After a three-year break, although it’s debatable whether being the defensive coordinator for America’s Team counts as a break, Dan Quinn, the former head coach of the Falcons, is once again in charge.
He has taken over from Ron Rivera in Washington and has been entrusted with leading the Commanders into the next phase. With the second overall pick, Quinn and Adam Peters are poised to secure either Jayden Daniels or Drake Maye as the future quarterback.
Quinn is relying on his prior connections to shape the roster in anticipation of Daniels or Maye. Dorance Armstrong arrived from Dallas, and a few familiar faces followed suit. Dante Fowler, who joined the Falcons before the 2020 season, followed Quinn from Atlanta to Dallas and then to Washington. Now, according to Tom Pelissero, Olamide Zaccheaus is also joining the Commanders.
Zaccheaus has built a noteworthy career despite entering the NFL undrafted. Spending his initial four seasons in Atlanta, two of which overlapped with Dan Quinn’s tenure, Zaccheaus steadily increased his role with the Falcons. This culminated in a successful 2022 season, during which he caught 40 passes for 533 yards and three touchdowns.
Last offseason, Zaccheaus signed with the Eagles but had limited opportunities, making only 10 receptions while playing behind A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. Now, in Washington, he finds himself in a similar role, backing up Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson in Kliff Kingsbury’s offensive scheme.
The presence of several familiar faces from the Falcons on this new Commanders team is notable.