Commanders To Sign QB Jacoby Brissett
Although the Commanders have continued to talk up Sam Howell as a live option to start in 2023, they will bring in veteran competition. Jacoby Brissett is expected to sign with Washington, Dianna Russini of ESPN.com reports (on Twitter).
This will be Brissett’s fourth stop over the past four seasons. The two-time Andrew Luck replacement starter spent 2020 with the Colts, 2021 with the Dolphins and 2022 with the Browns. With Howell having played in one NFL game, Brissett stands to have a good opportunity to make starts in 2023.
Brissett, 30, is signing another one-year deal, per the Washington Post’s Nicki Jhabvala (on Twitter). He will earn $8MM guaranteed, with ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler adding the contract can max out at $10MM (Twitter link).
The nomadic QB agreed to one-year pacts with both the Dolphins and Browns previously. The Commanders were interested in keeping Taylor Heinicke, per John Keim of ESPN.com, but they had Brissett just below their former backup on their offseason QB hierarchy (Twitter link). Heinicke signed a two-year, $14MM deal with the Falcons, where he will land in a similar situation to Brissett’s.
Brissett outplayed Deshaun Watson during the QBs’ time together on Cleveland’s roster. Bouncing back after not showing much in Miami, Brissett finished his 11-game season eighth in QBR. He threw 12 touchdown passes, six interceptions and averaged a career-high 7.1 yards per attempt. While the Browns only went 4-7 in Brissett’s starts, he attracted interest during his stay as Watson’s suspension gatekeeper. Over the course of his career, Brissett has made 48 starts.
Heinicke, Brissett and Baker Mayfield will step into stopgap arrangements. Considering Howell’s low draft pedigree (Round 5) and inexperience, Brissett might have stepped into the best situation of the three. The Commanders hired longtime Andy Reid right-hand man Eric Bieniemy as OC and return an intriguing wide receiver setup — Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, Curtis Samuel — to go along with a Brian Robinson–Antonio Gibson backfield tandem.
After aggressively pursuing big-name quarterbacks in 2022, the Commanders have only been connected to Howell and a low-cost veteran. A Brissett-Howell competition may be how Washington proceeds this year. The Commanders hold the No. 16 overall pick in the draft; it is a good bet the top four QB prospects will be off the board by then. Ron Rivera‘s comments have also not pointed to the team considering another rookie addition.
Steelers To Sign LB Cole Holcomb
In on the Leighton Vander Esch market, the Steelers will instead end up with another linebacker who spent his rookie-contract years in the NFC East. They are signing former Commanders linebacker Cole Holcomb, Tom Pelissero of NFL.com tweets.
The Commanders wanted to bring back the former fifth-round pick, John Keim of ESPN.com adds (on Twitter), but the sides were too far apart on value. Holcomb, 26, is heading to Pittsburgh on a three-year deal. Holcomb’s contract is worth $18MM, Tom Pelissero of NFL.com tweets.
Although Holcomb is coming off an injury-abbreviated contract year, he started throughout his four-year Washington tenure. He finished the 2021 season with 142 tackles, two interceptions — one of them a pick-six — and seven pass deflections, and Pro Football Focus graded the ex-North Carolina Tar Heel as a top-25 off-ball linebacker that year. He will join a Steelers team that ultimately did not see enough from former first-round pick Devin Bush, who is now a free agent.
Last year, Holcomb suffered a foot injury that ultimately required surgery. He underwent the procedure in December, but that did not impede a multiyear contract. The Commanders have already agreed to terms with ex-Seahawks linebacker Cody Barton, though Keim notes the team is still aiming to add another piece at that position.
Many ILBs have come off the board already, though a few options remain. Lavonte David and Bobby Wagner may be eyeing roles with surefire Super Bowl contenders, but Bush, Deion Jones, Zach Cunningham, Denzel Perryman and Rashaan Evans are available heading into the 2023 league year.
Pittsburgh still rosters 2022 free agency pickup Myles Jack, who is going into the second season of his two-year deal, but lost Robert Spillane to the Raiders on Tuesday. Spillane started 15 games over the past three seasons with Pittsburgh, which did not pick up Bush’s fifth-year option in 2022.
