On the heels of another failed quarterback move, Washington is getting the word out it seeks an upgrade. Ron Rivera said Tuesday he is “trying to let [teams] know” the Commanders are interested, Nicki Jhabvala of the Washington Post notes. Wednesday, the third-year Washington HC doubled down.
“I think this team needs a veteran. I really do,” Rivera said, via CBS Sports’ Josina Anderson, of the Commanders’ quarterback pursuit (video link). “That’s not gonna preclude us from looking at a rookie. It’s not gonna preclude us from saying that, if we ended up with a veteran and all of the sudden we draft a rookie, that this rookie’s not gonna get an opportunity.”
This could put the Commanders on the radar to make a Day 2 quarterback choice to develop behind whichever veteran lands in the nation’s capital. The team offered its first-rounder for Matthew Stafford last year, but after the Rams landed the longtime Lions starter, Washington declined to trade up in the first round for Justin Fields or Mac Jones. Washington ended up with Ryan Fitzpatrick, who suffered a season-ending injury in Week 1. It is clear the team is aiming much higher this offseason.
Oddsmakers have given the Commanders decent odds at acquiring Jimmy Garoppolo, and the team has been mentioned as a suitor. But the 49ers starter’s upcoming shoulder surgery could cloud that market. Garoppolo will not be ready to throw again until the summer, potentially reducing San Francisco’s asking price.
The Commanders will surely discuss Aaron Rodgers, should he want to be traded, but they were not on his 2021 destination list and were left off both Russell Wilson lists that emerged last year. Deshaun Watson has also not been connected to the Commanders, and the embattled Texans QB’s no-trade clause could nix such a pursuit. This could bring ex-NFC East QB1 Carson Wentz into the discussion. The Colts have made it known they wish to move on from Wentz after one season.
A lower-profile veteran, such as one of the free agents available, could also be used as a bridge to a first-round talent. This year’s draft crop has been maligned for months, which would make Washington’s path to landing one at No. 11 easier. The Commanders still have 2021 starter Taylor Heinicke under contract, but Rivera has other plans for 2022.
“What we hope is that we’ve said enough,” Rivera said, via Jhabvala, of the team’s QB interest. “I’ve talked with people in interviews — as far as the media is concerned, it’s just been put out there that we feel we have a lot to offer and we most certainly will be willing to discuss and talk and just listen to what people have to say and would love to be able to get in some of those conversations just because we think it’s important.”
They’re trading down to draft Howell. Calling it now.
Calling a trade down for a QB is certainly betting a long shot. I’ll give you that.
trade back swap that pick for jimmy g and a second rounder in 2023
Commanders? Lol.
Deep and insightful.
So the local is that Maryland and The District will not fund for the stadium. As been said ” Danny sell your yacht to buy your stadium.”
Virginia is rushing to get the funding for the new stadium so the new floating team name has been “Commonwealth Commanders” and they are calling the complex “Commanders City” or “Commanders Commons”.
I heard it was going to be the Gilead Commanders.
I the Commanders think for 1 split second they have a chance at either Wilson or Rodgers they’re as stupid as they’ve played the last 25 years. No chance at all they’ll get either of those 2.
The Commies will end up bringing Kirk Cousins back then try to save face by claiming he’s matured enormously since he was last with the organization.
A vet like Fitz?
Well, to be fair, I think that move looked great before the injury. Heinicke also played fairly well given the circumstances. If a healthy Fitz were an option right now, I think that the Commanders could be in good shape.
It feels like Wentz and Garappolo are the Commanders’ best options. It’s doubtful that Cousins goes anywhere with that cap hit. Matt Ryan has a huge cap hit. Bridgewater and Winston may or may not profile as upgrades, and who knows when or if Watson will ever be viable.
Washington also could a couple more receiving options and needs to figure out what they’re going to with Scherff, but they could improve significantly with a solid QB.
Jimmy G, Aaron Banks + 6th rounder to WFT for their 2021 1st rounder.
WFT is losing G Scherff, so Banks is his replacement and WFT getting a winning QB
SF then trades that pick to Pitt for their 1st (20th) and 2nd rounder. Pitt takes QB Malik Willis
SF drafts their highest rated IOL & CB with those picks & top S with their own 2nd rounder
Banks is a huge gamble and Jimmy won’t be healthy til spring, so if the offer is Jimmy G, Banks, and a 6th for a 1st, I’m countering with a 2nd, and if that’s declined, then just drafting one of the QBs at 11 instead.
Fair. I then pull Banks and will trade you JG + 5th for your WFT 2nd. Deal?
I think they’d do that, but I also think that’s a mistake.
Please take Matt Ryan
I think Washington will be the landing spot for Watson. Acquire Watson and improve the secondary and Commanders will be a serious threat in NFC in 22!
With their current scandals not yet resolved there is no way they can withstand the heat of the baggage Watson is bringing.
Is Billy Kilmer available?
What would be the smart decision?
Trade back into late 1st early 2nd take a qb prospect and roll with Wentz for a year. Acquire picks. Build the oline.
What will dan synder do?
Meet Bruce Arians expectation of 5 first round picks for Tom Brady or 3 for aaron rodgers. Kidding but hes probably gonna mortgage the future for an instant splash
They will draft in some one.
My guess trade back with the Eagles for Malik Willis. 11th for 16th and a third.
Eagles take Derek Stingley Jr who falls down the draft with the 11th pick. Instead of using a draft pick on another receiver bring in someone in FA. Smith himself has said he wants veteran help and I mean between JJAW and Reagor you don’t exactly pick the best guys. Will Fuller on a cheap prove it deal would make sense returning home to Philly, otherwise TY Hilton coming over to follow his former coach.
While we are talking about former colts players and people from Philly why not add Malik Hooker at safety aswell. Slay Stingley and Hooker that’s a much better and younger backfield on defence.
2022 Season = same as 2021 Season, i.e., acquire a cast-off who won’t be able to make much of a difference given the lack of WR talent and a revolving door at offensive line.
Trade for Jalen Hurts while Philly finds their QB1 elsewhere.
The “Commies” have made awesome choices with QBs in the past decades. So no matter who they get it won’t be any different! Sarcastiball has come to the NFL and these are your headliners.