{"id":771611,"date":"2026-02-23T18:40:28","date_gmt":"2026-02-23T18:40:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/771611\/"},"modified":"2026-02-23T18:40:28","modified_gmt":"2026-02-23T18:40:28","slug":"commanders-safety-tyler-owens-may-be-set-to-break-out-in-26-under-new-dc-daronte-jones","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/771611\/","title":{"rendered":"Commanders safety Tyler Owens may be set to break out in \u201826 under new DC Daronte Jones"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Bullock\u2019s Film Room (subscription)<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/markbullock.substack.com\/p\/commanders-free-agent-fits-linebacker\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Commanders Free Agent Fits: Linebacker<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">The linebacker position is an interesting spot for the Commanders to consider this offseason. On one hand, they have a young, athletic and talented linebacker in Jordan Magee and a productive veteran in Frankie Luvu pencilled in as starters, with young guys like Kain Medrano and Ale Kaho as back up options behind them. On the other hand, Magee is very inexperienced in terms of calling a defense from the Mike linebacker position because Bobby Wagner took all the reps last year, and Frankie Luvu is coming off a down season.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">With Wagner a free agent and potentially considering retirement, the Commanders could well look to find a new Mike (middle) linebacker this year. They also have the question of what roles do they want from their linebackers under new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones, who could be switching from a base 4-3 front to a 3-4. With all of that in mind, the Commanders could look to dip into the free agent market, which is full of interesting linebacker options this year. Here are a few players they could be considering.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">High Profile: Devin Lloyd, Jaguars, 27<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">The top free agent linebacker on the market is Jacksonville\u2019s Devin Lloyd. Lloyd was a first round pick of the Jaguars in 2022 and had a hot start to his career before falling off a bit. The Jaguars opted against picking up his fifth-year option, but in 2025, he bounced back and was one of the top linebackers in the NFL this season. The 6-foot-3, 235 pound linebacker is a terrific athlete freak and looks like the profile of the modern NFL linebacker &#8211; big enough to hold up in the run game but agile enough to be good in coverage too.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Good Value: Leo Chenal, Chiefs, 25<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Chenal is one of the more intriguing free agents of this entire class. He\u2019s 6-foot-3, 250 pounds but posted absurd athletic testing numbers prior to being drafted. <a href=\"https:\/\/ras.football\/ras-information\/?PlayerID=21440\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">His relative athletic score<\/a>, which takes note of all combine testing and ranks it compared to all other players at his position, was a 9.99 out of 10. He ranked as the third best athlete at the linebacker position out of the 2406 linebackers tested from 1987 to 2022. He went in the third round to the Chiefs in 2022 and has flashed his potential but never really settled into a role there. He\u2019s a ball of clay full of potential waiting to be tapped into.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">When you watch Chenal, you immediately notice how the Chiefs put him in a lot of different positions. They probably were a bit over the top with it and he could probably use with a more defined role going forward, but some of the plays he makes in those different spots show the raw athletic ability he has, and why the Chiefs were willing to put him in those spots in the first place.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/roundtable.io\/sports\/nfl\/commanders\/players\/commanders-may-have-a-hidden-weapon-at-safety-in-tyler-owens\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Commanders May Have a Hidden Weapon at Safety in Tyler Owens<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">[T]he numbers he put up leading into the draft read like something you\u2019d see pinned to the wall of an NFL scouting department, circled in red ink. A 4.30 forty. A 41-inch vertical tops among all safeties. A broad jump of 12 feet, 2 inches, which ranks second in the entire history of the NFL Scouting Combine. He was the fastest player clocked at the 2024 Shrine Bowl, topping out at 21.55mph. At 6\u20192\u201d and 215 pounds, he has the frame to match that elite athleticism.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">The honest caveat is that Owens is raw. He\u2019s a developmental player in the truest sense of the phrase. The film doesn\u2019t yet match the stopwatch, and that gap is something Washington\u2019s coaching staff will need to close with deliberate, individualized attention. This isn\u2019t a plug-and-play situation. Owens needs reps, refinement in his reads and angles, and a coaching staff willing to invest the kind of personalized one-on-one development that separates players who test well from players who actually play well on Sundays.