Daily Slop – 30 Mar 25 – ESPN’s Mike Clay: take the ‘under’ on 10.5 Commanders wins in 2025

A collection of articles, podcasts & tweets from around the web to keep you in touch with the Commanders, the NFC East, the NFL and sports in general, and a sprinkling of other stuff

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Articles

Riggo’s Rag

Jonathan Allen gets brutally honest about premature Commanders’ departure

Jonathan Allen credited the Commanders for doing him a favor.

The Commanders did right by Allen, cutting ties just before the legal tampering window. This gave the Alabama graduate a head start on negotiations and choosing his next destination rather than being forced somewhere he might not have wanted to go.

Allen wasn’t out of employment for long, signing a three-year, $51 million deal with the Minnesota Vikings that included a $14 million signing bonus and $31.25 million guaranteed. That represents a fantastic payday considering his performance levels over the last two years.

Allen got brutally honest when speaking about his Commanders’ departure during an appearance on the Rich Eisen Show. He acknowledged that he’d fallen out of favor, and there was nothing he could do about it. However, the interior force praised those in power for handling his departure with complete class and respect.

“I mean, in the NFL, it’s very hard to play your entire career on one team. The new regime came in, they had a path that they wanted to follow and I wasn’t a part of that. You’ve got to give them a lot of credit for doing me a favor by releasing me when they did, but things just didn’t work out for whatever reason. Super, super excited to be on a new team and reunite with coach [Kevin] O’Connell.”

Jonathan Allen

This was the right way to handle things. It’s another example of the raised professionalism in the Commanders’ front office these days. Had this been the previous regime under the previous owner, things (probably) would have been different.

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ESPN

First bets: Early picks for 2025 NFL season win totals

Fortenbaugh’s first bet: Washington Commanders UNDER 10.5 wins (-150)

Jayden Daniels is awesome. I’m not disagreeing with that assessment. I am, however, highly concerned about the abundance of red flags signaling an upcoming regression for Washington. For starters, the Commanders finished 12-5 last year despite a +94 point differential, which is more indicative of a 10.6-win team. Second, Washington went 8-4 in one-score games. Those are two metrics which demonstrate how Dan Quinn’s team performed above expectation in 2024. Throw in a defense that ranked 19th in EPA, a much tougher schedule this season that features crossovers with the AFC West and NFC North and a unit that concluded 2024 as the fifth-healthiest team in the NFL and you’ve got plenty of reasons to suspect a regression for the Commanders in 2025.

Mike Clay’s projection: 8.2 wins

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QB Panic meter

Bleacher Report

Panic Meter for Every Team’s QB Situation Ahead of 2025 NFL Draft

The panic meter ranges from one to 10. Low numbers reflect fewer concerns, while higher figures indicate uncertainties for the projected starter, a poor fit between the lead signal-caller and his supporting cast or the need to upgrade the primary backup role.

Commanders

QBs: Jayden Daniels, Marcus Mariota, Sam Hartman

Daniels put on a show last year. Between his game-winning drives and the well-deserved accolades, he had one of the best rookie seasons for a quarterback in NFL history.

Within a year, the Washington Commanders went from a basement-dwelling dumpster fire to a Super Bowl contender. They beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the No. 1-seeded Detroit Lions on the road before losing to the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship Game.

Daniels had success similar to C.J. Stroud, who won the 2023 Offensive Rookie of the Year award, but the LSU product’s quick rise seems different because of his dynamic playmaking ability with his arm and legs.

Because of Daniels’ willingness to pick up yards on the ground, he’s susceptible to big hits.

Washington made a reasonable decision to re-sign Mariota, who saw some action while Daniels battled a rib injury in October and in the last week of the season.

Panic Meter: 1

Colts

QBs: Anthony Richardson, Daniel Jones, Jason Bean

Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen should be on a full-tilt panic alert with their quarterback room.

In two seasons, Richardson has thrown for 11 touchdowns and 13 interceptions with a 50.6 percent completion rate. In 2023, he missed 13 games because of a season-ending shoulder injury. Last year, he sat out six contests due to injury and a demotion.

Ballard told reporters that the team would bring in competition for Richardson. Indianapolis signed Jones, another underwhelming former first-rounder.

Over the last two seasons, the 27-year-old has thrown more interceptions (13) than touchdowns (10).

The Colts may have to choose a starter between the better of two subpar quarterbacks, which doesn’t bode well for the offense. Bean, an undrafted second-year player out of Kansas, is a non-factor.

Panic Meter: 10

Steelers

QBs: Mason Rudolph, Skylar Thompson

Aaron Rodgers has a significant impact on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback situation because as he mulls over his next career decision, the team could miss out on alternative options.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Rodgers met with the Steelers for about six hours. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport noted that the visit “went really well.”

On one hand, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported (h/t Bleacher Report’s Andrew Peters), the 41-year-old has not “come close” to a decision.

On other hand, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero said Rodgers could call his own shot within the next few days.

