Adam Peters goes to work in Free Agency

For those who were expecting splash signings, the Commanders FA work (so far) might have some feeling a champagne bottle short of an exciting shopping basket.

However, for anyone paying better attention to how new Washington GM Adam Peters operates; this start to the new era in D.C will be of little surprise, and, if anything, the Commanders made more moves than expected.

Here at UKHTTC, we welcome back our USA friend Andy Eckert, who together with founder, Christian Burt, cast an eye over the new guys in town.

First up, Andy.

Frankie Luvu (LB): The New Defensive Anchor

Frankie Luvu's signing is a beacon of hope for a linebacker unit that has seen its share of struggles.

After examining his performance and reading John Keim, it's clear Luvu might just be the stud The Burgundy & Gold desperately needed. Outperforming his measurables, Luvu makes tackles with an intensity that’s hard to ignore. Could he become the "Head of the Table" for this Defense? Only time will tell, but the excitement around what Dan Quinn has planned for him is palpable.

Tyler Biadasz (C): A Steal from Dallas

Despite Dallas letting Tyler Biadasz walk, online analysis and sports talkers alike can't help but highlight his consistency and durability. It seems The Burgundy & Gold may have snagged a key piece for their offensive line, reinforcing the center position with a player known for his solid performance. Either way, we know how terrible the OL has been here and the need for a veteran Center for a young QB makes sense.

Dorance Armstrong (DE): The Breakout Candidate

Armstrong's arrival is particularly noteworthy.

With a limited number of starts to his name, maybe there is a sense among the new coaching staff that he's on the verge of breaking out. The Burgundy & Gold are in dire need of production at the DE position, and while Armstrong might not have the same recognition as Montez Sweat or Chase Young (before he got hurt), the staff's belief in his potential is a testament to their confidence in his abilities.

Austin Ekeler (RB): A Surprising Addition

Austin Ekeler's signing was unexpected for me.

With his productivity, excluding a downturn in 2023, one might have anticipated a younger back to fill the role.

Yet, Ekeler could provide a dynamic complement to Robinson as RB1, potentially offering a versatile option for the backfield that could redefine the team's running game. He’s clearly your 3rd down back and maybe will be in there for some other stuff. But I think they have a very clear role in mind for him.

Nick Allegretti (G): A Calculated Risk

The signing of Nick Allegretti brings mixed feelings, especially considering the outcome with Wylie last year. Coming from a successful stint with KC and now recovering from an injury, there’s curiosity about what The Burgundy & Gold see in him. It’s a modest deal, possibly reflecting a belief in Allegretti’s recovery and potential contribution.

Zach Ertz (TE): More Than a Player

Zach Ertz on a one-year deal might seem like an acquisition for his knowledge of Kliff Kingsbury's system rather than his on-field contribution. Yet, if healthy, Ertz could experience a career resurgence, providing invaluable guidance and security for a likely young QB addition.

Brandon McManus (K): Open Competition

The one-year deal for Brandon McManus suggests a pragmatic approach to the kicker position, reminiscent of a strategy Rivera previously avoided. It's wise to consider bringing in competition, not just for challenge but for readiness in any situation.

Andy’s Overall Theme and observations

The early free agency theme underlines a strategic approach: filling gaps with capable starters and contributors poised for significant playing time. Each signing aligns with a direct need, showcasing a methodical build toward a competitive roster without the fanfare of exorbitant contracts. This is what we were told to expect. They weren’t lying at their introductions this spring.

The running back market this free agency has been unexpectedly robust, challenging the notion that big deals for RBs are a thing of the past. Meanwhile, the situation in Chicago with Justin Fields adds another layer of intrigue to the QB market. Could the Bears rethink their strategy, and what does this mean for Fields' future?

Christian continues.

Marcus Mariota (QB): the mentor role

This was an out the blue acquisition and certainly not on my FA radar for the veteran role in Washington. There was an initial social media rush, given the skillset match with Mariota, to declare that all signs now point to the Commanders taking LSU QB Jayden Daniels.

The burgundy and gold might well pick Daniels (he is almost certainly ranked as the 2 or 3 QB in the 2024 Draft), but I’m not jumping to the same conclusions as there were also reports of Sam Darnold being an option and he's more of a pocket guy.

Jeremy Chinn (S): Carolina’s loss, Washington’s gain

DC Joe Whitt Jr. in his introductory press conference: “we're going to be a run and hit Defense. We are going to run and put our bodies on people in a violent manner”.

I see a match made in heaven with the 2020 second place DROTY. Chinn is hybrid in many ways, a finisher rather than a great coverage guy. With Dan Quinn at the helm and Whitt Jr by his side I expect Chinn to play up in 2024. Only concern, Jeremy needs to stay healthy.

Tyler Ott (LS): no cheese

Tyler is an experienced NFL long snapper who isn’t called Cheeseman. That’s an upgrade, right.

Clelin Ferrell (DE): former top 5 pick

The Raiders were largely ridiculed when they took Clelin as high as four in the 2019 draft.

Ferrell never really hit the heights you’d expect from a top five pick. However, a deeper dive points to only a single missed game from 2021 to 2023.

Big and smart and a nice outside rotational (and arguably starter as he was for all 17 in SF) piece to align with Jon Allen and Daron Payne. Peters brought him to San Francisco, so you’d imagine the intangibles check out well too.

Dante Fowler Jr (DE): Yee Haw! It is another Cowboy

What is that you say – another top five drafted DE?

Fowler Jr is a devotee of Dan Quinn and will provide veteran pass rush experience off the Edge. Again, like Ferrell, he has not lived up to the top 5 draft position (this was back in 2015), but as a situational rusher on third down, this is a sneaky good pick up. 43 careers sacks is no mean feat, although Dante has been injured at times during his career in the NFL. 5-6 sacks as a rotational guy would be a solid return on this one-year investment.

Christian’s Overall Theme and observations

This is an Adam Peters-led dozen FAs but with the obvious connections that an experienced coaching staff bring to the table.

For Peters, it seems that the NFL Draft is where he will look to find those stud/elite players for seasons to come.

This is a measured and assured FA so far and allows more of a Best Player Available approach in the 2024 Draft. There are still some key positions to fill; certainly Left Tackle is the standout omission across the OL. I particularly like the DE signings - it is nice to bring in veteran guys who have been elsewhere in the league as I was never fond of the all-Washington-drafted four of Young, Allen, Payne and Sweat. Some differing NFL experiences will help that unit and I can see Payne in particular having a bounceback season in 2024.

What also jumped out is that the Front Office want little to do with FAs who were on the roster last season.

Safety Kam Curl remains an unsigned FA and Antonio Gibson has gone to the Patriots. Might there be anyone who suited up in the 2023 season burgundy & gold who comes back at veteran minimum type levels? James Smith-Williams is stout against the run for example, even if clearly a one-dimensional DE.