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">That\u2019s where new defensive coordinator <a href=\"https:\/\/roundtable.io\/sports\/nfl\/community\/commanders-fill-second-coordinator-vacancy\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Dorante Jones<\/a> enters the picture. A modern defensive system that deploys a rangy, sideline-to-sideline safety \u2014 dropping him into coverage, walking him up as a disguised blitzer, using his speed to take away the middle of the field \u2014 is precisely the environment where a player like Owens can grow into something dangerous. The scheme can create structure around his athleticism while the technical refinement catches up.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/roundtable.io\/sports\/nfl\/commanders\/opinion\/2026-nfl-combine-5-first-round-freaks-for-commanders-fans-to-watch-in-indy\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">2026 NFL Combine: 5 First-Round \u201cFreaks\u201d for Commanders Fans to Watch in Indy<\/a><\/p>\n<p>4. Kenyon Sadiq (TE, Oregon) <\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Height\/Weight: 6-3, 255 lbs<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">2025 Stats: 14 GP, 51 REC, 560 YDS, 8 TD.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Profile: Sadiq is a matchup nightmare used as a \u201cmove\u201d tight end in Oregon\u2019s pass-happy scheme. Deployed as a jumbo slot receiver, he thrives in YAC. With the ball in his hands, he oddly reminds me of Kenneth Walker in the way he runs with the ball, seeks contact, and falls forward. In addition to his run-after-catch skills, he can contort his body in the air to make extremely difficult catches.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Why He\u2019s a Freak: Ranked No. 11 on the Freaks List, Sadiq boasts a 41.5-inch vertical and a 435-lb bench press. He arrived at Oregon at 220 lbs and is now a shredded 255. He was much leaner this season due to a stricter diet, dropping from 13% body fat to about 10%. This Saturday, pay close attention to his gauntlet drill and vertical jump. Since he lacks the towering height of a traditional tight end, scouts need to see that his \u2018bounce\u2019 and catching radius allow him to play much bigger than his 6-foot-3 frame.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Draft Projection: Late First \/ Early Second Round<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/7060907\/2026\/02\/23\/commanders-nfl-scouting-combine-preview\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Commanders combine preview: Scouting, deal-making top Adam Peters\u2019 to-do list<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">The Commanders\u2026have two of the most important positions filled, with quarterback Jayden Daniels and a mostly set offensive line that played well last season. However, they\u2019ve had a glaring need for an elite pass rusher for years now, and they can\u2019t wait any longer. They know that.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">It\u2019s why they retooled their coaching staff to bring in [Daronte] Jones, who learned behind longtime defensive coordinators Vance Joseph, Mike Zimmer and Brian Flores, and added Eric Henderson to oversee the defensive line and the Commanders\u2019 defensive run game.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Lucky for Washington, the class of 2026 is stacked with quality edge rushers.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Lay the groundwork for free agency<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">The combine is one of the few league events attended by everyone \u2014 executives, coaches, scouts and agents \u2014 splitting the focus between the incoming rookie class and veterans looking for new deals.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Peters has plenty to do with his own free agents, assuming there are at least a few he would like to re-sign. Marcus Mariota should be one of them.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Make progress on a new deal for Laremy Tunsil<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Tunsil will get paid, and handsomely. The Commanders knew this when they gave up multiple draft picks to acquire the left tackle from the Houston Texans last year, and it was only reinforced when he had one of his finest seasons.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">After last year\u2019s dragged-out negotiations with receiver Terry McLaurin, Peters has said he wants to get a deal done with Tunsil quickly. The 31-year-old has a year remaining on his current contract, which includes a $16.95 million salary and a $24.95 million cap hit. The contracts website Spotrac believes Tunsil\u2019s market value is $29.2 million per year in average salary, which would make him the highest-paid tackle in the NFL (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/6440626\/2025\/07\/27\/chargers-rashawn-slater-nfl-contract-extension\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Rashawn Slater<\/a> is currently No. 1, with a $28.5 million average per year.)