The Washington Commanders continued their top-to-bottom offseason makeover Thursday, welcoming a slew of free agents and sending starting quarterback Sam Howell to the Seattle Seahawks in a pick swap.
According to multiple reports, Washington will receive a third-round pick and a fifth-round pick in exchange for Howell, a fourth-round pick and a sixth-round selection.
Howell struggled as a starter in 2023, leading the NFL with 21 interceptions while throwing just 21 touchdowns.
The trade adds draft capital for the rebuilding Commanders, who have added more free agents this offseason
Meanwhile, Washington’s new blood started to arrive in Ashburn on Thursday to take physicals, tour the facility, and meet with the media.
The new Commanders who spoke with reporters included quarterback Marcus Mariota, offensive lineman Nick Allegretti and long snapper Tyler Ott. They said new coach Dan Quinn’s coaching staff, which includes former head coaches in offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury and running backs coach Anthony Lynn, helped lure them to Washington.
“I wanted to be part of an incredible coaching staff. [Quinn] has had such a great reputation around the league,” Mariota said. “I can just feel the vibe in the facility and I’m excited to get to work.”
The 2014 Heisman Trophy winner joins Washington after spending the 2023 season as a backup with the Philadelphia Eagles. He joins a quarterback room that will likely include the No. 2 pick in April’s NFL draft.
“It’s not easy … When you’re coming in, the expectation that you’re going to be ‘the savior’ is a lot ” the No. 2 pick in the 2015 NFL draft said. “I can provide a little bit of comfort … just be your best version of yourself.”
Despite being a potential backup and mentor, Mariota was the biggest name the Commanders added in this week’s free agency period. Though new general manager Adam Peters entered the week with a league-leading $91.5 million in cap space, the front office avoided any splashy moves.
Instead, Washington focused its efforts on some of the less glamorous positions. The Commanders have agreed to deals with three defensive linemen, two offensive linemen, three linebackers, a long snapper and a kicker.
The new additions may not be exciting, but players said they hope they can find success in consistency.
“We’re just hoping to come in and make fourth downs a whole lot less stressful around here,” Ott said of the special teams unit.
New kicker Brandon McManus joins the Commanders after playing for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2023. The Temple product converted 81 percent of his field goals last season and didn’t miss an extra point.
“It’s a big new regime trying to get this thing going in the right direction, so I wanted to be part of it,” McManus said. “To help them turn this place around … I’m looking forward to it.
Peters and the front office focused on areas of need in free agency, adding guard Nick Allegretti and center Tyler Biadasz to a line that allowed an NFL-high 65 sacks in 2023.
“I was looking for a place to go start, ” Allegretti said. “I had a ton of respect for coach Quinn and this looked like I had a great opportunity to come in and compete. That’s all I wanted.”
The former Kansas City Chief cemented his reputation as a competitor in this year’s Super Bowl when he stayed in the game after tearing his UCL. He brings 3 championship rings with him as he joins the Commanders.
“It is one of the greatest feelings in the world to work your whole life for something and accomplish that goal,” Allegretti said. “The biggest thing that I can bring is an aspect of really caring that the guys in Kansas City had … and that’s what I’m going to try to bring here.”
Washington also sought defensive line help, adding two former Dallas Cowboys — Dante Fowler Jr. and Dorance Armstrong. The pair played under new coach Dan Quinn in 2023.
Washington’s busy offseason isn’t over yet. The Commanders still have $68 million in cap space to continue fortifying the rebuilding roster. The front office could look to add a veteran presence at cornerback — former Pro Bowlers Xavien Howard, Stephon Gilmore, and Tre’Davious White are all free agents.
Here’s a look at other NFL moves on Thursday:
Miami Dolphins: The Dolphins agreed to a deal with former Commanders cornerback Kendall Fuller on Thursday. The 29-year-old’s two-year contract could earn him up to $16.5 million, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
Arizona Cardinals: Arizona traded for quarterback Desmond Ridder in a deal that will send wide receiver Rondale Moore to the Atlanta Falcons. Ridder started 13 games for Atlanta in 2023, but he faced a future on the bench after the team signed Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million deal.
Buffalo Bills: The Bills agreed to a three-year, $30 million contract with former Commanders wide receiver Curtis Samuel. The Ohio State product recorded 62 catches for 613 yards with Washington last season.
• Liam Griffin can be reached at lgriffin@washingtontimes.com.
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