Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera hasn’t been shy about the team’s need to land a new quarterback in 2022. Rivera has made it clear that without completely disrespecting Taylor Heinicke, the Commanders will be “big-game hunting” for some of the NFL’s top quarterbacks.
The veteran quarterbacks most associated with Rivera’s comments this offseason are Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson and Deshaun Watson. All are franchise quarterbacks who could be available for different reasons. Rodgers isn’t coming to Washington, while Wilson is still doubtful. Watson isn’t likely for various reasons.
Rivera recently told Ben Standig of The Athletic that he believes the Commanders have a lot to offer the top veteran quarterbacks.
“We’d like to believe we would be a viable option for a lot of (quarterbacks),” Rivera said. “We understand what the capital will take to bring a type (of) player like that here. We believe we have a lot to offer.”
Let’s pretend Rodgers, Wilson and Watson are all possibilities for the Commanders. Is Rivera correct in saying Washington has a lot to offer?
Yes and no.
First, Washington has talent on offense. Sure, the recent results are far from ideal, but the Commanders have a terrific wide receiver and running back with Terry McLaurin and Antonio Gibson in place. Next up for Washington is bringing back running back J.D. McKissic, one of the NFL’s best pass-catching backs.
The Commanders also have a good tight end in Logan Thomas. If Thomas returns healthy from his knee injury, Washington is in good shape with John Bates as the top reserve.
Washington also has a solid offensive line. The Commanders re-signed left tackle Charles Leno to a three-year extension, and rookie right tackle Sam Cosmi looks like the real deal. The bad news is Pro Bowl guard Brandon Scherff will be elsewhere. However, in Wes Schweitzer, the Commanders have an ideal replacement. The star of Washington’s offensive line is coach John Matsko.
Next, you have offensive coordinator Scott Turner. Turner received a lot of criticism online, but if you simply break things down on a game-by-game basis, Turner is doing a good job. Let’s consider he’s been forced to play six different quarterbacks in two seasons. He’s had one legit wideout in McLaurin. Yet, Turner had Washington’s offense around the middle of the pack in 2021.
If you consider the quarterback issues and injuries along the offensive line and at wide receiver, that’s respectable.
There are other positive factors, too. In Rivera, you have a veteran coach who seemingly has job security and the respect of everyone in the NFL. Rivera has shown that he is the perfect coach for an MVP-level quarterback in the past.
A new quarterback can also be the face of a new brand. Can you imagine the jerseys Wilson could sell if he was traded to the Commanders? A Virginia native, Wilson would be a hero in Washington.
Washington also has plenty of cap space and can sell a new quarterback on being the guy who helps turn the franchise into a consistent winner. After all, Rivera believes the Commanders are only a starting quarterback away from being a consistent winner.
Finally, you have the defense. Sure, the group underachieved last season. However, the talent is in place to bounce back in a big way in 2022. Don’t bet on Washington’s defense being a liability again next season.
So what about the bad?
Well, it’s still Washington — and Dan Snyder is still the owner.
But now, more than ever, Washington has a positive vision to sell to a top quarterback. Now comes the hard part.