<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/riggosrag.com\/nfl-ranking-delivers-disrespect-washington-commanders-greats\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Commanders were well-represented on The Bleacher Report\u2019s all-time quarterback ranking (with one big blunder)<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Jurgensen is No. 38. He had <a href=\"https:\/\/riggosrag.com\/sonny-jurgensen-quarterback-who-resurrected-washington-football\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">almost no postseason success<\/a>, but he did lead the league in passing five times and has three first- or second-team All-Pro selections to his name. I would certainly place him ahead of Joe Namath, who comes in at no. 33, and perhaps a few others, but I can\u2019t get too worked up.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Baugh coming in at No. 26 for the man who invented downfield passing seems extremely low. He played 16 seasons, led his team to the postseason five times, and won two championships.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">The franchise legend also led the league in passing four times, was selected to the first-team All-Pro four times, and to the second-team All-Pro four other times. Guess how many quarterbacks in the history of the league have more first or second-team All-Pro honors than Baugh.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">The answer is four. Peyton Manning, Otto Graham, Johnny Unitas, and Sid Luckman.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">A couple of the quarterbacks rated ahead of him actually won the Sammy Baugh Trophy for college quarterback play.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Baugh comes in two spots behind Eli Manning. He was never an All-Pro, either first- or second-team, and had just one lonely season in his 16-year career when he placed in the top 10 in overall quarterback rating.<\/p>\n<p>Logan Paulsen Talks Draft and Fits With Bram<\/p>\n<p>ISLAND PILLAR: Commanders Draft Mansoor Delane To PERFECTLY REPLACE Star Marshon Lattimore<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bleedinggreennation.com\/news\/170839\/nfl-teams-arent-concerned-about-safety-tush-push-rule-change-update\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">NFL teams aren\u2019t concerned about the safety of the tush push anymore<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Despite so much noise the past few seasons, the NFL doesn\u2019t expect a new proposal to ban the tush push in 2026<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Once an inevitably, the tush push became less effective and less frequently used by the Eagles in 2025, and as a result, all the people on the NFL\u2019s competition committee who argued the play should be banned because of the danger, no longer have a problem with it.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">NFL competition committee co-chairman <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/MySportsUpdate\/status\/2025712959150842282?s=20\" rel=\"nofollow\">Rich McKay announced<\/a> on Sunday ahead of the NFL Combine, that they don\u2019t anticipate any team bringing up another proposal to ban the tush push this offseason.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">\u201cThere\u2019s no team proposal that I\u2019ve seen from it,\u201d McKay said, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/48010331\/rich-mckay-expect-tush-push-ban-proposal-year\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">according to ESPN<\/a>. \u201cSo, I wouldn\u2019t envision it. But you never know.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">The move to ban the play didn\u2019t receive enough support last offseason to alter the rule book, but the expectation was that it was something that would be revisited in the future. Now that the Eagles aren\u2019t executing it at a rate of over 90 percent, there isn\u2019t much of a need to revisit banning it, apparently.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bleedinggreennation.com\/philadelphia-eagles-analysis\/170814\/a-deep-dive-into-the-nfl-salary-cap-and-howie-rosemans-eagles-philosophy\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">A Deep Dive Into the NFL Salary Cap and Howie Roseman\u2019s Eagles Philosophy<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Every NFL player must receive a base salary that meets the league minimum, which varies by years of experience and currently ranges from $885,000 to $1.3 million. This seems straightforward until you realize that the Eagles structure virtually every contract so that players\u2019 base salaries are exactly at the league minimum. Not a dollar more.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">That includes Jalen Hurts. That includes A.J. Brown. It includes everyone from the superstar on a mega-deal down to a reserve tight end. In terms of the weekly game checks players receive over the course of a season, nearly every Eagle is paid the league minimum. Everything else takes a very different form.