NFL free agency is off and running, and we’re keeping track of every major signing, trade and release of the 2021 offseason, with analysis from our NFL Nation reporters and grades from our experts. The new league year begins March 17 at 4 p.m. ET, which means free-agent signings can be made official after that. The first round of the 2021 NFL draft begins April 29 on ESPN.
The biggest needs are on offense for the Washington Football Team, starting at quarterback, which was addressed by adding veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick to the mix to compete with Taylor Heinicke and Kyle Allen. Washington wants to add more talent — and speed — at wide receiver to complement Terry McLaurin and needs another tight end to pair with Logan Thomas. Coach Ron Rivera also wants to bolster the offensive line — particularly a left tackle — now or in the draft. Defensively, Washington needs help in the back seven: a linebacker with speed who can cover; a cornerback and a free safety.
Here’s a breakdown of every 2021 NFL free-agent signing by Washington, and how each will impact the upcoming season:
What it means: Washington has its veteran starter this season, replacing Alex Smith with a still-productive player. With Kyle Allen and Taylor Heinicke, Washington needed a more proven quarterback. Fitzpatrick has thrown a combined 50 touchdown passes in his past three seasons with 33 interceptions. His experience will help a young receiving corps and might also help Washington entice free-agent wide receivers to sign here. Fitzpatrick hasn’t been afraid to attack down the field; he ranks ninth in the past three years combined in average yards per pass attempt. If Washington adds more speed, it will need someone who can drive the ball to create more big plays. Fitzpatrick is considered an excellent teammate as well.
What’s the risk: If Fitzpatrick plays more like FitzTragic rather than FitzMagic, then Washington will be left scrambling, once more, to find good quarterback play. Fitzpatrick isn’t a long-term answer. If Washington doesn’t add another quarterback through the draft, it will resume its quest to find more than a stopgap solution at quarterback in 2022. It has been an exhausting search for fans of the team. If Fitzpatrick becomes a turnover machine, as has happened in some previous stops, it would not only hurt the offense, it would affect the defense, which should be the strength. He’s not expensive, but there will be pressure on him to produce. This is a team that hopes it can win a few more games than last season’s 7-9.