Dan Quinn’s Commanders Future Threatened by ‘Sexy Names Without Sexy Production’ as NFL Exec Questions Washington’s Jumpstart Approach

Published 04/05/2024, 8:54 AM EDT

The Commanders have gone all-in under new head coach Dan Quinn, bringing in a slew of big-name free agents in a bold attempt to turn the franchise around. But as the team’s offseason moves continue to make waves across the NFL, a chorus of skepticism is emerging from league executives.

The Commanders have shelled out a staggering $38.7 million in average annual salary (APY) differential during free agency. “I see what the plan was,” one executive stated. “They went the culture route where we are going to add the Bobby Wagners, guys that are known commodities.”

At the top of the list, we have Wagner. But there are other key players too: Dante Fowler Jr., Michael Davis, and Austin Ekeler. Now, here’s the interesting part—the seasoned 30-year-old Marcus Mariota steps in as the backup quarterback, taking over from the 23-year-old Sam Howell.

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However, as reported by The Athletic, the exec cautioned, “You just have to hope these guys stay healthy because they are older — sexy names without sexy production.” The concern is whether Quinn’s veteran-laden approach can truly revitalize a Commander’s squad that has struggled mightily in recent years.

As the Commanders gear up for the 2024 season, all eyes will be on Dan Quinn and his high-stakes roster overhaul. The league is watching intently to see if his “glittering gamble” pays off in a big way, or if the doubters are proven right in their assessment of Washington’s quick-fix formula.

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Dan Quinn on a high-profile gamble?

The Washington Commanders have been one of the most active teams in free agency, splurging over $76.5 million in average annual salary (APY) on new signings. The veteran-laden additions are intended to provide an experienced leadership core. But as one exec pointed out, there are concerns about how these players will fit together, especially in terms of coverage on passing downs.

“Wagner, Ekeler, and Ertz are the only signings I would criticize, even though I understand what they are doing,” another exec noted. “Jeremy Chinn will be interesting. He was out of position with Carolina. I don’t know if he has the instincts to play in the box the way Dan Quinn likes with those lighter safety bodies at linebacker.”

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The true test for Dan Quinn and the Commanders will be translating these strategic moves into on-field success. Quinn spearheaded the success of the “Legion of Boom” in Seattle and the Dallas Cowboys’ defensive turnaround. Do you think he can repeat that with the Commanders?

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Written by:

Sanu Abraham is an NFL writer at EssentiallySports. As a passionate football fan, he brings fresh perspectives and new ideas to the coverage of the sport and its many exciting personalities. He seeks to write lively and engaging articles that play to his expertise.

Edited by:

Garima Yadav

Dan Quinn’s Commanders Future Threatened by ‘Sexy Names Without Sexy Production’ as NFL Exec Questions Washington’s Jumpstart Approach

Dan Quinn on a high-profile gamble?

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