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Washington Commanders News & Rumors

Dan Snyder Considering Commanders Sale?

November 2nd, 2022 at 10:16am CST by Sam Robinson

Although a statement from Dan Snyder insisted he would never sell his franchise, he and wife Tanya have hired Bank of America Securities to “consider potential transactions,” the Commanders announced Wednesday (Twitter link). Addressing whether this would regard a partial or full sale by the Snyders, a Commanders spokesperson said (via Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, on Twitter), “We are exploring all options.”

“Dan and Tanya Snyder and the Washington Commanders announced today that they have hired BofA Securities to consider potential transactions,” the statement reads. “The Snyders remain committed to the team, all of its employees and its countless fans to putting the best product on the field and continuing the work to set the gold standard for workplaces in the NFL.”

Snyder, who has owned the Washington franchise since 1999, has been under several investigations in recent years. A House Oversight Committee probe and another NFL inquiry into his franchise’s alleged workplace misconduct and financial improprieties represent the latest scandals engulfing the embattled owner and his team.

Snyder has received at least four calls from interested buyers, according to Forbes (via Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio). The Broncos set a new market recently, by shattering the American sports record with a $465 billion price. Snyder purchased the Washington franchise for $750MM 23 years ago.

It is not known if the Snyders will follow through with a sale, but this development comes shortly after one of Dan Snyder’s peers — Colts owner Jim Irsay — went public about 24 votes potentially being there to remove Snyder as Commanders owner. Dan soon sent a letter to the NFL’s other owners ensuring them he has not hired firms to investigate them — an explosive charge levied against the Washington owner last month — and this came shortly after a statement from the Snyders which confirmed no sale would ever be considered. Amid steady turmoil, it now appears the Snyders are considering it.

No vote has ever passed to remove an NFL owner from his or her post, but scandals have led owners to sell. This happened most recently with the Panthers, who saw Jerry Richardson sell his franchise to David Tepper amid workplace misconduct allegations in 2018. As Dan Snyder goes through his latest batch of investigations, Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver — recently suspended after a lengthy investigation — announced his intention to sell both his NBA and WNBA (Phoenix Mercury) franchises.

While Washington had tumbled off its perch as a Super Bowl contender during the mid-1990s, the franchise’s reputation has taken steady hits since Snyder’s 1999 acquisition. The team, which made five Super Bowl appearances from 1972-1991, has not made consecutive playoff berths under Snyder. And countless stories of misconduct, producing the investigations, have followed. Routine calls for Snyder to sell have emanated from FedEx Field for years.

An NFL investigation that wrapped in 2021 led to Dan Snyder being fined $10MM and a de facto suspension, which left Tanya Snyder in charge of the franchise’s day-to-day responsibilities. Dan denied he was ever suspended, and a recent statement insisted he was free to resume his regular duties with the team. The NFL’s latest investigation is slated to produce a written report — after the previous probe did not — while “further action” is on tap once the Oversight Committee’s investigation concludes. No timetable exists regarding the NFL’s latest probe, per Mike Garafolo of NFL.com, minimizing the notion this sale buzz was connected to Mary Jo White’s report dropping soon (Twitter link).

Snyder once said he would never change the name of his team, which dropped the Redskins moniker after years of outside pressure. After insisting he would not sell, will he change his mind on this front as well?

Steelers To Acquire CB William Jackson From Commanders

November 1st, 2022 at 1:20pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Steelers have pulled off another trade before today’s deadline, this time on the defensive side of the ball. Pittsburgh is acquiring cornerback William Jackson from the Commanders, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport (Twitter link). In follow-up, he tweets that a conditional 2025 sixth-round pick is heading to Washington in exchange for a conditional seventh-rounder in the same year.

[RELATED: Steelers Trade WR Claypool To Bears]

Jackson, 30, had long been the subject of trade speculation. The veteran was reported to be on the lookout for a change of scenery, leading to his name being included in discussions between Washington and interested teams. In recent days, however, signs began to point to no deal materializing in time, which would have led to a different parting of ways.

