Which Commanders defenders might not return for 2023?
On Tuesday, Commanders Wire provided some names from the Commanders offense that we may not be see in the Burgundy and Gold in 2023. Today, we consider the defensive side of the ball and those players who may not return next season.
DEFENSE
Certainly, Daron Payne is at the top of the list. We simply don’t know what the Commanders and Payne will do in negotiations. Will he be signed long-term? Will they apply the franchise tag and see what they can get in a trade? Or might Payne depart for free agency? Efe Obada also becomes a free agent.
The bad news is that Chicago’s defensive line sucks. But the good news is that help could be on the way if they go after Daron Payne who is a monster DL. N he happens to be a free-agent-to-be this upcoming offseason. At a position the Bears desperately need to fill. pic.twitter.com/Aqirxlcx0r
— Jigzaw (@Jigzaw23) January 6, 2023
Linebackers Cole Holcomb, Jon Bostic and David Mayo are each free agents. Khaleke Hudson, who, against the Cowboys, clearly enjoyed his best game in the NFL, becomes a restricted free agent, while Milo Eifler becomes an exclusive rights free agent.
In the secondary, corner Kendall Fuller is scheduled to make $11.625M next season, and safety Jeremy Reaves becomes an unrestricted free agent. Also, Bobby McCain is scheduled to make $5.125 million in 2023.
If Spotrac is correct, William Jackson III and that horribly over-priced contract is still on the backs of the Commanders, counting $9 million against the cap in 2023. That could mean someone else’s salary will become a liability, resulting in their release.