Keep in mind that Carson Wentz is still available.

Also, Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer believes Kirk Cousins could waive his no-trade clause after the draft to avoid a situation where a team takes a quarterback early after acquiring him as the Atlanta Falcons did last offseason.

Regardless of Rodgers’ timeline, the Steelers should draft a quarterback to develop, but that rookie signal-caller will probably go through a year in a backup role.

While the Steelers wait, though, Wentz could sign with a team and Rodgers may opt to retire, leaving Pittsburgh to scramble for Cousins or settle for Rudolph as its starting quarterback.

In 2023, Rudolph helped lead the Steelers to the playoffs, but through seven campaigns, he’s yet to start more than eight games in a season.

Panic Meter: 8

Eagles

QBs: Jalen Hurts, Dorian Thompson-Robinson, Tanner McKee

Hurts may have turned some of his doubters into believers with his Super Bowl performance.

The Kansas City Chiefs slowed down Saquon Barkley and the Philadelphia Eagles’ ground game, but Hurts surgically dissected Steve Spagnuolo’s defense, completing 17 out of 22 passes for 221 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. He won Super Bowl LIX MVP.

Hurts’ critics point to his average passing numbers to knock him down a notch below Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen, but he’s led the Eagles to the Super Bowl twice in four years as their primary starter.

Panic Meter: 1

Giants

QBs: Russell Wilson, Jameis Winston, Tommy DeVito

The New York Giants added Wilson and Winston to take themselves out of desperation for a quarterback heading into the draft.

If the Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns take a signal-caller in the first two spots, the Giants would still need to address the position for the long term, but at least Wilson and Winston can get them through a respectable 2025 season.

Last season, Wilson threw for 2,482 yards, 16 touchdowns and five interceptions with a 63.7 percent completion rate. In Week 7, he took over the starting job in place of Justin Fields and helped lead the Pittsburgh Steelers to the playoffs.

An 11th-year veteran with 87 career starts, Winston can fill in if Wilson experiences a significant decline or suffers an injury.

If the Giants miss out Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders at No. 3, they could draft and sit Jaxson Dart or Jalen Milroe for a year behind Wilson and Winston.

Panic Meter: 4

Vikings

QBs: J.J. McCarthy, Brett Rypien

The Minnesota Vikings likely envision J.J. McCarthy as their starter in the near future. They selected him with the No. 10 overall pick.

But McCarthy didn’t see the field in his rookie year. He needed two surgeries on his torn meniscus, and Sam Darnold went on to have his best season as a pro.

Now that Darnold has left for the Seattle Seahawks, the Vikings must decide whether to go all-in with McCarthy or add a proven starter and keep their young signal-caller on training wheels.

According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Vikings aren’t pursuing Aaron Rodgers, but they want to add a veteran quarterback.

Per Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz, Minnesota has had discussions with Ryan Tannehill, who didn’t play in 2024.

The Vikings don’t have a reason to panic unless the coaching staff is worried about McCarthy’s ability to win the starting job.

However, their interest in an experienced QB suggests they could hedge on the young signal-caller’s outlook for another year, but the team’s free-agent options are thinning out.

Don’t count on Rypien posing a threat to McCarthy in a training camp battle.

Panic Meter: 5

Dolphins

QBs: Tua Tagovailoa, Zach Wilson

The Miami Dolphins will feel panic whenever Tagovailoa takes a big hit because of his history of concussions. When healthy, he throws with pinpoint accuracy (career 68.1 percent completion rate), and the sixth-year veteran led their No. 1-ranked passing offense in 2023.

Panic Meter: 7

Cowboys

QBs: Dak Prescott, Will Grier

The Dallas Cowboys have their franchise quarterback, but he’s in a suboptimal situation with his recent injury history.

Perennial All-Pro guard Zack Martin has retired. Dallas’ top two running backs are castoffs who hit the free-agent market following an underwhelming 2024 campaign. The Cowboys parted ways with head coach Mike McCarthy and opted to promote Brian Schottenheimer, whose top-10 scoring offenses in Seattle were led by the ground game.

If Prescott has to carry a lot on his shoulders in the passing game, it could lead to disaster.

Over the last three years, he has missed 14 games because of injuries. The Cowboys don’t have a solid backup behind him. They lost Cooper Rush to the Baltimore Ravens in free agency. Grier has started in two games over five seasons.

As NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport suggested, the Cowboys could take a quarterback on Day 2 of the draft to develop in the primary backup role.

For now, though, Prescott’s shaky durability and the lack of quality depth behind him are reasons to be concerned about the quarterback situation in Dallas.

Panic Meter: 6

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Podcasts & videos

Michael Gallup’s RETURN to the NFL | Next Man Up | Washington Commanders | NFL Free Agency

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NFC East links

Bleeding Green Nation

NFL Draft Rankings 2025: Offensive tackle

1) Armand Membou, Missouri

Armand Membou put the NFL on notice with an elite combine performance. Flip on his tape at Missouri, and the athleticism is as clear as day.

