In a move that has been widely anticipated, the Washington Commanders have placed guard Andrew Norwell on the reserve/physically unable to perform list with the intention of eventually releasing him. Multiple sources have indicated over the past two months that Washington plans to part ways with Norwell once he is able to pass a physical, as he has been dealing with a lingering right elbow injury throughout the offseason.
Norwell, who suffered a hip injury in Week 17 and subsequently missed the regular-season finale, has since made a full recovery from that particular setback. However, it seems that his inconsistent play and the team's desire for more youth along the offensive line have ultimately led to this decision by the Commanders.
The Commanders signed Norwell to a two-year contract last offseason with the intention of making him their starting left guard. Unfortunately, his performance did not live up to expectations, and coaches deemed it inconsistent. Consequently, Washington has opted to move in a different direction and seek a replacement for
Norwell's position on the team.
It is worth noting that Norwell's career has not always been marred by underwhelming play. In fact, he achieved significant success during his tenure with the Carolina Panthers, making first-team All-Pro in 2017 when Ron Rivera, the current head coach of the Commanders, was still leading the Panthers. That remarkable season propelled Norwell to sign a lucrative five-year, $66.5 million contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars, making him, at the time, the highest-paid guard in NFL history.
However, since joining the Jaguars, Norwell has failed to replicate the same level of dominance he displayed in Carolina. His performance has been deemed subpar, and injuries have further hindered his ability to contribute consistently on the field. As a result, the Commanders' decision to release Norwell comes as no surprise to many observers.
With this move, the Commanders free up cap space and create an opportunity to infuse younger talent into their offensive line. The decision also underscores their commitment to building a competitive roster that can contend for championships. While Norwell's departure may be disappointing for some fans who had hoped for a resurgence, it also opens the door for fresh faces and new possibilities.
As Washington moves forward, the front office and coaching staff will undoubtedly evaluate their options to identify a suitable replacement for Norwell. The team will likely explore both free agency and the upcoming draft to bolster their offensive line and address any other pressing needs. The Commanders are determined to build a cohesive and formidable unit that can protect their quarterback and create running lanes for their backfield.
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