After trading for Wentz, Commanders limited in free agency
By The Associated Press - Mar. 10, 2022 03:19 PM EST
FILE - Indianapolis Colts quarterback Carson Wentz (2) throws a pass during warm-ups before of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Jan. 9, 2022, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Washington Commanders have agreed to acquire quarterback Carson Wentz from the Indianapolis Colts, according to a person with direct knowledge of the situation. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Wednesday, March 9, 2022, because the deal cannot be finalized until the start of the new league year next week. (AP Photo/Gary McCullough, File)
FILE - Indianapolis Colts quarterback Carson Wentz (2) throws a pass during warm-ups before of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Jan. 9, 2022, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Washington Commanders have agreed to acquire quarterback Carson Wentz from the Indianapolis Colts, according to a person with direct knowledge of the situation. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Wednesday, March 9, 2022, because the deal cannot be finalized until the start of the new league year next week. (AP Photo/Gary McCullough, File)

WASHINGTON COMMANDERS (7-10)

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: RG Brandon Scherff, S Landon Collins, DT Tim Settle, OT Cornelius Lucas, RB J.D. McKissic, CB Darryl Roberts, DB Bobby McCain, WR DeAndre Carter, WR Cam Sims, WR Adam Humphries, TE Ricky Seals-Jones, LB Jon Bostic, LB Jared Norris, OL Tyler Larsen, CB Danny Johnson, DB Troy Apke, K Joey Slye

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: QB Kyle Allen, LB Jordan Kunaszyk

NEEDS: The Commanders made their big move before free agency started, acquiring Carson Wentz from the Indianapolis Colts in their latest attempt to find a franchise quarterback. Wentz's $28 million salary cap hit will almost certainly mark the end of Scherff's tenure that included being an All-Pro selection in 2020, and open a void on the offensive line. Making sure Wentz has enough protection and passing options is one key, but so is a veteran presence on defense. Coach Ron Rivera lamented Bostic's injury early last season that changed defensive dynamics, and cutting ties with Collins has a similar effect. Rivera and general manager Martin Mayhew will have to go bargain hunting for solutions in the hope this young defense anchored by Chase Young can live up to lofty expectations.

AVAILABLE SALARY CAP SPACE (approximately): $8.7 million

___

More AP NFL coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL