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The Washington Commanders have made it clear that they are seeking an upgrade at the quarterback position. In an offseason with names such as Green Bay Packers star Aaron Rodgers and Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson rumored to be potentially on the move, Washington picked a good offseason to need a new passer under center. However, it's becoming increasingly likely that neither Rodgers nor Wilson will be on the move- and Houston Texans star Deshaun Watson's legal issues are hanging over his trade status like a dark cloud. If the Commanders can't land any of those stars via trade, then their only other options are to draft a quarterback in a year that isn't so heralded for quarterbacks. Or the Commanders can look to sign a signal-caller via free agency. If Washington is forced to go that route, here are three free agent veteran quarterbacks that the Commanders must sign during the 2022 NFL free agency period.
Commanders Quarterback Targets
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3. Cam Newton
This isn't the most exciting option by any means. However, Cam Newton is very familiar with Commanders head coach Ron Rivera, having helped lead the Carolina Panthers to the 2015 Super Bowl under his tutelage. Newton, 32, completed under 55 percent of his passes while throwing for just four scores, though he did rush for over 200 yards and five touchdowns in just five starts. He's no longer a feared passer at this stage in his career, though Washington would at least add an interesting dimension to their offense, given Newton's ability with his legs. No one will be throwing a Super Bowl parade over Newton's signing by the Commanders, though the franchise could attempt to build a defense-first, run-the-ball mentality with Newton at quarterback in 2022.
2. Mitchell Trubisky
Former Chicago Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky is entering free agency after sitting behind Josh Allen with the Buffalo Bills for the last year. Trubisky, 27, has four years of starter experience along with a 29-21 career mark as a starter. The former second overall pick flashed some high-level ability at times with both his arm and his legs. Trubisky might also have something to prove, given the way his tenure with the Bears ended. It might be worth the Commanders' while to find out.
This would be a risky move for the Commanders to make. Winston is coming off of a season-ending ACL and MCL injury, which cut his somewhat solid season with the New Orleans Saints short. The former Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback was well on his way towards one of his more efficient seasons as a passer, as he threw for 14 touchdowns against just three interceptions while posting the second highest QBR of his career. Winston is not without his warts, though he is definitely the most surefire veteran quarterback of any of the free agents that the Commanders could sign. His downfield passing style would fit well with deep threats Terry McLaurin and Curtis Samuel. If the Commanders have to look to free agency for their next quarterback, they could do a lot worse than Winston.