Earlier today it was reported that the Commanders were prepared to release the former first-rounder in the event an acceptable deal didn’t materialize. Instead, he will now head back to the ACF North, with the Steelers picking up the remaining $2.75MM in guaranteed money on Jackson’s deal. Another two years remain on it after this season, though a move aimed at lowering his 2023 cap hit ($15.75MM) will surely be coming this offseason.

Jackson began his career with the Bengals, operating as a full-time starter for three-plus seasons. His performances there helped pave the way for his big-money deal last offseason, but things have changed quickly regarding his situation in the nation’s capital. He has gone from an every-down defender to a healthy scratch in a matter of weeks, making this move a more minor one from Washington’s perspective than his contract would suggest. The Commanders will move forward with the likes of Rachad Wildgoose, Kendall Fuller and Benjamin St-Juste heading their CB room.

Pittsburgh, meanwhile, will see another veteran added to their secondary. Jackson has plenty of starting experience, but could also fill a rotational role alongside Ahkello Witherspoon, Levi Wallace and Cameron Sutton. The Steelers will provide Jackson the fresh start he was likely to receive via free agency anyway, while bringing in useful depth on their defense.

Commanders Prepared To Cut CB William Jackson

November 1st, 2022 at 10:11am CST by Sam Robinson

The Commanders are continuing with efforts to unload William Jackson, but if they cannot find a taker, they are prepared to move on either way.

Barring a trade, Washington intends to cut Jackson, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com tweets. Jackson has not played since Week 4, when Washington benched him. The seventh-year cornerback is tied to the three-year, $40.5MM contract the team gave him in 2021.

If Washington moves on after today’s 3pm trade deadline, Jackson hits waivers. That would seem immaterial here, considering no team has — as of yet — wanted to pony up an asset to take on Jackson’s contract. It is worth speculating how much of Jackson’s $5MM base salary the Commanders are willing to take on to move him. Odds are, the team is willing to pay most of it.

The likelier scenario is the ex-Bengals first-rounder hits free agency. While Jackson’s initial crack at free agency produced an eight-figure-per-year AAV, the second stint stands to be quieter. A mid-October report indicated teams had shown interest in acquiring Jackson, but with nothing transpiring hours ahead of the deadline, potential suitors may be OK with pursuing the veteran corner in free agency. Teams are indeed waiting out the Commanders, ESPN.com’s John Keim tweets.

Jackson, who turned 30 last week, has made 64 career starts. He is viewed as a better fit for a man-based defense and excelled at points during his Cincinnati tenure. In 2020, he held quarterbacks to a collective 51.4% completion rate as the closest defender in coverage. That season provided a nice platform to a free agency payday. This season, that number spiked to 70.8% at 7.9 yards per target. Pro Football Focus rates Jackson just outside the top 90 among corners in 2022.

The Commanders have won three straight, having played ex-waiver claim Rachad Wildgoose more alongside starters Kendall Fuller and Benjamin St-Juste. The team would be hit with a whopping $13MM in dead money by cutting Jackson — assuming no team claims his contract.

Minor NFL Transactions: 10/29/22

October 29th, 2022 at 5:51pm CST by Ely Allen

Here are the minor moves leading into Sunday’s slate of games:

Arizona Cardinals

Atlanta Falcons

Carolina Panthers

Cleveland Browns

Dallas Cowboys

Denver Broncos

Detroit Lions

Green Bay Packers

Houston Texans

Las Vegas Raiders

Los Angeles Rams

Miami Dolphins

Minnesota Vikings

New England Patriots

New Orleans Saints

New York Jets

Philadelphia Eagles

San Francisco 49ers

Seattle Seahawks

Washington Commanders

2022 NFL Cap Space, By Team

October 28th, 2022 at 12:56pm CST by Sam Robinson

Days away from this year’s trade deadline (3pm CT, Nov. 1), a few teams have made some in-season moves to bolster their rosters. Several squads have also restructured contracts this season to create additional space. That extra room will matter as most teams will consider adding or subtracting costs before Tuesday’s deadline.

