The Washington Commanders have a new name, new uniforms and, in all likelihood, are soon to have a new quarterback. It’s no secret that the team is looking for an upgrade on Taylor Heinicke, but as ESPN’s John Keim writes, the team’s roster is better suited this year than last to aggressively acquire a new signal caller. 
As Keim details, management is satisfied that the team is in a better place to pursue an upper echelon QB than it was in 2021. Last year, Washington offered a first- and third-round pick to the Lions for Matt Stafford, but were outbid by the Rams. Not long after, they unsuccessfully tried to trade up to get Justin Fields in the draft. Even though the team still only won seven games in this campaign, general manager Martin Mayhew used the term “selectively aggressive” to describe the organization’s plans in attaining an upgrade at the game’s most important position.
Head coach Ron Rivera is similarly confident in the rest of the roster: “I look at things with rose-colored glasses”, he said. “I’m an optimist. As you look at things you go, ‘I feel pretty good about this'”. His two years in Washington have seen the team only put up a 14-19 record, but a late-season four-game winning streak in 2021 offered reason for optimism moving forward.
Keim writes that the Commanders “will explore deals” at each tier of signal caller. While that could involve the likes of Russell Wilson, Aaron Rodgers or Deshaun Watson, someone like Derek Carr could be more of a realistic option. He adds that the “sweet spot” might be Jimmy Garoppolo, due to the relative affordability of the final year of his contract. Acquiring the 30-year-old could keep a core with a strong offensive line (pending the future of All-Pro guard Brandon Scherff, who played on the franchise tag and is not close to a long-term extension) and a talented collection of skill position players intact.
While it would be unorthodox to make QB the final, rather than the first, position to be targeted in roster building, doing so could place Washington back in contention for at least a second playoff berth in three years. To make that possible, the front office has been “studying its options for a while” with regards to an upgrade at QB. Rivera remains positive that the other required pieces are already in place: “Our personnel is more than good enough… I believe in our team. I believe in what we can be”.
A) Draft a QB
B) Let Schriff go, has under achieved for a few years now.
the who?
so we’re going to do this on this site now? ugh.
The Commanders. It says it in the headline.
Cobra
Naw, Daltrey can’t throw anymore and Townshend no longer has that breakaway speed
cant be fooled again
who?
WTF
washington tootball feam?
just noticed kyler Murray took everything referencing the cards off his Ig?
Did you also notice Murray is about to be eligible to negotiate an extension for the first time?
did not!
Kyler isnt getting traded
I’ve never understood why players do that. I know that, in their world, the minuscule details on their social media profiles are a huge deal, but no one who negotiates contracts is going to be intimidated by that.
You’re not dealing with high school kids, this isn’t adding some kind of strength to your position, and everyone knows that the Cards traded their future for you. Just save the time and go forward with your talks, whether you agree or not, and move on. Just seems silly.
Washington War Pigs would’ve been so much better
Jimmy G. would fit perfectly
They have a terrible name, a terrible owner, a terrible stadium, and a fanbase that couldn’t care less about them. Yep, that sounds like a real great place for a top QB to go.
Commandeers is stupid! Should have stuck with plain Washington
Ironically this name could result in more political controversy than Redskins. How will the league react when fans in the stadium display signs and banners that read “GO COMMIES GO!”
The team will probably be too busy harassing fans that have the audacity to wear old Redskins gear.
Should have changed name to “ Not Redskins”
Mayhew has plenty of experience with Rodgers from his time in Detroit, though I’m not sure if it impacts his strategy at all in Washington. Washington has space for a go-to receiver, but it looks like Green Bay won’t let Adams walk as is, so that may end up as a non-factor in the end. Without Adams, I’m not sure that McLaurin and Thomas at TE are enough to convince Rodgers that Washington is his next spot. They’ll likely be looking at the next tier of veterans and wait to fill the spot in the draft when they can.
So…like…how much money could the people who owned the Red Wolves trademark possibly wanted to have not made it worth it?
How did they not end up with a name that fit their “Hail to the Redskins” song?
Even with the bar lowered after the Guardians, Snyder still manages to do everything wrong.
I thought they should stick with the Washington Football Team and just call themselves the “Washington Ballers” for short.
Russ
Really? Garapollo is an upgrade over Heinicke? I don’t see it. Not in the least.
This…you’re joking, right?