Anthony Walker could be close to finding a third NFL employer. The veteran linebacker is conducting a free agent visit with the Commanders today, reports ESPN’s Adam Schefter (Twitter link). 
Walker began his career with the Colts, taking on a starting role in his second season. His play in Indianapolis earned him a deal with the Browns in 2021, one which proved to be a worthwhile investment. The former fifth-rounder totaled 113 tackles in his debut Cleveland season, the third time in his career he eclipsed 100 stops in a campaign. His production led to another one-year contract last March.
However, the 27-year-old suffered a season-ending quadriceps injury only three weeks into the 2022 season. That made him one of many Browns linebackers to spend considerable time on the shelf, something which contributed to the team’s defensive struggles and their re-tooling on that side of the ball this offseason. That effort has included a number of outside additions, but also a new one-year deal for fellow veteran ‘backer Sione Takitaki.
With the latter – along with Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah and others – in the fold for Cleveland, Walker is unsurprisingly exploring other options. That has led him to today’s visit in the nation’s capital, and the potential to find a new home. When healthy, Walker is capable of handling starting duties, with his skillset being suited better to run defense than production in the passing game. That, coupled with his injury, is likely to tamper his market in the second wave of free agency.
The Commanders have retained several incumbent linebackers so far in free agency, including depth options David Mayo and Khaleke Hudson. They lost Cole Holcomb to the Steelers, but have added former Seahawk Cody Barton as a replacement starter. Walker would look to carve out a role within their LB room if a deal were to materialize in the near future, one which could add experience to Washington’s defense and allow him to prove his continued worth upon returning to full health.
With his surname, good thing he plays football and isn’t a baseball pitcher…