The Washington Commanders will have a new owner before the 2023 NFL season begins. On July 20, NFL owners
are set to vote on whether to approve Josh Harris as Washington’s next owner.
When Harris takes over, he’ll have a lot to handle. There are stadium talks, efforts to re-engage fans, and the present
front office and coaching staff’s status.
Regardless of what happens this season, Washington’s front office will be busy next winter. In 2024, 33
Commanders players will be eligible for unrestricted free agency. And, while Washington has locked up key players
like as Jonathan Allen, Daron Payne, and Terry McLaurin, there will be a lot of work to be done next offseason.
Here are 17 of the Commanders’ free agents in 2024, including some major names.
Samuel recovered from an injury that kept him out of the most of his first season in Washington. He will be a key
component of offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy’s system in 2023; with Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, and
Dyami Brown already on the roster, the Commanders may opt to spend elsewhere.
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Brissett signed a one-year contract with the Commanders. Sam Howell is likely to start, but if he struggles,
Washington will switch to Brissett. Brissett has established himself sufficiently to continue negotiating expensive
one-year contracts.
The Commanders want to keep Sweat. But they can’t do anything until Harris takes control. Signing Sweat now
could save them money compared to waiting. But there is also concern that if they pay Sweat and Chase Young
accumulates double-digit sacks, they will have no chance of keeping Young or controlling his rights in 2024 unless
they utilize the franchise tag.
Washington made news when it declined to exercise Young’s fifth-year option. There were reasons on both sides, but
you can’t blame the Commanders for agreeing to guarantee Young more than $17 million in 2024. If Young has a
successful season, he will be well compensated — whether in Washington or elsewhere.
