This post has all of the new free agent signings as of March 17, 2021.
3/15/2021:
They signed journeyman QB Ryan Fitzpatrick to a one year deal, $10M deal that can get as high as $12M. This is the best QB option they have had all season, outside of attempting to trade for now Rams QB Matthew Stafford.
Former Dolphins’ QB Ryan Fitzpatrick reached agreement with the Washington Football Team on a one-year deal worth $10 million that could grow to $12 million with incentives, per source. Fitzpatrick is expected to head to camp as the starter, with competition from Taylor Heinicke.
Fitzpatrick gives them a veteran presence that allows the younger players on offense to get better and develop, while their search for their franchise QB continues. The best trait with Fitzpatrick, he always gives his WRs a chance and is willing to go downfield. He will be prone to turn the ball over, but I think you’ll see the passing offense get way better than you’ve seen over the last three seasons, when Washington’s ranked 28th, last, and 25th.
The other options that they’ve been linked to are Sam Darnold and Teddy Bridgewater. They are clearly out on the both of them, so either to this upcoming draft, potentially 2022. They may also look to the draft for other options, but that does not mean they’re locked in for one in the first round.
3/16/2021:
After losing Ronald Darby to the Denver Broncos on Monday, Washington signed William Jackson III to a 3 year, $42M deal, with $26M guaranteed. A former first round pick in 2016 from Cincinnati, Jackson was considered one of the top free agents available according to come people, and is an upgrade over Darby. Though he lacks strength, Jackson has top-tier speed and has great ball skills. His is considered a man cornerback, and that goes well with their defensive front, which only strengthens this teams defense. After bringing back Kendall Fuller last season at about $10M per year, this gives Washington one of the best CB duos in all the NFL.
3/17/2021
Washington signed WR Curtis Samuel to a 3 year, $34.5M deal. Washington has been linked to Samuel since he became a free agent, and Washington has finally gotten their WR option to go along with Terry McLaurin, giving this offense more weapons.
Samuel has been called the opposite of Antonio Gibson, as he played RB at Ohio State, converting to WR in the NFL. He may not be your traditional WR, but he can produce I both the running and passing game. Here’s what I said about Samuel in my Washington offseason update post:
“I first option I think they’ll look at is Curtis Samuel simply because of the Carolina connections. He is the opposite of Antonio Gibson, a RB who converted to WR, so he has the ability to help out all over the offense. with 1051 total scrimmage yards in 118 touches, he is definitely someone that Ron Rivera and Scott Turner would love to bring along.”
This offense may not within the top half of the league yet, but they will be at least average. An average offense, with their improvements on defense will help them compete for the NFC East, right next to the Dallas Cowboys. Washington may not be done adding weapons to this offense, as they may add another weapon in free agency or like draft, like a TE. Guys like Kelvin Harmon and Antonio Gandy-Golden will benefit the most, as they can still develop as WRs and heal (Kelvin Harmon tore his ACL last summer), plus adding depth to the receiver room. The only issue I can see at the moment is if Ryan Fitzpatrick turns into Ryan Fitztragic. If he can be the guy that helps this team more than hurt them, they have a really good chance to win the division.