2 sneaky good NFL free agents Commanders need to sign

The Washington Commanders are in a good place to begin their rebuild. Washington have the No. 2 pick in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft, which puts the Commanders in a position to take one of the top quarterbacks of the board.

Washington also have five picks in the first three rounds of this year’s draft. But not only that, the Commanders also have over $83.5 million in cap space and could free up even more with certain roster moves. The Commanders are well-positioned to draft a number of difference makers and sign some more.

Should they elect to make big splashes in free agency, they will also need to find diamonds in the rough with that cap space as well. That’s where players like Greg Dortch and Mike Gesicki could come into play.

Greg Dortch, Wide Receiver

If there were an award for the most underrated receiver in the NFL, Greg Dortch would be in consideration. All the guy does is produce whenever he gets a chance.

Dortch played at least 50% of Arizona’s offensive snaps in only seven of their 17 games in 2023. He caught a touchdown or racked up at least 76 yards in four of those games. In eight such games in 2022, Dortch accrued at least 50 yards five times.

Dortch has a connection with the Commanders that could link to a possible union between the two. Kliff Kingsbury was the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals from 2019-2022 and was hired as the Commanders’ offensive coordinator a few weeks ago. He and Dortch crossed paths in Arizona for two seasons, meaning Kingsbury is very familiar with Dortch’s game and vice versa.

Slot receivers had a huge emphasis on Kingsbury’s offense during his time in the NFL and that is where Dortch specializes. Arizona drafted Rondale Moore to be their primary slot receiver, which hindered Dortch’s opportunities in the desert. But when Dortch got his chances, he almost always came through.

Wide receiver isn’t the most glaring need for the Commanders this offseason. Terry McLaurin is still among the best at that position in the NFL and Jahan Dotson, while his sophomore season was disappointing, has plenty of promise in his own right. Washington should be able to address needs elsewhere on their roster with most of their cap space and draft capital.

They could then pluck Dortch for cheap and still have a stellar trio of wide receivers. Dortch would be a great signing for anybody, but especially the Commanders.

Mike Gesicki, Tight End