Commanders Release RB J.D. McKissic
J.D. McKissic was one of a few players to back out of an agreement during the 2022 free agent period. He pivoted to the Commanders as a result of that decision, but his time in the nation’s capital has come to an end. Washington announced on Tuesday that they have released the veteran running back. 
The 29-year-old initially had a deal in place to head to Buffalo, but he backed out of it to remain with the Commanders. That set him up for another season operating as the team’s primary pass-catcher out of the backfield, one which already featured Antonio Gibson. McKissic’s season ended up being cut short by a neck injury, however, making this release a distinct possibility.
By cutting the former UDFA – who had one year remaining on his contract – immediately, the Commanders would see $1.23MM in cap savings, while creating a dead money charge of $2MM. Designating him as a post-June 1 cut would make more sense from a financial perspective, as their savings would increase to $2.73MM against just $500K in dead money.
McKissic saw only 22 carries in eight games this season, though he added 27 catches for 173 scoreless yards. Rookie Brian Robinson Jr. took on a considerable role upon being medically cleared to play in 2022, which helped clarify the Commanders’ pecking order in the backfield. Robinson, along with Gibson and veteran Jonathan Williams remain under contract for next season.
After three seasons spent in the nation’s capital, McKissic will now search for a new home. The former Seahawk and Lion is joined by a number of free agent running backs, something which is, coupled with his age and injury, likely to hurt his value. His efficiency in the passing game when healthy, however, should allow him to land a depth opportunity in a new backfield.
Commanders To Sign LB Cody Barton
Cody Barton is heading east. The Commanders are signing the former Seahawks linebacker, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero (via Twitter). It’s a one-year, fully guaranteed deal for Barton.
The Utah product was a third-round pick by the Seahawks in 2019. After starting five games through his first three seasons in the NFL, Barton took on a larger role in 2022.
The Seahawks turned to Barton to fill the void created by Bobby Wagner alongside Jordyn Brooks. Replacing the greatest linebacker in team history and a future Hall of Famer in the lineup certainly presented a difficult task for the former third-rounder. But he was quite productive in his first extended duty. He started 11 of his 17 appearances, finishing with 136 tackles and a pair of sacks. Barton was ranked 59th among 81 qualifying linebackers, per Pro Football Focus.
Through his first three seasons in the NFL, Barton played a significant role on special teams. While the Commanders are likely going to give him a shot on defense, the acquisition can contribute on ST at the very least.
The Commanders are expected to be busy reshaping their defense this offseason. After agreeing to a new deal with defensive tackle Daron Payne, the front office has brought in new additions like defensive back Cameron Dantzler.
Commanders Claim DB Cameron Dantzler
After getting waived by the Vikings earlier this week, Cameron Dantzler has found a new home. The defensive back has been claimed off waivers by the Commanders, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero (via Twitter).
The 2020 third-round pick has a year remaining on his rookie contract. The cash-strapped Vikings created about $2.7MM by moving on from the defensive back, and Washington will inherit his $2.9MM cap hit.
Dantzler has found himself in and out of the starting lineup during his three seasons in Minnesota, starting 26 of his 35 appearances. Pro Football Focus graded Dantzler outside the top-60 at corner this past year, but the Vikings continued to rely on him despite the selection of Andrew Booth in the second round. Booth eventually suffered a season-ending injury, but he was unable to overtake Dantzler before the setback.
Dantzler also spent time on injured reserve last season with a high ankle sprain. His lack of production and Minnesota’s lack of cap flexibility ultimately made him a cap casualty, even with the Vikings losing a whole lot of depth at the position.
The Commanders will hope they can get more out of the defensive back during the 2023 season, and Dantzler will have one season to audition for his new squad before hitting free agency next offseason.
Commanders To Sign OL Nick Gates
The Commanders have agreed to terms with multiple offensive linemen Monday. In addition to adding Andrew Wylie, Washington is bringing in Nick Gates, Mike Garafolo of NFL.com tweets.
It is a three-year deal worth $16.5MM, Garafolo adds (on Twitter), with an additional $1.5MM available via incentives. This will take a starter away from the Giants’ O-line as well. Gates served as a guard and center option in New York.
