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Commanders’ ‘head-scratching’ move that sullied offseason
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- Commanders’ ‘head-scratching’ move that sullied offseason
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The post Commanders' 'head-scratching' move that sullied offseason appeared first on ClutchPoints .
The Washington Commanders ' offseason received a lukewarm "C" grade from ESPN, underscoring a mix of bold gambles and questionable investments as the team looks to build around quarterback Jayden Daniels ' rookie contract.
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Headlining the offseason was Washington's aggressive trade for left tackle Laremy Tunsil . The Commanders sent a package of picks , including a future second-rounder, to Houston in exchange for the 30-year-old Pro Bowler. While the team didn't need to upgrade at tackle, since rookie Brandon Coleman held his own in 2024, Tunsil offers elite pass protection.
His deal, which pays $21.35 million in each of the next two seasons, is considered team-friendly. Pairing Tunsil with first-round pick Josh Conerly Jr. now gives Washington enviable depth across the offensive line. It also should improve a unit that already ranked ninth in pass block win rate last season.
Not everything was perfect for Commanders, according to ESPN
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However, not all major moves landed well. ESPN criticized the Commanders' decision to release long-time defensive tackle Jonathan Allen , only to overpay Javon Kinlaw in free agency. Kinlaw inked a three-year, $45 million deal with $30 million guaranteed, despite an inconsistent career and only one solid season in 2024. Swapping Allen for Kinlaw is seen as a downgrade in both talent and value.
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The trade for wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. was another move met with skepticism. Washington sent a fifth-round pick and took on Samuel's $17.5 million salary, but the 29-year-old is coming off a down year with just 670 yards and the worst receiver tracking score of his career. Without adding another major receiving threat, Samuel's role as a No. 2 option remains a concern.
Veteran additions like Bobby Wagner , Jonathan Jones , and Deatrich Wise Jr. round out the offseason. Wagner, 35, returns on a one-year, $9 million deal, but there are questions about how much longer he can anchor a defense at a high level.
Ultimately, Washington's offseason reflected a team eager to contend but perhaps too eager in its spending. With a potential franchise quarterback in Daniels, the Commanders had every reason to make aggressive moves. But ESPN's average grade signals real concerns about how wisely they played their hand.
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