The NFL is over two weeks into the new league year, and some teams already look drastically different. The Packers without Davante Adams? The Chiefs without Tyreek Hill? The Seahawks without Russell Wilson?
Those are just some of the wild moves we’ve seen over the past month.
More moves will occur. There is the 2022 NFL draft, and free agency will continue. And, as the Washington Commanders witnessed last season, good players will be cut after the draft. Washington was fortunate to land left tackle Charles Leno and safety Bobby McCain last May.
Nate Davis of USA TODAY Sports recently unveiled his latest power rankings through the first wave of free agency and some of the mega-trades.
Where are the Washington Commanders?
23. Commanders (24): Carson Wentz better play his butt off, otherwise this brain trust will be constantly skewered with second guessers invoking the names of Matty Ice, Jimmy G. and maybe even Baker Mayfield, whose 2022 base salary is more than $3 million shy of Wentz’s.
The addition of quarterback Carson Wentz moved the Commanders up one spot in Davis’ power rankings. Considering Washington has done little else, that’s probably fair. Wentz is an upgrade under center for the Commanders, but how much of an upgrade?
That question will not be answered until the fall.
Washington has only signed two outside free agents in guard Andrew Norwell, and backup defensive end Efe Obada. Norwell replaces Ereck Flowers, who was cut for salary-cap purposes. Obada is an upgrade for Washington behind Chase Young and Montez Sweat. That is a low-key critical addition.
The Commanders also lost Pro Bowl guard Brandon Scherff, which was expected. Washington will likely monitor the free-agent market for help at defensive tackle as Tim Settle signed with the Bills, and Matt Ioannidis was released. The Commanders are in excellent shape with Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne, but depth is now a concern.
While Washington may not sign any stars, the team will likely be active in free agency for players who could be cut. Overall, the Commanders have found some good bargains in Ron Rivera’s two years as head coach.