Gates saw a September 2021 injury in Washington threaten his career. After missing more than a year due to the fibula and tibia breaks he suffered that night, Gates will head back to D.C. to likely set up shop as a starter. Gates, 27, underwent seven surgeries on his injured leg but battled back to be a starter last season.
The Giants had aimed to re-sign Gates, along with Jon Feliciano, but they will need to look into other options up front. The team did draft Joshua Ezeudu and Marcus McKethan out of North Carolina last year. Turning to one of its rookie-contract guards would make sense opposite Mark Glowinski.
Gates gives the Commanders some options. Prior to his broken leg, he was operating as the Giants’ starting center. The Giants gave him an extension that ran through 2022 based on his center work. But the new regime added Feliciano in free agency last year. Gates ended up making his return at left guard, rotating with Ezeudu down the stretch. Pro Football Focus rated Gates just inside the top 50 at the position in 2022.
Washington used ex-Ron Rivera Panthers charges Andrew Norwell and Trai Turner as their top guards last season. They also lost center Chase Roullier at center early during the campaign. Norwell remains under contract, as does Roullier, but both Turner and Wes Schweitzer are unsigned.
Commanders To Sign RT Andrew Wylie
Andrew Wylie is on the move, but he will be working with a familiar face in 2023. The veteran right tackle is set to sign with the Commanders on a three-year deal worth $24MM, as first noted (on Twitter) by veteran reporter Ari Meirov). 
Wylie, 28, has spent all five of his career seasons with the Chiefs. That span includes 59 starts in 71 games; he operated as Kansas City’s full-time right tackle in 2022. He played out this past season on a one-year, $2.5MM pact, one which proved to be a bargain for the team. Wylie played a key role in the Chiefs’ success up front in the Super Bowl, which has helped earn him this new contract.
By heading to Washington, the East Michigan product will reunite with Eric Bieniemy, who took the Commanders’ offensive coordinator job after holding the same title with the Chiefs. Wylie will likely be counted upon for Washington after his strong performance in 2022, but his departure – something the Chiefs wanted to avoid – is leading to a significant shake-up on their o-line.
Kansas City has reportedly agreed to terms with fellow tackle free agent Jawaan Taylor, which will give them at least one high-end player on the edge. The significant investment made in him, however, points to Pro Bow left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. being likely to depart as well.
Wylie will give the Commanders a veteran option at the RT spot alongside swing tackle Cornelius Lucas. 2021 draftee Sam Cosmi and the recently re-signed Drew Himmelman are also in the mix as depth at the tackle spot. This addition comes on the same day that Washington has reached agreement on a deal with another o-lineman in Nick Gates. A new-look offensive front could give the Commanders a boost as they look to take a step forward in terms of production in 2023.
Minor NFL Transactions: 3/12/23
Today’s minor moves in the NFL, one day before the legal tampering period begins:
Indianapolis Colts
- Re-signed: DE Tyquan Lewis
Washington Commanders
- Re-signed: LB Khaleke Hudson
Lewis, 28, has played all five seasons of his career with the Colts, and his tenure there will continue in 2023. The former second-rounder is signing a one-year deal worth $2.1MM (Twitter link via Joel A. Erickson of the Indianapolis Star). Lewis had logged a career-high snap share of 62% in 2022 before suffering a season-ending injury in October, and could be in line for a significant workload again this coming season.
Hudson was set to become an RFA, but has also inked a one-year deal, per a team announcement. The 25-year-old joined Washington as a fifth-round pick in 2020, and has been a mainstay on special teams in all three of his NFL seasons to date. His role in the third phase is likely to continue in 2023, as he looks to play his way into more regular defensive duties.
Contract Details: Payne, Saints, Carter, Stewart, Pierce
Here are some details on contracts recently signed around the NFL:
- Daron Payne, DT (Commanders): Four-year, $90MM. The deal, according to Mike Florio of NBC Sports, creates around $9.43MM in cap space for Washington heading into free agency. Payne was set to enter the 2023 season with a cap hit of $18.94MM. The new extension applies a $28MM signing bonus spread over four years, along with a base salary in Year 1 of the deal of $2.51MM, to lower Payne’s cap hit to $9.51MM. The new move sets the Commanders up with over $20MM of cap space heading into the new league year.