Here is how teams’ cap-space numbers (courtesy of OverTheCap) look ahead of the deadline:

  1. Cleveland Browns: $33.72MM
  2. Las Vegas Raiders: $10.35MM
  3. Carolina Panthers: $9.79MM
  4. Atlanta Falcons: $9.71MM
  5. Philadelphia Eagles: $9.47MM
  6. Denver Broncos: $7.79MM
  7. Pittsburgh Steelers: $7.69MM
  8. Indianapolis Colts: $7.23MM
  9. Dallas Cowboys: $7.16MM
  10. Chicago Bears: $7.08MM
  11. Green Bay Packers: $6.6MM
  12. Miami Dolphins: $6.16MM
  13. New York Jets: $5.71MM
  14. Los Angeles Chargers: $4.97MM
  15. San Francisco 49ers: $4.95MM
  16. Los Angeles Rams: $4.93MM
  17. Arizona Cardinals: $4.76MM
  18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: $4.3MM
  19. Washington Commanders: $4.26MM
  20. Kansas City Chiefs: $3.86MM
  21. Seattle Seahawks: $3.71MM
  22. Jacksonville Jaguars: $3.67MM
  23. New Orleans Saints: $3.61MM
  24. Cincinnati Bengals: $3.31MM
  25. New York Giants: $3.26MM
  26. Detroit Lions: $3.25MM
  27. Baltimore Ravens: $3.07MM
  28. New England Patriots: $2.19MM
  29. Houston Texans: $2.09MM
  30. Buffalo Bills: $1.93MM
  31. Tennessee Titans: $1.59MM
  32. Minnesota Vikings: $852K

The Browns have held the top spot for months, and the gulf between their cap-space figure and the field almost certainly stems from a desire to carry over cap space before Deshaun Watson‘s cap number spikes from $9.4MM to a runaway-record $54.99MM. Cleveland has recently been linked to creating more cap space. Interest has come in for Greedy Williams, who is in the final year of his rookie contract, and Kareem Hunt. Although the Browns did not grant Hunt’s summer trade request, it may now take only a fourth-round pick for Cleveland to deal its backup running back.

Another potential seller could move up on this list while creating some additional space in 2023. The Broncos are believed to have made Jerry Jeudy available. Unlike fellow trade chip Bradley Chubb, Jeudy is under contract for 2023 (on a $4.83MM cap number). Denver appears more likely to move Chubb. That departure would remove the franchise tag from the team’s equation in 2023 — barring a tag for fellow 2023 UFA-to-be Dre’Mont Jones — thus freeing up more free agency funds. It will be interesting if the Broncos, if they are to move Chubb, agree to eat much of his fifth-year option salary. George Paton‘s club took on most of Von Miller‘s 2021 money to increase draft compensation.

The Eagles are still near the top despite acquiring Robert Quinn. Philadelphia is paying just $684K of Quinn’s contract, which now runs through 2022 instead of 2024. Chicago is on the hook for $7.1MM. The Bears are on track to have a gargantuan lead on the field for 2023 cap space. They are projected to hold more than $125MM next year, according to OverTheCap.

New Chiefs wide receiver Kadarius Toney checks in at just $784K on their 2022 cap sheet. The former Giants first-rounder’s figures bump to $1.9MM (2023) and $2.53MM (’24). Kansas City recently restructured Travis Kelce‘s deal, creating some wiggle room for the Toney addition. The Chiefs, who did not touch Patrick Mahomes‘ deal this year, restructured Kelce’s contract twice in 2022. Thursday’s trade hit the Giants with a $2.33MM dead-money charge. Toney will count $3.67MM in dead money for the Giants in 2023.

The Panthers picked up nearly $19MM in 2022 dead money via the Robbie Anderson and Christian McCaffrey trades. Unlike the Eagles and Bears, last week’s Panthers-49ers McCaffrey swap did not involve Carolina taking on additional salary. McCaffrey’s offseason restructure dropped his 2022 base salary to the league minimum; the 49ers have him on their books at just $690K. McCaffrey’s record-setting extension will still represent $18.35MM in dead money on the Panthers’ 2023 cap, but his nonguaranteed base salaries from 2023-25 ($11.8MM, $11.8MM, $12MM) transferred fully from Carolina to San Francisco.

