As the Washington Commanders prepare to select their franchise quarterback with the No. 2 pick, enhancing their offensive line emerges as a crucial task. Securing a skilled center tops their priority list, and the availability of Tyler Biadasz, a free agent from the Dallas Cowboys, offers a potential solution.
In the 2023 season, the Commanders struggled with the second-highest sack count in the league, averaging 3.8 per game. Quarterback Sam Howell bore the brunt, experiencing the highest sack count among all quarterbacks, a staggering 65 times. The team’s attempt to address the center position last season with Nick Gates proved ineffective, leading to his benching after allowing five sacks in the initial seven games. Tyler Larsen stepped in but faces uncertainty with an expiring contract.
Matt Holder from Bleacher Report suggests a link between the Commanders and Tyler Biadasz, emphasizing the need for a reliable center to protect their upcoming No. 2 pick quarterback. Despite signing Gates last season, the Commanders cannot afford to jeopardize their franchise’s future with a center struggling in pass protection.
New head coach Dan Quinn, formerly with the Dallas Cowboys, brings a defensive background but may find familiarity with Biadasz, potentially aiding the Commanders in negotiations. While Biadasz showcased competence by allowing only three sacks (ranked 14th) in a Cowboys offensive line that averaged 2.4 sacks allowed per game (ranked 16th), the Commanders face broader offensive line concerns.
With over $80 million in cap space, the Commanders have the financial flexibility to address offensive line deficiencies. Bryan Manning of Commanders Wire emphasizes the urgency to upgrade the center position, citing Nick Gates’ inadequacy after being benched in 2023. The team’s previous investment in Gates and the potential return of injured Ricky Stromberg complicate the decision-making process. Nevertheless, securing a reliable center is deemed critical for the Commanders’ offensive line improvement, and Tyler Biadasz emerges as a potentially impactful initial move given the available resources.