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Say a player has an $11 million base salary. You leave the league minimum in place (call it $1 million, and convert the remaining $10 million into a bonus). That $10 million gets spread over five years at $2 million per year. The player\u2019s cap hit for the current year drops from $11 million to $3 million ($1 million base salary plus $2 million of the prorated bonus). You have created $8 million in space.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">So why does Howie restructure less than he used to? Because he no longer needs to. In his earlier years as GM, he gave players base salaries, then converted them to bonuses when he needed space. Now, he simply never gives players meaningful base salaries to begin with. Everyone is already at league minimum. There is nothing to restructure. The foundation of every contract is already structured for maximum cap flexibility.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Howie Roseman\u2019s entire approach rests on a simple insight. A dollar of cap space today is worth more than a dollar of cap space in the future, because the cap keeps growing. If you push a $10 million cap hit three years into the future, it will represent a smaller percentage of the cap in that future year than it would today. It\u2019s inflation!<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Combined with the rollover rule, this creates a powerful incentive to never pay the bills early. If you create $20 million of extra cap space this year by pushing costs into the future, and you don\u2019t spend it, it rolls over. You have not wasted it. But if you ever need it, you have the flexibility to act.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">The cash spending numbers illustrate how extreme this has gotten. In 2019, the Eagles paid out $370 million in actual cash to players despite operating under a $188 million salary cap. They nearly doubled the cap in real-money terms by paying future obligations in the present. In 2022, they did it again: $371 million in cash against a $208 million cap. Projected for 2026, the Eagles are expected to lead the league in cash spending at $302 million, even as their on-paper cap situation looks tight.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">This is not cheating. It is entirely legal. But it does allow the Eagles to field a roster that, by any cash measure, is more expensive than the salary cap alone would suggest. They are buying a better team. The delayed bill is the price of that advantage.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Lurie\u2019s willingness to let Roseman operate this aggressively is not just strategic. It is a reflection of a trust that has been earned over decades. If Howie Roseman were the Cincinnati Bengals\u2019 general manager, most people would never have heard of him. The strategy requires an owner who understands it, believes in it, and has the liquidity to fund it.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Cap websites show the Eagles with manageable space heading into 2026. But those numbers exclude things that absolutely will exist: projected draft-pick salaries, practice-squad spending, and dead-cap acceleration from players whose void years are approaching. With that included, the Eagles are approximately $6 million over the cap before making a single move.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">That is not a crisis, but it is a hole that needs to be filled before anything else can happen.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">[T]he idea that Howie can \u201cjust move money around\u201d whenever he wants is something of a myth. Because he has structured virtually every contract to already be at the league minimum for base salary, there is almost nothing left to restructure.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Jordan Davis, Moro Ojomo, Tyler Steen, and Nolan Smith are the only ones with meaningful base salaries to convert. Everyone else is already [fully leveraged and without any flexibility].<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">In [our hypothetical example], Howie signs nearly everyone. Jaelan Phillips gets a three-year, $60 million extension. Goedert comes back on a one-year, $14 million deal. Reed Blankenship gets three years at $30 million. Fred Johnson, Adoree\u2019 Jackson, Braden Mann, Marcus Epps, Josh Uche, Brett Toth, Sam Howell, and Ben VanSumeren all return. Jordan Davis gets a three-year, $54 million extension. Several low-cost free agents are added from around the league at low-cost deals. The Eagles even trade for Raiders tight end Michael Mayer and sign eight undrafted free agents.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">After all that, the Eagles still have $12.8 million remaining in 2026. However, keep in mind this is without the Eagles adding a high-profile free-agent signing outside the current roster.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">That is the Howie Roseman [problem] in its clearest form.