Commanders claim former Broncos priority free agent off waivers

The Washington Commanders made a series of roster moves on Monday. Unfortunately, none of them involved signing a linebacker to provide depth behind Cole Holcomb and Jamin Davis, or even start over Davis, but we digress.

Ironically enough, their moves included releasing LB Jordan Kunasyzk, who played mostly on special teams over his two seasons in Washington.

Why did the Commanders feel compelled to release Kunasyzk? It was actually a corresponding move to make room for two undrafted free agent signings: Delaware defensive back Nijuel Hill and Southern Illinois LB Bryce Notree.

Hill and Notree starred in college and they’ll likely be given a puncher’s chance to compete for a spot on the roster or practice squad. If nothing else, they’ll provide needed depth during OTAs, which get going in a week, mandatory minicamp and training camp.

Later in the day, the Commanders claimed towering offensive lineman Drew Himmelman off waivers from the Broncos. In a corresponding move, the club released guard Zack Bailey, who was on the practice squad last year.

The Commanders claimed former Broncos priority free agent Drew Himmelman off waivers on Monday.

Another development project for John Matsko, you say? Sign us up. The veteran coach has worked wonders with Washington’s offensive line since Ron Rivera brought him over from Carolina after he was hired during the 2020 offseason.

At 6-foot-9 and 315 pounds, Himmelman steps in as the Commanders’ most imposing offensive lineman. He went undrafted out of Illinois State last year after putting together a fine collegiate career. As a senior in 2020, he earned First-Team All-America honors from the Associated Press and was invited to the East/West Shrine Bowl, though the game wasn’t played due to the pandemic.

Himmelman spent all of the 2021 season on Denver’s practice squad, but they jumped through hoops to bring him aboard, as he received the largest bonus among the team’s undrafted free agent signings last year. According to 9News in Denver, Himmelman received a $25K signing bonus and $150K in guarantees.

Himmelman actually had interest from the Chargers, but he landed with the Commanders due to waiver priority. Like most tall tackles, the second-year pro struggles with drop step placement in pass protection (anchoring), but perhaps Matsko can work his magic and help the young OL rectify this flaw.

Should that happen, Himmelman could contend for a roster spot. As of this writing, the Commanders lone backup tackles are Cornelius Lucas, who can play either position, and Saahdiq Charles, who looked markedly better at guard last campaign after he was drafted as a tackle out of LSU in the 2020 draft.