After a disappointing season for the Washington Commanders where they went 2-15, they entered the offseason in hopes to rebuild and strengthen there team to move in the right direction and fix it for the up-coming season. A part of that was due to pop-artist, Robyn Fenty (Rihanna) buying full ownership rights of the Washington Commanders midway through the season gave her time to plan out the future with Coach Garrett Riley so that they could enter the off-season at full strength and not waste anytime. Here is a run down of how the off-season went for the Washington Commanders and owner Rihanna, alongside Coach Garrett Riley and President Brad Pitt.
Key Departures:
Terry McLaurin (WR) – Free Agency
Joseph Ossai (DE) – Free Agency
Luckily enough for Washington, they didn’t have too many key pieces of their team leave through contract expiration or trades. Only losing two starters in Joseph Ossai, their starting Left End and their best wideout Terry McLaurin. Both seemingly couldn’t have a deal reached with them and decided it was best and time to part ways.
Key Resigns:
Deebo Samuel (WR) – Resign
Jamin Davis (MLB) – Resign
In terms of resigns, despite losing Terry McLaurin they were able to resign the wide receiver that barely saw the field last season due to a torn pec – Deebo Samuel. Washington believed that Deebo was the right choice between the two and that he was capable enough of being the number one wideout on the team, despite getting older in age. Defensive captain, Jamin Davis also resigned on a short term deal – he was one of the few small bright spots on the defensive side of the ball for Washington in what was a historically horrible defensive showing this past season.
Key Additions:
Tee Higgins (WR) – Trade
Cam Taylor-Britt (CB) – Trade
J.J. Arcega-Whiteside (TE) – Free Agency
Orlando Brown (LT) – Free Agency
Micah Morris (RT) – Trade
Rylie Mills (DT) – Trade
Throughout free agency and a couple off-season trades Team Owner & GM Rihanna, alongside recently hired Team President, Brad Pitt were able to make a few phone calls and arrange some deals with the Cincinnati Bengals and Carolina Panthers. Acquiring Tee Higgins, Cam Taylor-Britt, Micah Morris and Rylie Mills for a series of picks from the two respective clubs. The Commanders bolstered multiple positions of need and replaced a couple positions that they lost players in. Then through Free Agency, they were able to acquire multiple veteran depth pieces and a few offensive line pieces highlighted by Orlando Brown to bolster their offensive line which was arguably the worst offensive-line the league had seen in a long, long time.
Rookie Class:
Caleb Herring (LE) – Round 2
Samuel M’Pemba (RE) – Round 3
Donnell Harris (LOLB) – Round 3
Tyler Brown (WR) – Round 5
Anwar Sparrow (MLB) – Round 6
Tackett Curtis (ROLB) – Round 7
Despite moving multiple draft picks throughout the season, the Commanders managed to have a total of six picks through the draft. Three in the early rounds, and three in the later rounds. Outside of their fifth round pick, Tyler Brown (WR) they addressed the defensive ball. Investing all their picks into fixing and strengthening their defense. The team believes that all of these players are able to play a key factor into this up-coming season.
To round off, that was the Commanders off-season. Between the departures, resigns, additions, and their draft. Overall, as stated in a few press conferences Coach Riley, Rihanna, and Brad Pitt couldn’t be happier with how their team had come along in the offseason. They feel as if they addressed multiple needs on both side of the ball and now it’s on the team to translate the talent into on field performance as fans in Washington hope for a better and stronger season than what they’ve experienced for the past two years.
