ASHBURN, Va. — NFL free agency is off and running and we’re keeping track of every major signing trade and release of the 2024 offseason with analysis from our NFL Nation reporters and grades from our experts. The new league year begins Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET, which means free agent signings can be made official after that.
The first round of the 2024 NFL draft begins April 25 on ESPN.
Austin Ekeler, RB
The former Charger agreed to a two-year deal worth up to $11.43 million on Monday.
What it means: Washington didn’t try to re-sign Antonio Gibson but did need another back to pair with Brian Robinson and Chris Rodriguez. Ekeler has been a productive back in his first seven seasons with 8,239 total yards from scrimmage. In Kliff Kingsbury’s offense, they needed another back with pass-catching experience. Ekeler wasn’t as productive running last season, averaging a career-low 3.5 yards per carry. But he doesn’t need to carry the ball as often as he did in the past with Robinson and Rodriguez also capable. Ekeler does need to be productive in the pass game.
What’s the risk: If he’s no longer a consistent producer in the pass game. Ekeler caught 51 passes last year, his lowest total in the last five seasons. He had a drop on 5.4 percent of his targets, matching a career-low. He showed glimpses of his explosiveness, but for it to work for Washington it has to be more consistent. The Commanders could always add another multi-dimensional back in the draft, but they will need Ekeler to be productive.
Former Eagles QB Mariota is signing with the Washington Commanders on a one-year deal with a base value of $6 million and upside to $10 million, a source tells Adam Schefter.
What it means: Washington now has a veteran to pair with a rookie quarterback. The Commanders are widely expected to draft one with the second overall pick in April. They already have Sam Howell but needed someone with more experience to serve as a backup/mentor. It also calls into question Howell’s future with the team, especially if other teams make a decent offer. They don’t have to move him — they could always see if he can be a strong No. 2 in the future — but he would be their third quarterback this season.
What’s the risk: Mariota signed only a one-year deal and he’s fine as a backup, but he has not proven to be a quality starter during his first nine seasons. If they decide to move Howell, the risk would be that he develops into a mid-tier starter or high-end backup elsewhere. But if the quarterback they pick in the draft becomes a top starter they will be able to live with that scenario.
