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5 targets for Commanders in 2022 NFL free agency

By Russell S. Baxter

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MAR 01: Ron Rivera, head coach of the Washington Commanders speaks to reporters during the NFL Draft Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on March 1, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MAR 01: Ron Rivera, head coach of the Washington Commanders speaks to reporters during the NFL Draft Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on March 1, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 19: Desmond King #25 of the Houston Texans reacts after a play during the third quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field on December 19, 2021 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 19: Desmond King #25 of the Houston Texans reacts after a play during the third quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field on December 19, 2021 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) /

This longtime member of the NFC East has a new nom de guerre. And the Washington Commanders hope to make a bigger name for themselves in 2021.

What’s in a name? The NFL franchise in old D.C. has gone from the Redskins to the Football Team to the Commanders in a four-year span.

What’s in a reliable signal-caller? It’s safe to say that this club has gone through its share of starting quarterbacks since Kirk Cousins left for the Twin Cities. Dating back to 2018, the list includes Alex Smith, Colt McCoy, Mark Sanchez, Josh Johnson, Case Keenum, Dwayne Haskins, Kyle Allen, Taylor Heinicke, Ryan Fitzpatrick and Garrett Gilbert. Of course, Smith was the 2020 NFL Comeback of the Year after returning from a gruesome leg injury and was easily the most successful of this group.

Now add Carson Wentz to the mix. Via ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the second overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles is now on his third team in as many years after being dealt by the Colts. It’s worth noting that the Commanders inherit his massive salary (via Spotrac), which means Washington now has very limited cap room. But that doesn’t mean the club won’t still be shopping.

5. CB Desmond King (Houston Texans)

The former fifth-round pick from the University of Iowa by the Chargers has had a very interesting five-year career. After three-plus seasons with the Bolts, Desmond King was dealt to the Tennessee Titans in November of 2020.

This past season, he played in 16 games with the Houston Texans. He made a dozen starts and finished third on the club with 86 defensive stops. King totaled three interceptions, one forced fumble, six passes defensed and added seven tackles on special teams.

Also known for his special teams’ prowess, the versatile King has scored touchdowns via interceptions, punt returns and a fumble return. He would no doubt help a Washington defense that allowed the fourth-most passing yards in the league in 2021.

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