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">What Jimbo\u2019s analysis actually shows is that the Eagles are operating\u2026within real constraints. [Basically, Roseman is stuck with the roster he has built, with no ability to re-structure or terminate players, and with insufficient cap space to both extend current players and pursue high-dollar players from other teams in free agency].<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bloggingtheboys.com\/post\/k7as0h31VfW_\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Does Jerry negotiate bigger contracts on purpose?<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Hear me out. We have all seen this FO sign good players to great deals&#8230;their PFF scores dont keep up with their paychecks.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">But they do tend to look like better players than they are after the deal they sign, and the Jerry juiced presser to follow, and ALL the news and buzz this creates in the media. Being re-signed by the Cowboys is a testament to your greatness.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">I believe Jerry would prefer to think of his chosen players as \u201cgreat\u201d and deserving of great contracts. \u201cWe like our guys.\u201d Stephen on the other hand, thinks about pie. Stephen thinks the pie should be 53 much smaller pieces because you cant just field a team with the money five positions.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Jerry likes to think of the pie as a few big pieces that are publicly visible and generate attention and talk. Especially on offense. He thinks those guys, and especially Dak, make the team money by lighting up the scoreboard. They are a simple representation of greatness that the team\u2019s actual accomplishments dont show.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">So Jerry, after he writes the check, basks in the idea that he\u2019s got great players as shown by their contracts. It\u2019s a savvy media play.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/47981357\/nfl-dallas-cowboys-mcclay-jerry-jones-free-agency-draft\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Q&amp;A with Cowboys\u2019 Will McClay on draft and free agency plans<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">\u201cThere\u2019s a lot of planning and it\u2019s not just about the combine,\u201d vice president of player personnel Will McClay said. \u201cIt\u2019s a ton of work.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">ESPN spoke to McClay about the draft, coaching changes and free agency:<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">How does this draft match up with the needs of the roster?<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">McClay: If the thought is you\u2019ve got to improve on defense, there are some defensive players that that can come in and contribute, and there\u2019s some explosive offensive players that are ball carriers, receivers and probably eight to 10 offensive linemen that can start in some capacity. You go through all the positions, but I think it\u2019s more probably a middle-heavy draft.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">That\u2019s been a theme lately &#8212; middle heavy &#8212; why is that?<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">McClay: You\u2019ve got players going back to school and you\u2019re used to getting juniors that come out. Now those juniors tend to go back to school, and you don\u2019t have the numbers as high as you\u2019ve had in the past. That\u2019s all part of it. Then you\u2019ve got the transfers, too. There\u2019s a lot of research that has to go into a new environment.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Does production matter more than measurables?<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">McClay: That\u2019s why you go to the combine. You measure everything, height, weight. You see them run and do all that stuff and get the measurables, but how do they play the game of football? That\u2019s what you\u2019re looking for. It\u2019s a combination of the two, but you don\u2019t want to be too small of a team, you don\u2019t want to also be too big of a team where you\u2019ve got to find guys that fit specific roles.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bloggingtheboys.com\/dallas-cowboys-free-agency\/197436\/2026-profile-defensive-end-sam-williams-contract-prediction\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Cowboys 2026 free agent profile: DE Sam Williams<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">The former second-round pick is set to hit the open market<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">2025 was a big year for 26-year-old Sam Williams. After showing some promise during his first two seasons in Dallas, Williams tore his ACL during 2024 training camp, forcing him to miss the entirety of the season.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Back healthy, expectations were high for the former second-round pick, and the Cowboys were hoping Williams could be a key contributor in their pass rush group. Unfortunately, Williams put together an extremely disappointing 2025 campaign, totaling career lows in quarterback hits and sacks.