On the subject of 2022 dead money, the Bears lead the way with $80.32MM. The Falcons added to their total this month, however, by trading Deion Jones to the Browns. That deal saddled the Falcons with $11.38MM in additional dead money — accompanying the franchise’s record-setting Matt Ryan dead-money hit ($40.53MM) — and ballooned Atlanta’s overall total to $78.57MM. Ryan is off the Falcons’ books after this year, but Jones will carry a $12.14MM dead-money figure in 2023.

NFC East Notes: Commanders, Dillard, Giants

October 27th, 2022 at 2:33pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Commanders are planning to open Chase Young‘s practice window next week, Ron Rivera said Thursday. Designating Young to return off the reserve/PUP list will give the former Defensive Rookie of the Year three weeks to be activated. Young has not played since suffering a right ACL tear, and his reconstructive surgery required a graft from his left patellar tendon. This pushed Young’s timetable to midseason. Washington has used James Smith-Williams (two sacks) alongside Montez Sweat (three) this season. The team has been cautious with Young, who last played on Nov. 14, 2021, doing so despite Rivera not exactly being on a tepid seat.

Here is the latest from the NFC East:

  • Washington has discussed demoted cornerback William Jackson in trades, and teams have also expressed interest in Daron Payne. But the Commanders are still planning to hang onto the fifth-year defensive tackle, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com notes. Washington did not progress far with Payne on extension talks but rebuffed trade inquiries this offseason. Its D-tackle equation has changed since then. Second-round rookie Phidarian Mathis is out for the season. Both Payne and longtime D-tackle mate Jonathan Allen lead the Commanders with 3.5 sacks apiece; Payne also tallied a safety this season. One of the NFC’s seven 3-4 teams, the Commanders do not necessarily have to be sellers. But they are in the conference’s toughest division, making a road to the postseason more difficult.
  • Staying on the trade front, Andre Dillard continues to generate interest. Mentioned in trade rumors before last year’s deadline, the Eagles’ swing tackle might be available this year. The Eagles are believed to be open to moving the former first-rounder, Fowler adds, but they are likely to want at least a third-round pick to move on. Dillard is in a contract year. He would probably be a starter on several teams but operates as a swingman behind Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson. Dillard’s injury history (23 missed games) also stands to affect his value.
  • The Giants will be without one of their tackles for a while. Evan Neal suffered what is believed to be a grade 2 MCL sprain and is expected to miss at least three games, per Fowler and NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero (Twitter links). Neal stabilized his rookie season a bit after a disastrous night against the Cowboys’ menacing pass rush, but an IR move might be in the cards here. The Giants used Tyre Phillips as Neal’s replacement against the Jaguars. Formerly the Ravens’ starting left guard, Phillips arrived in New York via waiver claim. He rejoined ex-Baltimore teammate Ben Bredeson in New York, but the Giants’ starting left guard is also set to miss time after a Week 7 injury.
  • Daniel Bellinger also left the Giants-Jaguars game due to injury. The team’s starting tight end will soon undergo surgery to repair a fractured eye socket and septum, Paul Schwartz of the New York Post tweets. Brian Daboll said it is too soon to count on Bellinger returning this season, though Schwartz adds this is not believed to be a season-ending malady. Stepping in as a starter despite being a rookie fourth-round pick, Bellinger has 16 receptions (third in an evolving Giants aerial attack) for 152 yards and two touchdowns. The San Diego State alum also has a rushing score this season. Tanner Hudson is the only other Giant tight end with a catch (three) this year.

NFL Practice Squad Updates: 10/26/22

October 26th, 2022 at 7:08pm CST by Ben Levine

Today’s practice squad moves:

Arizona Cardinals

Chicago Bears

Las Vegas Raiders

Los Angeles Rams

Miami Dolphins

New England Patriots

Washington Commanders

Minor NFL Transactions: 10/25/22

October 25th, 2022 at 8:01pm CST by Ben Levine

Today’s minor transactions:

Carolina Panthers

Detroit Lions

Houston Texans

Kansas City Chiefs

Los Angeles Rams

New Orleans Saints

New York Jets

San Francisco 49ers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tennessee Titans

Washington Commanders

Latest On House Oversight Committee Investigation Into Dan Snyder

October 23rd, 2022 at 1:45pm CST by Adam La Rose

As expected, Dan Snyder was a central talking point during this week’s owners meeting. The embattled Commanders owner remains the subject of speculation regarding his potential removal, something which will likely take place no earlier than the conclusion of the House Oversight Committee’s ongoing investigation into the team’s workplace culture.

