The Washington Commanders have finally made a notable move.
The Commanders still haven’t signed an outside free agent, but they are bringing back starting safety Bobby McCain, a source with knowledge of the situation said. McCain’s agents told ESPN that the deal is for two years, $11 million — a notable raise from the one-year, $1.4 million deal that McCain played on last year.
After struggling early, McCain’s play improved dramatically as the year went on. The 28-year-old provided a presence on the back end by helping take away deep shots and the middle of the field. McCain finished the year with a career-high four interceptions, two of which came in Week 18. Washington had signed McCain last May, shortly after he was cut by the Miami Dolphins.
Washington’s brass and McCain had both expressed interest in getting a deal done. General manager Martin Mayhew said at the NFL scouting combine earlier this month that he planned to meet with McCain’s agent to get a sense of what they were looking for. McCain said after the season that he was hoping to stay with the Burgundy and Gold.
“Hopefully it works out,” he said.
McCain’s contract comes after Washington failed to retain a number of other pieces in free agency. Guard Brandon Scherff agreed to a three-year, $49.5 million contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars, while running back J.D. McKissic (two years, $7 million) and defensive tackle Tim Settle (two years, $9 million) joined the Buffalo Bills.
The Commanders have had a quiet free agency so far as they don’t have a lot of salary cap room after trading for quarterback Carson Wentz. The team has also retained some of its key backups such as center Tyler Larsen and special teams ace Troy Apke. The Commanders tendered kicker Brian Johnson, making it likely he’ll return as well.
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