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Despite playing the most pass-rush snaps (270) of his career, Williams totaled just 24 pressures, the same amount he recorded in 77 fewer snaps back in 2023.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Consistency has always been an issue for the former Ole Miss Rebel, and that remained true in 2025. After starting the year off hot, recording 15 total pressures in Dallas\u2019 first six games, the 26-year-old recorded just 9 in the final 11 games of the regular season.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">By season\u2019s end, Williams poor performance resulted in a decreased role in Dallas\u2019 defense. In four of Dallas\u2019 final six games, Williams recorded 23 or fewer defensive snaps, including recording fewer than 10 pass rush snaps three times.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Williams will hit the open market at just 27 years old (he turns 27 on March 31st), which means teams could still be optimistic about his long-term future. While he never lived up to the hype he had as a second-round pick, Williams is still a talented athlete who showed some serious promise during his first two years in the league.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.spotrac.com\/nfl\/player\/market-value\/_\/id\/76932\/sam-williams\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Spotrac<\/a> projects the pass-rusher to earn a one-year, $2.3M deal, which seems like fair value considering how many question marks surround him. It would be shocking if a team were willing to offer Williams a multi-year deal, so the 27-year-old will most likely have to bet on himself and attempt to rebuild his value next season.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Prediction: Sam Williams signs a one-year $2.5M deal with the Washington Commanders.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bigblueview.com\/new-york-giants-draft\/155097\/ny-giants-2026-nfl-draft-scouting-report-elijah-sarratt-wr-indiana\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">NY Giants 2026 NFL Draft scouting report: Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Elijah Sarratt projects as a starting outside receiver at the NFL level, likely as a reliable possession receiver with vertical upside.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Because Sarratt is more of a \u201cbuild-up\u201d than \u201csudden\u201d athlete, he would likely fit best as a \u201cZ\u201d or \u201cFlanker\u201d across from the X receiver. He can release against tight coverage, however lining up off the line of scrimmage would allow him an extra stride or two to get up to speed and more free releases. Sarratt likely won\u2019t be a terribly exciting option through the draft process, however his route running and reliability at the catch point could allow him to be productive early in his career. Barring developments we aren\u2019t privy to on the outside, he should hear his name called by the end of the second day of the draft.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">The NFLPA told members (agents) that they expect the salary cap to be $303.5 million this league year, though it could reach as high as $305 million. Several teams, including the New York Jets, New Orleans Saints, Seattle Seahawks, Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Rams and Chargers, as well as the Tennessee Titans, must spend an additional $50 million on player contracts this year to meet their three-year requirement [of cash spending being at least 90% of salary cap], according to the CBA.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">This means many of the free agents signed by these teams or contract extensions handed out to players already on the roster will be frontloaded with a lot of cash for the 2026 season.<\/p>\n<p>The latest on Trey Hendrickson<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">While there have been several predictions where Hendrickson could sign in free agency, people with knowledge of the situation tell me that it\u2019s not out of the question that Cincinnati will attempt to tag and trade the nine-year veteran. Hendrickson will have to agree to a new contract with any team that attempts to trade for him if the Bengals move ahead on this strategy.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Other than the tag and trade, the conversation from the Bengals on Hendrickson\u2019s future in 2026 has been very quiet.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/overthecap.com\/nfl-free-agent-spending-2020-2025\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">NFL Free Agent Spending 2020-2025<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">The data set that I looked at were players signed in the months of March and April between the years of 2020 and 2025. In order to qualify a player had to sign a contract for at least $2 million as I felt that would better eliminate the players who are signing veteran minimum contracts and not really being counted on to fill roster positions. The player had to be a new addition to the team from the prior season. I looked at both UFAs and SFAs that fit this category. Here are the numbers:<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"_1eezmj01\" href=\"https:\/\/platform.hogshaven.