The Washington Football Team has been busy during the first few days of free agency, and people are loving it.
First, Washington added 38-year-old quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, who is expected to add veteran leadership to the position. The next day, it turned to the defensive side of the ball by bringing in William Jackson III to join a secondary that finished second in passing defense. Finally, the team addressed its need to find a No. 2 wide receiver by signing Curtis Samuel.
Washington is only two days into the new league year, but it would seem it has already improved its roster. The additions of Fitzpatrick, Jackson and Samuel have garnered praise from fans and analysts alike. Here is how social media has reacted to Washington's free agent signings.
QB Ryan Fitzpatrick
To the DMV, from Ryan Fitzpatrick:
— Washington Football Team (@WashingtonNFL) March 18, 2021
“I’m gonna give you everything I got.” pic.twitter.com/Rb7QITlk5G
Wash can compete for division title with Fitzy
— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) March 16, 2021
Ryan Fitzpatrick instantly becomes @WashingtonNFL’s most accomplished QB
— Mike Tannenbaum (@RealTannenbaum) March 16, 2021
He threw 13 TDs in 9 gms (7 starts) in 2020 for Miami
Washington’s QBs combined to throw 16 TDs last season which was T-30th in the NFL
Fitzpatrick brings a lively arm to an offense w/emerging weapons
Go prosper, king. https://t.co/1yg10WAB85
— Kyle Crabbs (@GrindingTheTape) March 16, 2021
"FITZPATRICK GETS HIS HEAD TWISTED AROUND... HOW IS IT STILL ATTACHED TO HIS NECK?... LOOKING DOWNFIELD NOW... THERE'S MCLAURIN... HE'S OPEN... AND.... TOUCHDOWN WASHINGTON" pic.twitter.com/BlkcOpVysd
— Pete Hailey (@PeteHaileyNBCS) March 16, 2021
From @CameronWolfe last season on Fitzpatrick.... Why Miami Dolphins players love Ryan Fitzpatrick: 'He's the man' https://t.co/tI3nqIidEZ
— John Keim (@john_keim) March 16, 2021
Pumped for Fitz. One of the most personable and fun players I’ve ever covered. He’s still got something left in tank, too. WASH just got a lot more magical.
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) March 16, 2021
Dolphins, who were planning to lose Fitz, officially need a new backup QB. https://t.co/twF08EOwnf
Dolphins' Gesicki on R. Fitzpatrick: "The greatest teammate I've played with... The energy he brings, confidence he gives to everyone else. It's contagious. What makes him special is he makes guys around him better players.If I could play with him the next 15 years I would do it"
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) October 12, 2020
Ryan Fitzpatrick,
— Ian “Big E” Berger (@ian693) March 16, 2021
Thank you for everything you’ve done the past two seasons with the Miami Dolphins. Your heart, humor and leadership helped to instill a new culture within the locker room.
Good luck in Washington. You will be missed!#FinsUp pic.twitter.com/Q9roGL98gp
I get to root for Fitzmagic as my QB this is honestley the best news ever im literally shaking
— PFTCommenter (@PFTCommenter) March 16, 2021
Man he’s REALLY high on the Fitzy signing pic.twitter.com/kQ6ycqzDdX
— Jordan (@wfteamjordan) March 16, 2021
Terry McLaurin 1500 yard season incoming & I’m guaranteeing that‼️ https://t.co/msGN5GWVLY
— Chad Johnson (@ochocinco) March 16, 2021
imagine pairing McLaurin & Fitzmagic🚀 pic.twitter.com/thi7p5ohRw
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) March 16, 2021
BREAKING: Ryan Fitzpatrick signs with @washingtonnfl representing the best beard in DC since Rutherford B. Hayes in 1881. pic.twitter.com/ELOmQ3CUdv
— Rich Eisen (@richeisen) March 16, 2021
Let's go Fitz! Congratulations to Harvard Football alum and 2004 Ivy League Player of the Year on signing a contract with the @WashingtonNFL. #CrimInTheNFL https://t.co/pxyNEooJOk
— Harvard Football (@HarvardFootball) March 16, 2021
CB William Jackson III
The newest member of the defense 😈 pic.twitter.com/rcvTdwpUCI
— Washington Football Team (@WashingtonNFL) March 19, 2021
HUGE. Jackson is arguably a top-10 CB with the ability to shadow opposing No. 1s. A very good WAS defense gets even stronger. https://t.co/HAlVa1J1Ey
— Mike Clay (@MikeClayNFL) March 17, 2021
Talking with @MarcRoss now - he says William Jackson is a "perfect fit" for Washington at CB and was top corner available
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) March 17, 2021
Anyone who listens to my podcast knows I am a huge William Jackson fan. A legit man-to-man, island CB who Bengals asked a lot of over the years. Top CB on the market and a huge upgrade for Washington.
— Chris Simms (@CSimmsQB) March 17, 2021
Thought they’d be going cheap for the Darby replacement. Now Washington has one of the best CB duos in football.
