Next Steps for the Commanders After the Deebo Acquisition
The Washington Commanders were one of the more shocking teams to make a deep playoff run this year. The Commanders’ success was driven by one of the most impressive rookie quarterback performances in NFL history, with Jayden Daniels taking full command of this franchise. Suddenly, this team has gone from rebuilding to contender in a year, and now they have one of the more interesting off-seasons of any team as they have some good pieces and a lot of cap space to play with. After acquiring Deebo Samuel from the 49ers just recently, what else do the Commanders need to do in the coming months to make them serious contenders alongside their division rival, and now Super Bowl Champion, Philadelphia Eagles?
Go Get a Wide Receiver
Besides Terry McLaurin and newly acquired Deebo Smauel, the Commanders are set to lose just about every other wide receiver currently listed on their depth chart. This isn’t necessarily a problem but instead presents an opportunity to give Jayden Daniels some serious weapons. Deebo Samuel isn’t a traditional wide receiver, and I am excited about how Kilff Kingsbury will use him in this heavy run offense. The Commanders should draft a high upside receiver later in the draft because this isn’t an urgent need but instead gives the team a safety blanket in case Deebo gets injured again. If the Commanders can also find a way to keep receivers like Noah Brown and others on cheap deals, that would be excellent.
Replace Zach Ertz
Zach Ertz had an excellent season last year thanks to the tremendous efficiency of Jayden Daniels, but he is far from the player the Commanders will need at the tight end spot to make a serious playoff run again. If Brock Bowers can show up on one of the worst offenses as a rookie and have nearly 1200 yards, imagine what a young and talented tight end could provide to Jayden Daniels. Now, none of the rookie tight ends are Brock Bowers, but there are several who could provide a significant boost to this position. If the Commanders spent a first-rounder on either Colston Loveland or Tyler Warren, it would provide a massive boost to both the passing and running game for the Commanders from the tight end position.
Upgrade the Linebacker Position Urgently
This linebacking crew was the biggest pitfall to a team that was good last year. Bobby Wagner should retire, and they need some new, fresh blood in the room. Luckily, free agency has several young linebackers that have proven themselves to be highly effective in the NFL. I would target a free agent like Nick Bolton, who consistently played at a high level for the Chiefs and has experience in big games as a Super Bowl Champion. The Commanders need players who will carry around a champion spirit to invigorate their team to get back to the NFC Championship game and beyond.
