It’s still the dog days of the offseason, but with Organized Team Activities, at least there comes a little bit of news and energy to get the football blood piping through the veins again.
So here’s some roster information and fodder to keep everyone brimming with excitement.
Norwell To Be Cap Casualty?
Today Andrew Norwell was placed on the reserve/physically unable to perform (PUP) list. He has been dealing with a right elbow injury this offseason, which facilitated the move. Speculation is that that’s part of a bigger plan to eventually cut him.
The 31-year old guard, started 16 games for the Commanders last season. However, it seems that one of last year’s most notable offseason signings, may very well end up being one of Washington’s most notable offseason transactions again.
Washington would save as much as $4.38 million of cap space by designating him as a post-June 1st cut. Reports are that as soon as he can pass a physical, he will be released from the PUP list.
The former Pro Bowler struggled at times last season, but only committed four penalties and was available every game. Does saving the cap really do that much with few things to spend cap on?
Re-Build Casualty
Truthfully, Washington has made several moves this offseason that would put Norwell’s starting status in jeopardy, regardless of cap. The Commanders likely deem him expendable because he’s on a decent contract if he starts, but it’s less sensible if he’s a backup.
They signed Nick Gates from the New York Giants, who could feasibly start at any of the three interior line spots.
They also grabbed offensive tackle Andrew Wylie, who will likely start at right tackle. That opens the door for three-year veteran Sam Cosmi to move inside to guard.
The other offseason move that impacts Norwell, is the drafting of Ricky Stromberg.
Stromberg was a four year starter at Arkansas, playing guard and then 33 games at center. The ideal situation for the Commanders would be if the third rounder can step right in and start. That would allow Gates to take the left guard spot, and Cosmi would start at right guard. If not, Gates will likely start at center, and Chris Paul would potentially move into the guard spot,
Norwell would be entering the final year of his contract, so he wasn’t seen as a long-term option for the Commanders, he may be seen as replaceable for fewer dollars.
Numbers Casualty
Washington will likely keep at least nine offensive linemen – maybe ten. If you hypothesize that starting jobs would be occupied by Charles Leno Jr. at left tackle, Gates at left guard, Stromberg at center, and Cosmi at right guard, then Wylie at right tackle – what four (or five) would lock up the other slots?
Washington would potentially have Paul, and fourth round pick Braeden Daniels to backup the guard spots. Daniels may be headed for the practice squad, but he will be given every opportunity to make the roster, given that he can play tackle as well.
The Commanders also have Tyler Larsen, Saahdiq Charles, and Cornelius Lucas who have all filled depth slots for Washington in past seasons. Larsen looked very capable starting at center but his injury issues are a concern, and it may be tough to count on him being available for a full season.
So with that in mind – Norwell and his more expensive contract are potentially the odd man out.
Devil’s Advocate
Norwell is a veteran, he’s a strong leadership presence for the young guys, and he doesn’t make a boat load. He just makes enough to be potentially viewed as fat that can be trimmed.
But can he? Larsen played seven games last year before getting hurt, and less than two the year before.
Despite popular belief, offensive linemen don’t just grow on trees, so it might be prudent to try find a way to keep Norwell.
But they probably won’t.
Other News:
Obviously Dantzler Wasn’t An Answer
The Commanders are said to already be cutting ties with veteran cornerback Cameron Dantzler.
He was claimed off of waivers in March from the Vikings, and was expected to potentially fill a depth role in the secondary.
It seems premature to let a veteran go who has experience at the position and is already on the roster, but obviously he wasn’t in the plans.
Subtraction Means Addition
The Norwell and Dantzler moves create a couple of roster slots to fill.
Washington granted those spots to tight end Brandon Dillon and safety Terrell Burgess.
Dillon was out of the NFL last year, but plays for the XFL’s Vegas Vipers. He was with the Minnesota Vikings in 2021, and spent some time on practice squads with the New York Jets and New Orleans Saints as well.
Burgess was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He won a Super Bowl (LVI) with the team.