The Washington Commanders have garnered considerable attention this offseason, despite coming off a disappointing 4-13 season. However, their history of struggles and questionable decisions continues to linger, as highlighted by Jerry Trotta of The Landry Hat in his critique of the team’s recent free-agent signings under new head coach Dan Quinn.
Among the notable signings are defensive end Dorance Armstrong (3 years, $45 million), center Tyler Biadasz (3 years, $30 million), tight end Zach Ertz (1 year, $3 million), and running back Austin Ekeler (2 years, $8.4 million). These contracts total $76.4 million of the Commanders’ $190 million expenditure on new contracts this offseason.
Dan Quinn arrives at the Commanders after serving as defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys and previously as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons for six seasons. Despite the optimism surrounding the signings, Trotta warns that spending big in free agency does not guarantee success. He criticizes Quinn for potentially overpaying for Armstrong and Biadasz, both former Cowboys, and for signing 33-year-old Ertz, who has been plagued by injuries in recent seasons. Trotta particularly singles out Ekeler, suggesting his signing might already be seen as a disappointment due to recent comments he made about his former team, the Los Angeles Chargers.
Ekeler’s remarks about not being utilized as a workhorse back by the Chargers raised eyebrows, especially since such a role was never expected of him given his career usage. Despite his versatility and previous production, which included over 300 touches in 2022, Ekeler’s fit within the Commanders’ offensive scheme remains uncertain, particularly with Brian Robinson already established as a capable running back.
However, Armstrong and Biadasz are viewed more positively. Armstrong has shown promise as a pass rusher, tallying 18.5 sacks over the past three seasons despite missing several games due to injury. Biadasz, on the other hand, has been a standout center in the NFL, earning Pro Bowl honors in 2022 and demonstrating consistency in his performance.
In conclusion, while the Commanders have made significant moves to bolster their roster, including acquiring potential impact players like Armstrong and Biadasz, the success of these signings remains to be seen. The team’s decision to invest heavily in free agency under Quinn’s leadership will undoubtedly face scrutiny as they aim to improve upon their recent struggles and compete in the competitive NFC East division.
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