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/92\/2026\/02\/temp-OTC-free-agent-spending.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;crop=0,0,100,100\" data-pswp-height=\"783\" data-pswp-width=\"774\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer nofollow noopener\"><img alt=\"\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"w91vxg0\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-image:url(&quot;data:image\/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg' %3E%3Cfilter id='b' color-interpolation-filters='sRGB'%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'\/%3E%3CfeColorMatrix values='1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 100 -1' result='s'\/%3E%3CfeFlood x='0' y='0' width='100%25' height='100%25'\/%3E%3CfeComposite operator='out' in='s'\/%3E%3CfeComposite in2='SourceGraphic'\/%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'\/%3E%3C\/filter%3E%3Cimage width='100%25' height='100%25' x='0' y='0' preserveAspectRatio='none' style='filter: url(%23b);' href='data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mN8+R8AAtcB6oaHtZcAAAAASUVORK5CYII='\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E&quot;)\"   src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/temp-OTC-free-agent-spending.jpg\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Not surprisingly the Texans ranked number 1 with 59 players signed. Houston has had a tendency to sign a number of 1 year deals in free agency and then have to continuously replace those players the next year. They led the NFL with 33 one year contracts with the next closest team at just 21. This has been a consistent trend for them each year and hasn\u2019t changed even as the team has gotten better since the selection of CJ Stroud. This has not really been a long term viable strategy followed by most winning teams so it will be interesting to see if they try to break this or not.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">In 5th place we had a tie between the Patriots and Jets. New England has been a bit all over with the spending as most of their spending came in 2021 and 2025 while the rest of the years didn\u2019t see that kind of heavy spending. The Jets have been one of the worst teams in the NFL for a long time with no real long term answers coming via the draft. The Jets have ranked to 10 in signings in four of the six seasons. Expect them to add another year in 2026 to the mix.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Most of the teams at the bottom of the list are the perennial playoff teams who are being a bit more targeted with their free agent signings.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">For a teams like Green Bay and Baltimore who haven\u2019t had the great playoff success maybe it should at least be more of a discussion point.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">That then brings me to the Dallas Cowboys. Their use of free agency is pretty absurd. They haven\u2019t had any type of playoff success and have been very inconsistent from season to season. They rank 25th in the NFL with 16 signings but have under less than $55 million in contracts. That is about $20 million less than the next closes team. They spend just $3.4 million per player which is absurd. That is less than the Texans who basically filled an entire years roster with free agent signings.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/47989627\/2026-nfl-free-agency-best-players-available-offense-contract-tiers-market-barnwell\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">2026 NFL free agency: Best players available on offense<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Free agents: Romeo Doubs, Packers; Mike Evans, Buccaneers<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Potential cap casualties: Brandon Aiyuk, 49ers; Michael Pittman Jr., Colts<\/p>\n<p>Tier 4: Borderline starters\/high-end backups<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Free agents: Keenan Allen, Chargers; Tyreek Hill, Dolphins; Christian Kirk, Texans; Rashid Shaheed, Seahawks<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Potential cap casualties: Darnell Mooney, Falcons; Calvin Ridley, Titans<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Exclusive rights free agents: Jalen Coker, Panthers<\/p>\n<p>Tier 5: Backups likely to net guaranteed money<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Free agents: Tutu Atwell, Rams; Calvin Austin III, Steelers; Hollywood Brown, Chiefs; Jahan Dotson, Eagles; Lil\u2019Jordan Humphrey, Broncos; Jalen Nailor, Vikings; Tyquan Thornton, Chiefs; Jalen Tolbert, Cowboys; Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Dolphins; Olamide Zaccheaus, Bears<\/p>\n<p>Tier 6: Backups likely to earn roster spot<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Noah Brown, Commanders; Treylon Burks, Commanders<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Free agents: Dallas Goedert, Eagles; Travis Kelce, Chiefs; Cade Otton, Buccaneers<\/p>\n<p>Tier 