Washington has been on a mission to reshape its team dynamics since free agency began on March 12. They’ve signed or traded for 29 players in doing so. The team’s approach has mostly favored one-year contracts, with 24 of these new additions inked for only the 2023 season. This updated design focus is for increased capacity for flexibility and more opportunities for players to show off their skills. Consider this hometown move one of these key strategic swaps, as OT Laremy Tunsil, a five-time Pro Bowler, came via the Houston trade. Tunsil as a pass protector His highly questionable eligibility notwithstanding, Tunsil was an elite level pass protector. He’d offer immediate strong protection for superstar quarterback Jayden Daniels’ blind side while saving the program valuable draft capital.
Much optimism abounds with the acquisition of Tunsil. In the right system with the right coaching, he is capable of being elite in pass protection and run blocking.
“I can make a huge impact: a pass protector, a damn good run blocker,” – Laremy Tunsil
Further raising the stakes, Tunsil went on record with the belief that he had the tools to step in and do big things in Washington right away.
“I can make a huge impact quickly, honestly. They traded for me for that reason.” – Laremy Tunsil
Along with Tunsil, Washington has brought back veteran defensive end Clelin Ferrell on a new deal. His return tops off an already fortified defensive line. Washington pointed the way for newcomers at the front. Deatrich Wise Jr. and Jacob Martin entered as defensive ends, with Javon Kinlaw and Eddie Goldman checking in at tackles. Both Kinlaw and Goldman add valuable size up front, with each tipping the scales at 320 pounds plus.
Washington’s run defense was 30th in yards per game allowed and 28th in yards per carry allowed last season. Newer additions like Kinlaw and Goldman will help the team’s efforts to address these gaps. Those additions will provide plenty of depth and flexibility to the defensive line.
Kinlaw, who has a bet with his mother to be the most explosive defensive lineman in the draft, wants to lose a little weight. This lofty personal goal fits in line with the overall team goals of bringing in better defensive players and keeping more versatility in the lineup.
The signing of wideout Deebo Samuel serves as an extension of Washington’s approach to acquire players willing to show they have something to prove. His teammates and coaches, including cornerback Jonathan Jones, consider Samuel to be a phenomenal player.
“He shuts down sides. He’s a brick wall over there.” – Deatrich Wise Jr.
Samuel, like most of the others signed this season, is an example of the opportunity to do so through mere availability, if nothing else, of making a huge impression.
“They put this much trust in me,” – Deebo Samuel
Washington’s roster moves are helping make this team better both on and off the field. More than that, they help foster an internal culture of competition and personal growth amongst the team. Veterans such as Ferrell stress the need for versatile, experienced players whom you can move around and plug into various situations.
“If you look at the line there are a lot of veterans and we can be a very multiple [front] team. There’s nothing they feel they can’t ask us to do.” – Clelin Ferrell
This depth and flexibility are considered to be valuable resources that can really boost the team’s productivity, efficacy, and creative output.
“You look around the league and people would be dying for that rotation,” – Logan Paulsen
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