The new league year began on March 16th, and with it, there was a frenzy of activity as teams try and better themselves for the upcoming season. What have the Washington Commanders done?
Keep checking back to this page for all of their major signings, re-signings and trades.
Updated: March 24th
Trades
The biggest news of the off-season for Washington so far, is acquiring veteran quarterback Carson Wentz from the Indianapolis Colts.
The Commanders swapped 2nd round picks in 2022 with the Colts as well as sending them a 3rd round pick in 2022, and a conditional 3rd round pick in 2023. Washington will have to increase that pick to a 2nd round pick in 2023 in the likelihood that Wentz plays more than 70% of Washington’s snaps this season. The Commanders also get a 7th round pick in 2023.
Read more about the Wentz deal here.
Free Agent Signings
Andrew Norwell, G
Washington released guard Ereck Flowers this week, after also releasing long-time right guard Brandon Scherff.
Head Coach Ron Rivera coached Norwell in Carolina from 2014 to 2017, as did Commanders’ line coach John Matsko. Norwell is a strong run blocker and signed a cap friendly deal which allows Washington some more off-season liquidity.
Efe Obada, DE
Washington have signed defensive end Efe Obada.
He is a fifth year pro that made his way to the NFL through the NFL International Player Pathway Program.
Obada spent last season with the Buffalo Bills and registered 12 tackles to go along with his 3.5 sacks.
Previous to that, he spent three seasons with the Carolina Panthers. In 42 games for Carolina, he had 7.5 sacks and 50 tackles.
Free Agent Re-Signings
J.D. McKissic, RB
McKissic returns to Washington on a two-year deal that is worth up to between $7 and $8 million, depending on incentives reached.
The running back had originally agreed to a deal with the Buffalo Bills, but then apparently had a change of heart. Buffalo is/was pretty upset with Washington on how it all went down, but in the end, the Commanders get their RB2 back for 2022.
Washington hopes that his neck injury at the end of last season is completely healed.
Bobby McCain, S
McCain agreed to a two-year deal worth $11 million to return to the Commanders. He played well in the back half of last season and barring any more signings, will start again in 2022. He had four interceptions last year, including two in the final game.
He may start along side of last year’s starting strong safety Kam Curl, but Washington is likely still trying to upgrade this position in free agency.
Cam Sims, WR
Sims returns to the Commanders on a one-year deal worth up to $3 million.
The veteran receiver offers depth and some security for the receiving corps and additionally contributes on special teams. He’s also the biggest receiver they have at 6’5″. Washington will likely try to fortify the receiver position further this off-season – either through free agency or in the Draft.
Troy Apke, DB
Apke returns to the Commanders on a one-year deal.
He offers depth in the secondary and is an excellent special teams player. Washington tried moving him from safety to corner last season but it was not considered overly successful. Still, he backs up at both spots and is an inexpensive depth signing.
Tyler Larsen, C
Larsen also returns to the Commanders on a one-year deal.
Last year he backed up center Chase Roullier and started three games when the latter went down with a broken fibula. Unfortunately Larsen ruptured his Achilles on December 12th, ending his season. Washington is hoping that injury is healed, and they can count on him for depth in 2022.
Washington started FIVE different guys at center in 2021, so depth is definitely a concern this year.
Danny Johnson, DB
Johnson returns to Washington for his fifth season.
He was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2018, and has appeared in 42 career games (4 starts). He stepped up and filled in well as a back-up last year, especially playing the slot. He is also a good special teams player and can return kicks. Good depth signing.
Cornelius Lucas, T
Lucas returns to Washington on a two year deal worth $8.2 million.
He is a valuable depth addition that can back up both tackle positions. Considering how much time Sam Cosmi missed last year (8 games, that’s hugely important.
Lucas had a great quote after being signed, “I picked up a good amount of traction, more than I have in the past. But everyone was faking and booty-shaking and Washington was the only one that came through.”
There is still lots of time left in the off-season, and Washington have released several players to (apparently) free up some of their $208 million cap to make some roster moves. Keep an eye on this space for more transactions.