The Washington Football Team finished the 2020-21 season with a 7-9 record. Fortunately, they played in the struggling NFC East and that losing record was the best out of the worst division in the NFL. They got bounced in their NFC Wild Card Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
This was not a disappointing outcome in the slightest. Washington had a shaky quarterback situation. They started a total of four quarterbacks. The fact that they made it into the playoffs is an indicator that Washington has quality pieces all around the team.
Washington has $35,125,824 in cap space, per Over The Cap, and is in better financial shape than most teams.
Below are possible acquisitions for Washington in the free agent market.
3. WR Keelan Cole
2018 third-round pick Terry McLaurin was a pleasant surprise for Washington. He proved his rookie season numbers were not a fluke. “Scary Terry” amassed 1,118 receiving yards last season and found the end zone four times. He was able to this despite catching passes from different quarterbacks. He is unquestionably the team's No. 1 receiver.
Next season, opposing teams will pay more attention to him, so getting a complementary wideout is important. Keelan Cole had a respectable 642-yard season with the Jacksonville Jaguars. A move to Washington would mean an increased role for Cole and a step up from his four-touchdown run in the previous season. He was the No. 3 option with the Jaguars. Like McLaurin, he was able to make the most out of an uncertain quarterback situation.
He is a versatile weapon, who can line up on the outside or inside the slot. Cole is a steady receiver with decent route-running and separation abilities.
Cole could be signed to a deal that pays him $4.5 million. Another, albeit riskier option is Nelson Agholor. He had a breakout season with the Las Vegas Raiders and started 16 games. He had eight scores and 896 yards. There's always a chance he reverts to his inconsistent and pass-dropping self. Agholor has a higher ceiling, while Cole has the higher floor.
2. LB Denzel Perryman
The Washington Football Team had a terrific defense last season. The defensive line of Chase Young, Montez Sweat, Jonathan Allen, and Daron Payne made life miserable for opposing quarterbacks and their offenses. The pressure generated at the trenches had a positive effect on the linebacker corps and the secondary. The defense only allowed 3,068 passing yards in the regular season. That mark is behind only the Los Angeles Rams. The run defense, however, is a very different story. Washington conceded 1,805 yards on the ground, which ranked near the middle.
This is where Perryman comes in. He is a great run-stuffer and would be able to provide an immediate impact. As a bonus, he is a leader and can make the defense as a whole better. He was only able to play in 13 games last season for the Los Angeles Chargers and had a total of 47 tackles. While he won't be great in passing situations, his coverage skills have improved through time.
Due to his injury history and role as a run-stuffing linebacker, his services might be secured for $4.5 million.
1. QB Dak Prescott
The reason why the aforementioned targets were the budget options is for this. Of course, wide receivers Chris Godwin, Allen Robinson, or Kenny Golladay would provide a bigger impact. The same is true if Washington lured every-down linebacker Lavonte David away from Tampa Bay. However, those options are much, much more expensive.
If Washington makes frugal free-agent signings and makes some difficult roster cuts, they would be able to accommodate Prescott. He is the crown jewel of this free agency class.
How sweet would it be for Washington, if they somehow steal the young, two-time Pro Bowl quarterback from the Dallas Cowboys? Before his graphic injury, Prescott started 16 games every season for Dallas since 2016. He is an accurate passer with good mobility. He once rushed for 357 yards and six touchdowns.
The Washington offensive line isn't comparable to some of the Dallas lines Dak played behind with the likes of Tyron Smith, Travis Frederick, and Zack Martin, but it is solid. Re-signing Brandon Scherff would go a long way, but his asking price might be too much.
Prescott would have a legitimate No. 1 receiver in McLaurin. The running game could use improvement, but having Dak in the fold will help create openings for Washington runners.
He would be able to play with a great defense and not be counted on to mount improbable comebacks.
The Cowboys still have an option though to slap Prescott with a second franchise tag of $37.7 million. If they don't and aren't able to agree on a long-term contract, then the Washington Football Team might just swoop in with an offer that can't be refused in the ballpark of $39 million per year.
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