SEAHAWKS LINEBACKER BOBBY WAGNER EYED FOR WASHINGTON REUNION
New Commanders Head Coach Dan Quinn has a history of players following him to a new destination. Flush with cap space and a need at many positions, it can be easy to talk about the big-name free agents set to hit the market all while overlooking how important players with experience in a scheme can be for a first-year head coach.
Recent memory tells a story of Washington typically overpaying players to come to town. A new era from the top down combined with a likable head coach feels like the narrative of professional football in Washington is starting to shift.
Quinn has a chance to add a few free agents who won’t command top-dollar while providing the service of not only playing but also helping to shorten the learning curve a new system can bring. A few intriguing names with connections at the top could help this defense acclimate faster than anticipated.
Dan Quinn deserves credit for helping to create the Seattle Seahawks famed defense dubbed the “Legion of Boom.” Linebacker Bobby Wagner played a big part in helping that defense etch themselves into NFL lore.
With a new coaching staff in Seattle, the 11-year pro is headed into free agency with questions surrounding his future. A reunion in Washington with the architect of that fabled defense makes sense.
Wagner showed he is still capable of playing at a high level after receiving a Pro Bowl invitation while also earning second-team All Pro honors. While his projected contract numbers vary, PFF predicts Wagner to command a one-year, $4 million contract.
With Washington employing two highly talented defensive tackles in Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne, Quinn will have to adjust to the talent in the room as this pair will undoubtedly be one of the best interior line duos he has ever coached. This is where Cowboys edge rusher and free-agent-to-be Dorance Armstrong comes into play.
Although he often mixes it up, Quinn has historically stuck to a cover 3 look. With four defenders splitting the second level and three defensive backs left to defend the third, harassing a quarterback before he has time to take advantage of a thin back end is imperative. After playing under Quinn for the past three seasons, the case for a reunion in Washington is strong.
Armstrong recorded 16 sacks for Dallas the last two seasons which were by far the best of his young career. At just 26, he figures to be entering his prime. With so much money already invested into the defensive line, signing cost-effective players would be prudent. Edge players can command big-money so the projections that have Armstrong commanding a deal in the neighborhood of $8 million per season feel like a bargain.
SAFETY JAYRON KEARSE FINDS SUCCESS IN DETROIT
Safety Jayron Kearse has made a name for himself in the NFL, especially during his time with the Detroit Lions. After spending his first four years in Minnesota with limited playing time, Kearse proved he could handle a larger workload when he joined the Lions. In his lone season with Detroit, Kearse played an impressive 503 defensive snaps. This success caught the attention of the Dallas Cowboys, who offered him a contract extension two seasons ago.
Now, with his contract set to expire at the start of the new league year, Kearse is facing free agency. However, there is a strong possibility that he could reunite with former coach Dan Quinn in Washington. Quinn, the current defensive coordinator for the Washington Commanders, has shown interest in bringing Kearse on board. With Kearse’s experience and football IQ, he would be a valuable asset in implementing Quinn’s defensive strategies.
While Washington also has to make a decision on impending free agent safety Kamren Curl, Kearse’s potential arrival would not affect Curl’s future with the team. At 30 years old, Kearse is projected to sign a modest deal worth around $3-$4 million per season. His role would extend beyond the field, as he would also serve as a mentor to the younger players on the defense.
DANTE FOWLER COULD JOIN QUINN IN WASHINGTON
Another player who could potentially follow Quinn to Washington is defensive end Dante Fowler. Fowler, a former third overall pick in the 2015 NFL draft, signed a significant contract with the Atlanta Falcons in 2020. However, his time in Atlanta was short-lived as Quinn was fired just five games into the season.
Fowler’s connection with Quinn dates back to their time together at the University of Florida. Quinn, who was the defensive coordinator at the time, successfully recruited Fowler to join the Gators. After their reunion in Dallas, Fowler found a home in the Cowboys’ deep rotation. Now, with the opportunity to join Quinn once again, Fowler hopes to revitalize a defense that struggled last season.
WASHINGTON’S NEW ERA UNDER DAN QUINN
Bringing in both Kearse and Fowler would be a step towards changing the culture in Washington. The Commanders are determined to turn things around and create a winning environment. By attracting free agents who want to play for Quinn, the franchise hopes to spark change and improve its on-field success.
As the NFL offseason progresses, it will be interesting to see if Kearse and Fowler ultimately join Quinn in Washington. Their presence could make a significant impact on the team’s defense and help shape the future of the Commanders’ football program.
Angel Torres is an NFL reporter covering the latest news and developments in the league. Stay tuned for more updates on the potential moves involving Jayron Kearse, Dante Fowler, and the Washington Commanders.
According to the Source heavy.com