4: Borderline starters\/high-end backups<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Free agents: Isaiah Likely, Ravens; David Njoku, Browns; Chig Okonkwo, Titans<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Potential cap casualties: Dawson Knox, Bills; T.J. Hockenson, Vikings; Cole Kmet, Bears; Jonnu Smith, Steelers<\/p>\n<p>Tier 5: Backups likely to net guaranteed money<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Free agents: Daniel Bellinger, Giants; Grant Calcaterra, Eagles; Greg Dulcich, Dolphins; Noah Fant, Bengals; Connor Heyward, Steelers; Tyler Higbee, Rams; Taysom Hill, Saints; Austin Hooper, Patriots; Charlie Kolar, Ravens; Foster Moreau, Saints; Adam Trautman, Broncos; Darren Waller, Dolphins<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/7056606\/2026\/02\/23\/nfl-free-agency-rankings-2026-positions\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">NFL free-agency rankings 2026: Top 10 players at each position<\/a><a class=\"_1eezmj01\" href=\"https:\/\/platform.hogshaven.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/92\/2026\/02\/temp-rb-athletic.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;crop=0,0,100,100\" data-pswp-height=\"419\" data-pswp-width=\"656\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer nofollow noopener\"><img alt=\"\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"w91vxg0\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-image:url(&quot;data:image\/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg' %3E%3Cfilter id='b' color-interpolation-filters='sRGB'%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'\/%3E%3CfeColorMatrix values='1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 100 -1' result='s'\/%3E%3CfeFlood x='0' y='0' width='100%25' height='100%25'\/%3E%3CfeComposite operator='out' in='s'\/%3E%3CfeComposite in2='SourceGraphic'\/%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'\/%3E%3C\/filter%3E%3Cimage width='100%25' height='100%25' x='0' y='0' preserveAspectRatio='none' style='filter: url(%23b);' href='data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mN8+R8AAtcB6oaHtZcAAAAASUVORK5CYII='\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E&quot;)\"   src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/temp-rb-athletic.jpg\"\/><\/a><a class=\"_1eezmj01\" href=\"https:\/\/platform.hogshaven.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/92\/2026\/02\/temp-wr-athletic.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;crop=0,0,100,100\" data-pswp-height=\"418\" data-pswp-width=\"604\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer nofollow noopener\"><img alt=\"\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"w91vxg0\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-image:url(&quot;data:image\/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg' %3E%3Cfilter id='b' color-interpolation-filters='sRGB'%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'\/%3E%3CfeColorMatrix values='1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 100 -1' result='s'\/%3E%3CfeFlood x='0' y='0' width='100%25' height='100%25'\/%3E%3CfeComposite operator='out' in='s'\/%3E%3CfeComposite in2='SourceGraphic'\/%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'\/%3E%3C\/filter%3E%3Cimage width='100%25' height='100%25' x='0' y='0' preserveAspectRatio='none' style='filter: url(%23b);' href='data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mN8+R8AAtcB6oaHtZcAAAAASUVORK5CYII='\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E&quot;)\"   src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/temp-wr-athletic.jpg\"\/><\/a><a class=\"_1eezmj01\" href=\"https:\/\/platform.hogshaven.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/92\/2026\/02\/temp-edge-athletic.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;crop=0,0,100,100\" data-pswp-height=\"431\" data-pswp-width=\"612\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer nofollow noopener\"><img alt=\"\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" 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the&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":771612,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2069],"tags":[427,4180,7,6,52437,855,111,10421,2480],"class_list":{"0":"post-771611","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-washington-commanders","8":"tag-commanders","9":"tag-daily-slop","10":"tag-football","11":"tag-nfl","12":"tag-open-threads","13":"tag-washington","14":"tag-washington-commanders","15":"tag-washington-commanders-news","16":"tag-washingtoncommanders"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/channels.im\/@nfl\/116121413640194379","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/771611","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=771611"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/771611\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/771612"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=771611"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=771611"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=771611"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}