That probe is nearing an end, as detailed by Mark Maske, Nicki Jhabvala and Liz Clarke of the Washington Post. The office of Attorney General Karl Racine is “moving full steam ahead,” and “planning to take further action” upon its conclusion. It remains to be seen, the report notes though, what that action will entail.

“Dan Snyder, the Commanders, and the NFL will soon face accountability for their actions,” an unnamed source said of the situation. “Snyder will no longer be able to dodge subpoenas or avoid testifying or answering questions.” The attorney representing dozens of former team employees, Lisa Banks, added, “We eagerly await next steps from the D.C. Attorney General – hopefully he will succeed where the NFL has failed in ensuring accountability for two decades of sexual misconduct.”

The news comes after an explosive ESPN report claimed that Snyder hired private investigators to gather information which would protect him against removal. The 57-year-old has staunchly denied doing so, and likewise the team has pushed back against the notion that severe disciplinary action is coming.

“The team’s lawyers have met with counsel at the Attorney General’s office on multiple occasions, and no one from that office has ever indicated that the office is planning to take any action against the team or Dan Snyder,” per a club statement, which described the leak of potential action as “unconscionable.”

Snyder has been front and center at times over the past year, but especially in recent weeks as sentiment favoring his removal – either via a vote of 24 or more other owners or by means of convincing him to sell the franchise – has reportedly grown considerably. Colts owner Jim Irsay grabbed plenty of attention with his remarks on Tuesday; the reaction of his peers will be one of the league’s top storylines when the investigation concludes.

Inactives Today: Dotson, Swift, Bakhtiari, Horn

October 23rd, 2022 at 11:04am CST by Ely Allen

Washington was hoping to get its rookie first-round pick back today after missing the past two weeks with a hamstring injury, but, after seemingly reaggravating the hamstring in practice Thursday, Dotson will miss his third game in a row, according to Stacey Dales of NFL Network. In his absence, Washington will rely on Curtis Samuel and Dyami Brown to work opposite Terry McLaurin on offense.

The Commanders have been a mixed bag without Dotson in the lineup. In the team’s loss to the Titans two weeks ago, Brown and Samuel combined to catch eight balls for 167 yards and two touchdowns. Brown’s production came on two long touchdown catches, while Samuel was peppered with eight targets working a shorter range. The two did enough to compliment McLaurin and open him up to snag five passes for 76 yards.

There wasn’t much offense to be found the next week during the Commanders’ win in Chicago, as quarterback Carson Wentz only accumulated 99 passing yards. McLaurin showed up, as usual, catching three balls for 41 yards, while Samuel only caught two of his five targets for 6 yards and Brown was only targeted once. The team has also utilized Cam Sims and Dax Milne, but Samuel and Brown seem to be the most capable candidates to replace Dotson’s production.

Here are a few other notes on players listed an inactive today:

  • Continuing a trend from his first two seasons, injuries seem to be weighing down Lions running back D’Andre Swift this year as he is also set to miss his third straight game, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The Lions have the very capable legs of backup Jamaal Williams who, despite the offense’s struggles during a Week 5 trip to New England, has performed admirably in the lead role during Swift’s absence. Craig Reynolds has taken up the backup duties with Justin Jackson contributing, as well. All three will likely be needed for a tough trip to Dallas.
  • The Packers continue to get intermittent play out of star tackle David Bakhtiari due to the lingering effects of his recovery from last year’s ACL tear. After playing sparingly in two of the last four games, Bakhtiari will be out today against the Commanders, according to Field Yates of ESPN. Zach Tom is likely to sub in to protect quarterback Aaron Rodgers blindside, while Yosh Nijman slots in at right tackle.
  • The Panthers will be without second-year cornerback Jaycee Horn for the second week in a row. Last week, the team called on C.J. Henderson to start opposite Donte Jackson but split much of the playing time with second-year backup Keith Taylor. They’ll likely depend on a similar gameplan today against the Buccaneers.
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