington’s bye week, including two in Week 18.
Collins’ future with Washington could also come into question. Will the Commanders look to move on from his $16 million cap hit? They can release him and save $6 million if they decide to move on. But after moving Collins to more of a hybrid safety-linebacker role in 2020, Collins started to play very well. Restructuring Collins’ contract makes the most sense, but it’s not known if the three-time Pro Bowler would be open to that.
Guard: Pro Football Focus ranked Washington as having the sixth-best offensive line in 2021. That ranking suggests that the Commanders’ line is more than fine — however, Brandon Scherff’s likely departure in free agency will create a sizable hole at right guard.
“Oh, a lot,” center Chase Roullier said when asked what the team would miss if Scherff were to leave. “He’s a guy that really is an anchor on our offensive line and someone who’s out there just tossing dudes around.”
Washington has a reliable backup in veteran Wes Schweitzer who can start in Scherff’s spot, but the Commanders may look to add depth in the draft as Schweitzer is entering the last year of his contract.
Wide receiver: The Commanders got next to nothing from Curtis Samuel’s first year with the franchise as the oft-injured receiver appeared in only five games with six catches for 27 yards. Rivera is hopeful that Samuel can contribute next season, but Washington may still want to add another wideout.
Specifically, Cam Sims is set to be a free agent and if he leaves, Washington will lack a big-bodied receiver. Sims, at 6-foot-5, is the only wide receiver on the roster taller than 6 feet.
The Commanders have a bonafide star in Terry McLaurin, but are still searching for a reliable No. 2 option next to him.
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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