The Washington Commanders have almost completely overhauled the roster since new general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn took over.
While the biggest question remains which quarterback Washington will select with the No. 2 overall pick in the NFL Draft later this month, there are a few other question marks on offense that will need to be addressed.
At running back, the team seems in good shape with Brian Robinson Jr. as the bruising every down back and the addition of Austin Ekler to serve as a change of pace option who can also serve as a reliable receiver for the young QB that comes to DC.
The Washington Commanders will likely draft a young tight end to learn behind Zach Ertz — who the team brought in due to his familiarity with new offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. Peters has made a few moves to bolster one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL in 2023, but Washington will still use the draft to fill voids up front, particularly at tackle.
Last season, Washington’s WR group looked solid on paper. The trio of Terry McLaurin, Curtis Samuel and Jahan Dotson felt like it could be a nightmare for opposing defenses, but former OC Eric Bieniemy struggled to scheme ways to get the ball to McLaurin on a regular basis. The former Ohio State wideout is considered a top 10 NFL WR and has thrived in Washington despite inconsistency at the QB position.
Dotson felt poised for a breakout season after a noteworthy rookie campaign, but took a step back in the new offense.
Samuel had his best season in Washington, but the team decided to part ways with him in the offseason. With McLaurin and Dotson as small, speedsters who can beat defenses over the top, Washington is lacking a jack-of-all trades wideout who can line up from all the WR positions and compliment McLaurin’s skillset.
According to one NFL Insider, the Commanders are in play to fill the void left by Samuel with a highly-productive free agent from the AFC.
Washington Commanders Named Top Fit For Former Bengals WR Tyler Boyd
Matt Holder of Bleacher Report listed one free agent still on the market who can help each team, listing Tyler Boyd as the player who can help the Commanders.
“The Commanders have been very busy during the offseason as they signed several free agents, the majority of which were done to help build up the supporting cast for a rookie quarterback.
“While the front office did agree to a one-year, $1.125 million deal with slot receiver Olamide Zaccheaus, that small of a contract shouldn’t prevent them from going after a better player in Boyd. The former Bengal has had over 600 receiving yards in seven out of eight career seasons and would be a reliable target for a young passer to lean on.”
Boyd played for the Cincinnati Bengals in 2023 and has spent his eight-year career with the organization.
Signing Boyd would give the Washington Commanders a wide receiver who has two seasons with over 1,000 yards to give another reliable target to the rookie QB they select with the No. 2 overall pick. Boyd has also impressed in recent seasons, posting six straight seasons with at least 667 yards.
Boyd has seen his numbers go down in recent seasons, posting the fewest receiving yards of the past six seasons in 2023. However, Joe Burrow, the Cincinnati Bengals’ starting quarterback, was injured and played in just 10 games.
When Burrow has been healthy, Boyd has been a consistent 750-plus-yard receiver who has also posted seasons with 12-plus yards per reception.
Jonathan Eig of Riggo’s Rag wrote on February 24 that the Commanders should sign Boyd, giving them a veteran presence in the locker room.
“The wideout would bring a savvy veteran presence to the Washington Commanders locker room. He has caught over 500 balls in his NFL career and has been remarkably consistent. Over the last six seasons, he has never brought in fewer than 58 receptions.
“He had his best years in 2019 and 2020, just before the Bengals brought in Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase. After the arrival of the more explosive younger players, Boyd’s numbers fell off, but he remained a crucial part of Cincinnati’s passing attack.”