Darius Harris could be the linebacking depth Washington fans want

Hogs Haven takes a look at 2023 free agents that could contribute to the Commanders

Darius Harris, LB
Pro Experience: Senior | Age: 27
Height / Weight: 6’2” / 238 lbs

Pro Statistics

Player Overview

Harris was originally signed by the Chiefs as an undrafted free agent after the 2019 draft. Since that time he played in a utility role for Kansas City until 2022. This past season, once linebacker Willie Gay went out with suspension, Harris got the chance to start four games.

Harris answered the call, playing well in Gay’s absence:

And he seems to have the appropriate mindset for a depth player who is willing to do whatever needs to be done to get on the field:

“You can’t just be still at one thing,” noted Harris. “Obviously, to get on the field you’ve got to be ready — for me — at any position. That way I’m able to be the next man up and be able to get me some playing time, whether it’s at the MIKE, SAM, or WILL [linebacker positions].

“You know — just being versatile. I feel like that’s a good trait and being able to understand the assignment and execution of each position in order to get on the field and make plays.”

In late September, Arrowhead Pride did a nice film review of Harris’ play against the Colts.

While the first loss of the Kansas City Chiefs season falls on the shoulders of the offense and special teams, the defensive group wasn’t perfect either. It was without Willie Gay Jr., as he served the first of a four-game suspension in Week 3. Darius Harris stepped in to take the starting duties, and he picked up where he left off in preseason.

Harris finished with a game-high 13 tackles while Nick Bolton was right behind him with nine, and Bolton contributed two sacks as well.

They were tasked with slowing down arguably the best running back in all of football and they answered that call.

In 2023, Harris became a restricted free agent, but the Chiefs decided not to tender him. His tender would have cost the Chiefs $2.6M, and the word is they might like to have him back for around $1M. If Washington could beat that offer, perhaps they could entice Harris away from the reigning Super Bowl champs.

Strengths

• High football IQ
• Can run the defense and is an effective communicator on the backside.
• Brings special teams ability immediately.
• Has positional versatility across the linebacking slots.
• Plays with strong football instincts.
• Has good play strength.

Weaknesses

• Had a shoulder injury in 2019 that probably impaired his ability to get drafted.
• Still fairly inexperienced as a defensive starter.
• Can take less than ideal angles in coverage at times.

Let’s See His Work

How He Could Fit

Looking at Washington’s current roster, one of the spots that looks ripest for a straightforward upgrade is LB3. Currently that role is occupied either by Khaleke Hudson or David Mayo, after the addition of Cody Barton earlier this offseason. Washington fans have been repeatedly vexxed that the team didn’t add anymore LBs in free agency (beyond Barton) or the draft, and even John Keim has suggested that the team is likely to pursue one in this second free agency period.

The reality is, in terms of low-priced depth LBs, the current crop of free agents is pretty thin. Possible options might include Jaylon Smith, Anthony Barr, and – of course – Harris. I suspect that Eric Bieniemy is probably pretty familiar with Harris, and that he could provide the team unique insight into his cultural and schematic fit.

On the defense, the linebacking depth is perhaps the only roster area that could be reasonably improved at this point in the offseason. I’d love to see the team pursue a guy like Harris to try to elevate that floor.