Some Washington fans may be disappointed with the Commanders’ early free-agent moves this week, but the consensus is that general manager Adam Peters is doing a tremendous job.
Last March, the Commanders made a flurry of moves in the opening days of free agency. No, Washington didn’t jump in on the deep end of the free-agent pool, but signed a combination of older players with high character who could still play and younger players with upside. Almost every move worked out perfectly, leading the Commanders to a 12-5 record and an appearance in the NFC championship.
This week, Washington’s most significant moves were a pair of trades: wide receiver Deebo Samuel and left tackle Laremy Tunsil. Both acquired players are at a position of need, and for Peters to land a five-time Pro Bowl left tackle to protect superstar quarterback Jayden Daniels without giving up a first-round pick was a coup.
In free agency, the Commanders signed multiple players with a clear focus: improving the trenches and the secondary. Mission accomplished. Again, Peters made these moves without breaking the bank. He acquired the salaries of Samuel and Tunsil, who combined to count for close to $39 million against the salary cap next season. Tunsil is especially a bargain at $21.3 million.
Frank Schwab of Yahoo Sports recently graded all 32 NFL teams through the first week of free agency, and Washington was one of five teams with an “A” grade. Schwab gave the Commanders an “A-” for the opening week of free agency.
Here’s what Schwab said of the Commanders:
Why: The biggest names on this list are aging. And Javon Kinlaw was overpaid. But there was some talent added between Deebo Samuel Sr. and Laremy Tunsil.
Washington’s goal was to close the gap between itself and the Eagles. It was a significant gap, but the Commanders have narrowed it. Several free agents remain available, and there’s also next month’s NFL draft.
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