The managing partner of the Washington Commanders, Josh Harris, and the general manager, Adam Peters, intend to construct their team primarily through the NFL Draft while also utilizing free agency to bolster the roster.
As the NFL Playoffs progress into the Divisional Round, the Commanders in Washington will be keeping an eye on upcoming free agents who could potentially contribute to the future of football in the team. While several impending free agents have already commenced their offseason, there are still some who will be playing this weekend and deserve attention. Here are four players to watch on Saturday.
Derek Barnett, a defensive end for the Texans, was originally chosen in the first round of the NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2017. After spending six seasons with the Eagles, he was released and subsequently claimed by the Texans. Since joining the team, Barnett has played in 99 regular season defensive snaps and had an impressive performance in their recent Wild Card victory against the Cleveland Browns, logging a total of 47 snaps.
He recorded two tackles and secured a sack during the victory, making him a player worth keeping an eye on this weekend in the NFL’s Divisional Round of the playoffs.
There were numerous trade rumors surrounding Patrick Queen in the previous year, leading to the belief that he might leave Baltimore after this season becomes more plausible.
Naturally, when a player has his fifth-year option declined, it often leads to trade speculation, and that is exactly what happened to Queen this season. Despite the fact that the linebacker had a remarkable season in 2022, his option was declined, perhaps due to the Ravens already having significant financial commitments to linebacker Roquan Smith and quarterback Lamar Jackson.
In response to his option being declined, Queen achieved new personal bests in his career, earning him a spot in the prestigious Pro Bowl and also placing him on the Second-Team All-Pro roster.
Keisean Nixon, the cornerback for the Packers, has been a part of the Green Bay team for two seasons and has been selected for the First-Team All-Pro roster twice.
Although both players initially focused on returning kicks rather than playing as cornerbacks, they still possess some skills in the latter position. In the Wild Card Round against the Dallas Cowboys, Nixon didn’t have any chances to return kicks, yet he excelled in tackling, leading his team with 11 tackles, and even managed to secure an interception.
Chase Young, a defensive end for the San Francisco 49ers, is making his presence known after being traded from Washington. In the nine games he has played, Young has managed to sack opposing quarterbacks 2.5 times and has accumulated a total of 10 tackles. It’s quite noticeable how he has adapted to his new team.
Despite fans’ speculation about Young returning as a free agent this offseason due to the coaching changes, it is highly unlikely. However, since there are those who entertain the idea, it is necessary to address it upfront.
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