— Damien 🇨🇿 (@DABartonek) March 17, 2021
Since 2017, William Jackson has given up a rec% of 52 when targeted.
That’s better than:
🏈Richard Sherman
🏈Patrick Peterson
🏈Xavien Howard
🏈Stephon Gilmore
There are 95 CB's who have played over 1,000 snaps in coverage since William Jackson III entered the league in 2017.
— Nick Akridge (@PFF_NickAkridge) March 17, 2021
Jackson's 82.4 coverage grade is the 17th highest over that span. The CB right below him is Kendall Fuller with an 82.2
William Jackson:
— Tae & Todd Washington Football Podcast (@TaeNToddPodcast) March 17, 2021
🔹28 years old
🔹1st Round Pick in 2016
🔹6'0
🔹4.37 40 Yard Dash
🔹Only missed 4 games in last 3 seasons
🔹71.4 PFF Grade in 2020#WashingtonFootball
last year Washington's D ranked:
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) March 17, 2021
#2 vs the pass
#3 overall
but
#27 vs #1 WRs
that changes now
William Jackson allowed a 44.9% completion rate, 3rd best in the NFL last year
he can limit #1s & provide defensive versatility@DanPizzuta dives in:https://t.co/OibuLgqbIv
Just a casual pick 6 vs Aaron Rogers for William Jackson ... ran 4.3 at the combine, hard to not be excited about this signing
— Mitchell Tischler (@Mitch_Tischler) March 17, 2021
pic.twitter.com/hf4tY3iQad
Terry McLaurin got to know William Jackson III pretty well in Week 11 last year. pic.twitter.com/VyyHOIZCpA
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) March 17, 2021
Welcome big dog!! 🐺😤 https://t.co/AmuS2jf89N
— WASHINGTON FOOTBALL (@HogsHaven) March 17, 2021
Love this move, especially with Jackson playing behind that pass rushing talent.
— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) March 17, 2021
Go get Curtis Samuel and Washington might be #fun on a weekly basis https://t.co/wnxESzzzVy
WR Curtis Samuel
⚡️@CurtisSamuel4__ 🤳 pic.twitter.com/7UTfVA4q4o
— Washington Football Team (@WashingtonNFL) March 19, 2021
This the one https://t.co/KlzHoODG8N
— Terry McLaurin (@TheTerry_25) March 19, 2021
We really talked about this in the dorms freshman year🔥
— Terry McLaurin (@TheTerry_25) March 18, 2021
Another Weapon 🔥💯 https://t.co/X1VdeDfPcz
— Antonio Gibson 👑💯 (@AntonioGibson14) March 18, 2021
Mood😂 https://t.co/Ge9FgADQsk
— Terry McLaurin (@TheTerry_25) March 18, 2021
WE GETTIN BETTER‼️‼️‼️
— Jeremy Reaves (@JR1ERA) March 18, 2021
We making moves🔥 #WFT
— Montez Sweat (@_sweat9) March 18, 2021
— Curtis Samuel (@CurtisSamuel4__) March 18, 2021
Lookout for the Fitzmagic bombs 💣
— PFF Washington (@PFF_Washington) March 18, 2021
Curtis Samuel had a 77% catch rate on deep targets in 2020
Highest among all WRs 🚀 pic.twitter.com/yciXTvNouJ
Love that Curtis Samuel signing by #WFT!
— Damien Woody (@damienwoody) March 18, 2021
The versatility of an offense that has Terry McLaurin, Curtis Samuel and Antonio Gibson >>> https://t.co/0lcdWdmsUv
— Trevor Sikkema (@TampaBayTre) March 18, 2021
I don't like pairing Terry McLaurin with Curtis Samuel.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 18, 2021
I love it.
Easily one of the most exciting signings so far in free agency.
F%#^ YEAH https://t.co/6fSRMmJk8U
— Matthew Berry (@MatthewBerryTMR) March 18, 2021
Washington's top two receivers:
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) March 18, 2021
Terry McLaurin: 4.35 40
Curtis Samuel: 4.31 40
Oh dear.
Hope NFC East DBs have some speed @WashingtonNFL @CurtisSamuel4__ @TheTerry_25#DevelopedHere #Zone6 pic.twitter.com/YqytNEO413
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) March 18, 2021
The Washington Buckeyes! https://t.co/yS2CXa0rZY
— Tyvis Powell (@1Tyvis) March 18, 2021
SUPER BOWL RUNS THROUGH WASHINGTON!!!!!! https://t.co/yZ72oXTtyA
— Nate (@BarstoolNate) March 18, 2021
With the addition of the Curtis Samuel signing, Washington leads the PFF Improvement Index 🥇https://t.co/448UV2MwN0 pic.twitter.com/Fd5ltBmFfG
— PFF Washington (@PFF_Washington) March 18, 2021
Curtis Samuel........
— Chris Bryant (@HogfarmerChris) March 18, 2021
We are so HYPE❗#1️⃣0️⃣
Welcome to Washington❗#WashingtonFootball pic.twitter.com/ctbveDCB5I
