Breaking down the Commanders' eventful start to free agency

There are notable names on the list, starting with the top one, Ertz, who had 27 catches for 187 yards and one TD catch in 2023. Although past his prime as a player, Ertz is a strong leader for a locker room that needs one. He'll replace Logan Thomas, who was released several weeks ago.

Meanwhile, DE Dorance Armstrong and center Tyler Biadasz are following their former Dallas defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, now Commanders head coach, to Washington. Regardless of how those signings pan out for the Commanders, weakening your biggest rival is never bad.

Former Chargers RB Austin Ekeler – the biggest name Washington has added – comes at a good price (two-year deal worth up to $11 million). It's always risky to add big-name running backs as free agents given that their wear and tear doesn't usually allow them to be productive past their rookie contracts, but Ekeler is a versatile back who is also a threat as a receiver.

Another big headliner is QB Marcus Mariota, who replaces Jacoby Brissett (now returning to the New England Patriots) as the presumptive backup for Commanders, who probably will draft their next starting QB with the No. 2 overall pick. It's unclear what that means for incumbent starter Sam Howell, but perhaps a trade could be in the works.

Defensive ends Clelin Ferrell and Dante Fowler are both former top-five picks who have bounced around the league – Ferrell is coming from the San Francisco 49ers and Fowler is another former Cowboy. They will give the Commanders defense more depth, as will former Carolina Panthers Frankie Luvu (a linebacker) and Jeremy Chinn (a safety).

Left guard Nick Allegretti, a three-time Super Bowl champion with the Kansas City Chiefs, joins Biadasz in helping beef up Washington's much-maligned offensive line. The Commanders have released a number of offensive linemen from 2023, including starters Charles Leno and Nick Gates.

Kicker Brandon McManus and long-snapper Tyler Ott are veteran special teamers. McManus feels like a lateral move from previous kicker Joey Slye, who went 19-for-24 on field goals and 32-for-35 on extra points in 2023. The long-snapper position, however, was certainly one of need after Camaron Cheeseman's release due to poor play.

All these players fill needs for the Commanders. The remainder of the team's holes – starting QB, defensive backfield and more OL depth – are sure to be addressed April 25-27 at the NFL Draft in Detroit.