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Will Washington add another linebacker?

Will Washington add another linebacker?

The Washington Commanders entered training camp with three rookie undrafted free-agent linebackers. Tre Walker, Drew White and Bryce Notree were battling to earn a spot on Washington’s 53-man roster this summer.

Now, Notree stands alone.

Earlier this week, White tore his ACL. On Friday, Walker retired.

None of the rookies were expected to press for immediate playing time in 2022. Washington has a clear top four at linebacker in starters Cole Holcomb and Jamin Davis and backups David Mayo and Khaleke Hudson.

However, head coach Ron Rivera and defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio, both former NFL linebackers, were looking to find a talented youngster to add depth to the group. All three rookies impressed Rivera and his staff.

When Rivera told the media that Walker had retired on Friday, he was asked if the Commanders would now look at adding another linebacker, something they were hesitant to do in free agency in the offseason.

“Well, it’s gonna prompt us to obviously look at it,” Rivera answered. “He’s a young guy that we did like, that we thought had some mobility. Really good tape coming out of Idaho. It’s unfortunate, but if the young man has something else he wants to do, then he’s gonna go on and do it.”

Washington rarely plays with its three base linebackers on the field simultaneously, meaning Holcomb and Davis are the top two. Like other NFL teams, the Commanders are often in the nickel, lessening the need for another traditional linebacker on the field.

Throughout the offseason, many on the outside have listed linebacker as a significant need for the Commanders. On the inside, they view things differently. There is a lot of confidence in Holcomb as a full-time mike linebacker, and coaches believe Davis will progress in his second NFL season, playing at his more natural position on the outside.

If that proves true, the Commanders will be in good shape. If it doesn’t, linebacker becomes a significant need next offseason. At this point, there is no linebacker available who is going to change Washington’s fortunes dramatically.

However, the Commanders would be wise to add another veteran to the mix, if for nothing else, to protect themselves if there is an injury to Holcomb or Davis.

It will be an interesting few weeks before — and after — Week 1 to see if Rivera feels Washington needs to add another linebacker to the mix.

Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Commanders Wire…