The Washington Football Team went to the playoffs after winning the NFC East in 2020. While that was a major accomplishment, Washington did have a 7-9 record.
So, the WFT’s offseason has been all about getting better, especially on offense. Washington signed quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick and wide receiver Curtis Samuel in free agency while adding offensive tackle Samuel Cosmi and wide receiver Dyami Brown in the NFL draft.
After the draft, Washington signed former Pro Bowl offensive tackle Charles Leno, leading to the release of longtime starting right tackle Morgan Moses.
Defensively, Washington signed William Jackson III in free agency after letting Ronald Darby walk. Then, in the draft, the Football Team used their first-round pick on Kentucky linebacker Jamin Davis.
That’s not a bad offseason for Washington, as Pro Football Focus names the WFT one of the five most improved teams in 2021.
Ok, so they didn’t find an elite quarterback. But, the Football Team did what you do when you don’t have a good shot at one; give Ryan Fitzpatrick a call. The man they call ‘Fitzmagic’ has the 15th-best PFF grade over the last three years, which is a huge upgrade over what they’ve had. Then the Team set about trying to find him some weapons. Curtis Samuel came over in free agency, while Washington added Dyami Brown in the draft, which should give Washington a healthy receiving threat beyond what’s just been Terry McLaurin over the last two seasons. Washington also continued to make an already elite defense stronger, bringing over Cincinnati cornerback William Jackson III, PFF’s No. 1 available cornerback in free agency.
It’s difficult to argue that Washington has had a strong offseason. Instead of doing what past Washington teams would do after one successful season, this version, led by head coach Ron Rivera, continued to add pieces and avoided the big, flashy move prior regimes would make.
Fitzpatrick is going to give you a chance. Yes, he will throw interceptions, but this team feels strongly enough about its defense to overcome more turnovers. In addition, the offense will make more big plays with Fitzpatrick, McLaurin, Antonio Gibson, Samuel and Brown all on the roster.
And, while the defense was good last year, Rivera knew he needed to address the linebacker position. Davis does exactly that, bringing speed and versatility to the position.
All in all, that’s a pretty strong offseason.