- Tanoh Kpassagnon, DE (Saints): Two-year, $5MM. The deal, according to Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football, has a guaranteed amount of $2.5MM consisting of a $1.4MM signing bonus and Kpassagnon’s 2023 base salary of $1.1MM. The deal includes three voidable years for cap purposes leading to cap hits of $1.9MM in 2023, $3.3MM in 2024, and $1.786 of dead money in 2025.
- Juwan Johnson, TE (Saints): Two-year, $12MM. The extension, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2, has a fully guaranteed amount of $11.51MM consisting of a $5MM signing bonus and both year’s base salaries of $1.01MM in 2023 and $5.5MM in 2024. The contract includes a 2024 roster bonus of $500,000 due on the 5th day of the 2024 league year. There are $2.5MM of incentives available to Johnson in this contract for receptions, yards, and All-Pro selections. Those incentives have escalators in 2024, as well. The deal includes three voidable years to spread out the cap hit.
- Lorenzo Carter, OLB (Falcons): Two-year, $9MM. The deal, according to Field Yates of ESPN, has a guaranteed amount of $4.25MM consisting of a $2MM signing bonus and $2.25MM of the first year’s base salary (worth a total of $3.25MM). The contract also includes an additional amount of $1MM available through incentives.
- M.J. Stewart, S (Texans): Two-year, $6MM. The deal, according to Wilson of KPRC 2, has a guaranteed amount of $3MM consisting of a $1.5MM signing bonus and the first year’s base salary of $1.5MM. The deal also includes potential incentives of up to $1.5MM including $750,000 of playtime incentives. The contract also includes a per game active roster bonus of $14,705 for a potential season total of $250,000.
- Michael Pierce, DT (Ravens): Restructure. The new deal for Pierce includes a new concept in Baltimore. Following the lead of other teams in the NFL, namely the Eagles, the Ravens incorporated voidable years in Pierce’s contract, a first for the franchise. In doing so, though, the team removed the 2024 season from Pierce’s deal, making him a free agent one year sooner than he would’ve been in his original contract.
Commanders Agree To Terms With DT Daron Payne
Daron Payne became the first of six players to receive the franchise tag this offseason. That move has not led to a lengthy wait for a lucrative multi-year pact. Payne is signing a four-year, $90MM contract with the Commanders including $60MM guaranteed, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter (Twitter link). 
The 25-year-old defensive tackle was already slated for a significant pay raise via the one-year franchise tag worth just under $19MM this season. Instead, he will now vault himself into second at the position in terms of compensation, behind only Aaron Donald. While the deal is striking due to its size, it comes as little surprise in terms of the sentiment coming from Washington in the build-up to their decision to tag Payne.
Head coach Ron Rivera spoke last month about Payne’s situation, and confirmed that reaching agreement on a long-term deal was among the team’s top priorities. That made him a logical tag candidate, and using it allowed the team to lengthen their negotiating window. Now, before the start of free agency, they have the former first-rounder in place for the foreseeable future.
Payne proved himself to be a productive pass rusher right away, notching five sacks as a rookie. He failed to match the figure over the following three seasons, but he put up a career-best 11.5 in 2022. By adding 64 total tackles and 25 pressures, the Alabama product set himself up well for a payday. That has now arrived on a deal with an annual average value of $22.5MM, making Payne the fifth defensive tackle to eclipse the $20MM-per-year mark.
Donald is comfortably in a league of his own, but Chiefs star Chris Jones is one of several veterans angling for a new deal which could close that gap. Multiple DTs now eligible for new contracts – like Quinnen Williams, Jeffery Simmons, Christian Wilkinsand Dexter Lawrence – are also likely to be affected by this deal. Payne translating his age and production into a deal of this size will boost the market league-wide.
One of several former first-rounders on the Commanders’ defensive front, Payne represents the latest major investment in the unit. While their expensive tandem of Payne and Jonathan Allen at the defensive tackle spot will hamstring their efforts to add at other positions this offseason, Washington still figures to be able to make at least one splash in the coming days, especially if they hold true to their intention of not committing substantial funds to the quarterback position.
Payne will look to remain a productive mainstay of the Commanders’ defense, as the team aims to take a step forward in 2023, a season in which Rivera figures to be on the hot seat. Expectations will be raised for both, with the former now on the books for the long-term future at a substantial price tag.