Two days after finalizing their 2022 draft class, the Washington Commanders continued to add to their roster Monday. They are expected to sign guard Trai Turner to a one-year, $3 million contract, according to people with knowledge of the matter.
Earlier in free agency, the Commanders signed Andrew Norwell, another former Carolina Panther, to take over at left guard, following the release of Ereck Flowers.
In 2020, the Panthers traded Turner to the Los Angeles Chargers for tackle Russell Okung. In his lone season in L.A., Turner was limited to nine games because of a groin injury before being released. He signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers last June and started all 17 games at right guard.
At the league meetings in March, Rivera said right guard will be a “very competitive position” in training camp, with Wes Schweitzer and Saahdiq Charles among those expected to vie for the job. The Commanders drafted Chris Paul, a 6-foot-4, 324-pound guard out of Tulsa, in the seventh round Saturday. He has experience at both guard and tackle positions but is likely to be more of a developmental player and backup.
Following the draft, Rivera indicated the Commanders will continue to add pieces.
“Last year, we were able to fill in a couple of spots that we really thought we felt good about,” Rivera said. “We found our left tackle (Charles Leno Jr.), we found our returner (DeAndre Carter) after the draft.”
More rookies join the fold
The Commanders announced that they had signed 13 undrafted free agents. The team will hold its rookie minicamp from May 5 to 7.
Here are the 13 additions:
CB De’Vante Cross, Virginia
CB Josh Drayden, California
WR Jequez Ezzard, Sam Houston State
LB Ferrod Gardner, Louisiana Lafayette
TE Curtis Hodges, Arizona State
QB Cole Kelley, Southeastern Louisiana
WR Kyric McGowan, Georgia Tech
DE Jacub Panasiuk, Michigan State
G Tyrese Robinson, Oklahoma
TE Armani Rogers, Ohio
CB Devin Taylor, Bowling Green
LB Tre Walker, Idaho
LB Drew White, Notre Dame