A career Right Tackle, Membou was too quick for SEC edge rushers, rarely allowing sacks in his three years of starting. A valid concern is that the talented Membou is small by NFL tackle standards in terms of height and length. He could be a candidate to slide inside at guard, but teams will want to test his athleticism on the edges of the line.

NFL Comparison: Jake Matthews, Atlanta Falcons

2) Will Campbell, LSU

Will Campbell has 38 starts under his belt and that experience shows up in the confidence he plays the position with. Campbell is a powerful, violent offensive lineman who can put some blocks on a highlight reel the way he puts guys on the ground.

Campbell’s instincts and demeanor pair well with great play strength and downhill speed. While he thrived at tackle, there are suggestions he might be an NFL guard. His short arms and occasional moments where he gets beat laterally raise red flags about his ability to stay out on an island against NFL edge rushers. It’s very likely he is drafted very high and tested at tackle before teams make that call either way.

NFL Comparison: La’el Collins, Dallas Cowboys

3) Josh Simmons, Ohio State

Josh Simmons started his career at San Diego State where he thrived at right tackle before transferring to Ohio State and to the left side of the offensive line. He started at left tackle all of 2023 and was having a great season in 2024 before tearing his ACL midway through the year.

Simmons has everything on tape and the measurement chart you’d want from an NFL offensive lineman. He is big, smooth, and smart. He is a patient blocker with the ability to mirror edge rushers. In the run game, he always finds his man and positions himself well to pave the way.

Simmons is not the most physical player, especially compared to the other top blockers in this class. He doesn’t lack strength, it is just that his game is not predicated on being a bully. Of course, the biggest question will be his recovery from the knee injury. A fully healthy Josh Simmons should be a first round pick and start for an NFL team as a rookie.

NFL Comparison: Christian Darrisaw, Minnesota Vikings

4) Kelvin Banks Junior, Texas

5) Gray Zabel, North Dakota State

6) Josh Conerly Junior, Oregon

7) Donovan Jackson, Ohio State

8) Aireontae Ersery, Minnesota

10) Wyatt Milum, West Virginia

11) Ozzy Trapilo, Boston College

12) Marcus Mbow, Purdue

13) Jonah Savaiinaea, Arizona

14) Cameron William, Texas

15) Charles Grant, William & Mary

16) Anthony Belton, NC State

17) Jalen Rivers, Miami (FL)

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Big Blue View

Russell Wilson contract details: How the money breaks down, Giants remaining cap space

Remember the days before free agency when the Giants were flush with cap space? Well, not anymore. The Giants, per Spotrac, now have $5.51 million in Top 51 cap space, with the contracts of Jameis Winston, Zach Pascal and Aaron Stinnie not yet figured into the calculation.

The Giants will need to create space. They could cut placekicker Graham Gano, a savings of $4.415 million against the cap as a post-June 1 cut. They could also restructure the contracts of players like Brian Burns, Andrew Thomas and Dexter Lawrence.

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NFL league links

Articles

Deadspin

Kirk Cousins Hits Up Cleveland Chipotle, But Sure, It’s “Totally Not NFL-Related”

It is not publicly known if the Falcons have given Cousins permission to seek a trade, but there is no denying he spent time in Cleveland. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Cousins’ viral visit to the Westlake, Ohio, Chipotle was “not NFL-related.”

Cousins’ agent, Mike McCartney of Vayner Sports, joked about how the viral visit blew up his phone.

[L]et’s be honest: Cousins likely was not vacationing in Cleveland in March.

It is no secret the Cleveland Browns need a quarterback.

Earlier this week, they spent time in Miami with Cam Ward, who is expected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. They are set to meet with Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders next week and have spent extensive time with Jaxson Dart and Jalen Milroe as well.

Trading for Cousins, who is familiar with head coach Kevin Stefanski’s offense from their time together with the Minnesota Vikings, would make sense for the Browns—especially if they are not enamored with selecting a quarterback at No. 2 overall.

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Pro Football Focus

Ranking the best available 2025 NFL free agents

Unlike PFF’s free agent rankings, which focus on impending free agents, this list includes the top available players, factoring in recent releases. As teams make roster moves, this ranking will track the best options still on the market.

1. WR Amari Cooper
2. CB Rasul Douglas
3. CB Kendall Fuller
4. CB Asante Samuel Jr.
5. CB Mike Hilton
6. T Tyron Smith
7. QB Aaron Rodgers
8. WR Keenan Allen
9. ED Von Miller
10. ED Za’Darius Smith
11. DI Calais Campbell
12. G Brandon Scherff
13. HB J.K. Dobbins
14. CB Stephon Gilmore
15. S Justin Simmons
16. T Jedrick Wills Jr.
17. ED Matthew Judon
18. ED Dennis Gardeck
19. T Kelvin Beachum
20. C David Andrews
21. WR Diontae Johnson
22. HB Nick Chubb
23. S Julian Blackmon
24. ED Preston Smith

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Discussion topics

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