Washington has made it known it is going to sign its first post-draft NFL free agent, guard Trai Turner.
Turner played for …. well of course, the Carolina Panthers and turns age 29 in June. The former third-round pick of the Panthers in the 2014 NFL draft (92 overall), played six seasons in Carolina under current Washington head coach Ron Rivera.
Turner played the last two seasons for the Los Angeles Chargers (2020) and the Pittsburgh Steelers (2021).
It is believed Turner and the Commanders agreed to a one-year deal for $3 million. Turner has been a stud in the league, having been a Pro-Bowler in the 2015-2019 seasons.
Former Panthers guard Andrew Norwell signed with Washington earlier in March, as Washington sought to replace left guard Erick Flowers whom they released in March.
Turner is being brought to bring quality to the right guard spot along with Wes Schweitzer after Brandon Scherff declared multiple times he wanted to conclude his career in Washington, yet signed the very first day of free agency with Jacksonville.
Washington is signing former Steelers’ free-agent guard Trai Turner to a one-year, $3 million deal, per source. Turner previously played for Ron Rivera in Carolina.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 2, 2022
Rivera last had a winning season in Carolina in 2017 (11-5). Understandably, there will be questions about how often former Carolina players can continue to be called upon and actually contribute, improving Washington.
There have even been comments alluding to the Washington “Commanthers.” Yet, also understandably, this is only a one-year deal, so Rivera and the Commanders are not making a long-term commitment, nor is Turner to them.
