An eight-time Pro Bowler joins a useful slot receiver as the free agents the Washington Commanders should keep on their radar in Week 3.
The first win of the Dan Quinn era over the New York Giants can't mask some ongoing issues for the Washington Commanders. Problems that can still be solved by dipping back into the free-agent market.
Specifically, the Commanders need an infusion of talent at cornerback and wide receiver. The latter can be taken care of by a former favorite of Tom Brady, a useful slot option who would give rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels a reliable target over the middle.
Russell Gage would add versatility to Commanders' receiver corps
It's surprising Russell Gage still finds himself without a team. The 28-year-old has a skill set no less an authority than seven-time Super Bowl winner Brady thought a must-add for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2022.
Those skills include being able to exploit defenses from the slot. Gage played 163 snaps in the slot during his first season with the Buccaneers, per Player Profiler.
A wideout who can get open between the hash marks would ween Daniels off of his reliance on tight end Zach Ertz and running back Austin Ekeler. Gage would also give Kliff Kingsbury's offense somebody who can make spectacular catches on the perimeter.
Like when he hauled in this improbable-looking touchdown grab against the San Francisco 49ers during a career year with the Atlanta Falcons in 2021.
Knee injuries have kept Gage off the field for the best part of two years, but he looked game-ready during a brief stint on the practice squad for the Baltimore Ravens this offseason. The pass-catcher qualifies as a worthy addition to a Washington receiver group still searching for an identity, despite Noah Brown's emergence against the Giants.
It's a different story at cornerback, where the depth chart simply needs greater pedigree.
Patrick Peterson makes sense for corner-needy Commanders
Few cornerbacks boast a better pedigree than eight-time Pro Bowler Patrick Peterson. The 34-year-old was still playing quality football with the Pittsburgh Steelers last season, so the Commanders should at least see what he has left.
His veteran savvy can mask any physical decline, like when Peterson successfully transitioned to the slot in 2023. A great example of his success lining up inside occurred when he kept pace with Christian Watson against the Green Bay Packers, despite giving up nine years in age to the big-bodied wideout.
Peterson could ease the burden on rookie Mike Sainristil in the Commanders' secondary. He'd probably also prove a more viable starter on the outside than either Michael Davis or Emmanuel Forbes Jr.
Struggling youngsters like Forbes and Sainristil, along with unheralded veterans like Davis and Benjamin St-Juste, are why the Commanders are being victimized through the air. Washington's pass defense has surrendered 11.7 yards per completion and a 127.6 quarterback rating through two games, according to Pro Football Reference.
Those numbers aren't likely to improve with Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, and possibly Tee Higgins of the Cincinnati Bengals on deck in Week 3. Now's the time to bring in a proven commodity like three-time All-Pro Peterson for a chat and a workout.
