Commanders 2023 free-agency tracker: Brissett brought in as backup QB; Wylie, Gates bolster O-line
NFL free agency is off and running, and we’re keeping track of every major signing, trade and release of the 2023 offseason, with analysis from our NFL Nation reporters and grades from our experts. The new league year has begun, which means free-agent signings can be made official. The first round of the 2023 NFL draft begins on April 27 on ESPN.
The Washington Commanders reached an agreement with defensive tackle Daron Payne on a four-year, $90 million deal that includes $60 million guaranteed, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Sunday. Payne had received the franchise tag from the Commanders before reaching agreement on his new deal.
The Commanders later focused on the offensive line and backup quarterback, agreeing to deals with former Kansas City Chiefs OT Andrew Wylie and ex-Giants C/OL Nick Gates before bringing back center Tyler Larsen and signing ex-Browns backup QB Jacoby Brissett. They’ve also added ex-Seattle linebacker Cody Barton and backup CB Danny Johnson.
Here’s a breakdown of every 2023 NFL free agent and how each will impact the upcoming season:
Jacoby Brissett, quarterback
What it means: Washington gets a high-end backup who can push Sam Howell for the starting job. After losing Taylor Heinicke to the Atlanta Falcons, the Commanders turned to the next player on their list. Brissett is coming off a strong season with Cleveland, while the Browns waited for Deshaun Watson to return from an 11-game suspension for sexual assault, as defined by the NFL, on multiple massage therapists. Brissett is considered good in the locker room and a mentor, which is what Howell needs. Brissett can start for an extended time if necessary as well.
What’s the risk? That lies more with the starting job than with Brissett. If Howell falters, it doesn’t matter who the backup is; Washington would be in a bad spot. Otherwise, Washington gets a player with 48 career starts and 76 games played. He’s thrown 48 touchdown passes to only 23 picks. So if he has to play and can play smart by limiting turnovers, it helps a team that should have a strong defense.
