What did the Commanders change this offseason before their Week 5 2024 matchup vs. the Browns? (2024)

CLEVELAND, Ohio — With the release of the Browns’ 2024 schedule, we’re looking at each of the teams they will play this season in schedule order.

As I’ve done each of the past couple of years, I’ll look at the biggest changes for each team and what it means for their matchup vs. the Browns.

Today’s look is at the Browns’ Week 5 opponent: the Washington Commanders.

The Commanders were the second-worst team in the NFL in 2023 but have undergone quite a slew of changes, including at the top as new owner Josh Harris made his first stamps on the team.

New GM Adam Peters was aggressive in free agency, bringing in a lot of new faces to try and turn the franchise around. But his biggest move was what he did with the second pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, which I will get into shortly.

Here is a look at the Commanders offseason.

Check out links to other editions of this series at the bottom of this post.

Biggest addition: QB Jayden Daniels

You could also make a strong case for new head coach Dan Quinn being the biggest addition. But the call here goes to the former Heisman Trophy winner from LSU.

I’ve been on record saying I would have taken North Carolina’s Drake Maye in this spot, but I have no problem with the Commanders grabbing Daniels. It helps their case that they can look up the Baltimore-Washington Parkway and see the success Lamar Jackson has had with the Ravens.

Daniels was not as dynamic a runner as Jackson was in college, but he’s probably a better passer than Jackson was when he entered the NFL. If Daniels even comes close to Jackson’s level of success, the Commanders will have nailed this pick.

See Also

Commanders' Dan Quinn credits Cowboys stint, 'super important' Micah Parsons as reasons for second HC job

Biggest subtraction: CB Kendall Fuller

After selecting Emmanuel Forbes Jr. in the first round last year, the writing may have been on the wall when it came to Fuller’s future in Washington.

He turned a good 2023 season (two interceptions, nine pass breakups) into a two-year deal with the Dolphins. Fuller just turned 29 in February, so he could be in the later part of his career.

However, with current starting corners Benjamin St.-Juste and Forbes each earning grades below 60.0 on Pro Football Focus, the Commanders will need the young corners to really step up in 2024.

Best draft pick: DT Jer’Zhan Newton

I was really a big fan of Washington’s draft. Peters had a sensational second round, including the picks of CB Mike Sainristil and TE Ben Sinnott. But for me, he got outstanding value with Newton at 36th overall.

Last season’s Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, Newton should have gone much earlier than 36. While he isn’t the biggest defensive tackle in terms of frame, the pass rush tool is so intriguing with Newton.

He had 7.5 sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss in 2023. The Commanders still have Jonathan Allen and DaRon Payne in front of him, so playing time early on might not be easy to come by. That said, he’s a great piece to add to the strength of Washington’s defense.

What it means in their matchup with the Browns

Any success Washington is going to have in 2024 will come down to how ready and effective Daniels is from the start. But he has plenty of help around him with Terry McLaurin at receiver and the combination of Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler at running back.

The big key for Daniels will be to protect the football because Washington quarterbacks threw 21 interceptions, third most in the NFL in 2023. It’ll be interesting to see what gameplan Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz throws at the rookie quarterback.

Dan Quinn will have his work cut out for him trying to fix the defense, which was dead last in the NFL in scoring (30.5 points per game). The front four will be very stout as usual, especially after signing defensive ends Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler Jr. But because of the issues Washington has right now in its secondary, the Commanders will need their front to be great almost every game.

The Commanders likely won’t be a playoff contender in 2024. However, their defensive front and skill players are good enough to make any team have to pay attention, including the Browns.

Catch up on the series

• Dallas Cowboys, Week 1
• Jacksonville Jaguars, Week 2
• New York Giants, Week 3
• Las Vegas Raiders, Week 4

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