BIENIEMY TAKING EXPANDED ROLE WITH COMMANDERS

After a weeks-long search for a new offensive play caller, the Commanders are finalizing a deal with longtime Chiefs assistant Eric Bieniemy to be their assistant head coach and offensive coordinator, according to two people with knowledge of the matter.

Bieniemy, who spent the past five seasons as Kansas City’s offensive coordinator, became Washington’s top target following the firing of Scott Turner. Bieniemy arrived in the D.C. area on Wednesday, following the Chiefs’ Super Bowl LVII parade, and met with coach Ron Rivera and General Manager Martin Mayhew, as well as multiple coaches on staff, on Thursday and Friday. The deal could be finalized by today.

The move is significant for both sides.

In Washington, Bieniemy will, for the first time, have full control of an offense and the play-calling. In Kansas City, he was, in many respects, the conduit between Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes — an integral part of game-day operations and game-planning, but not the sole play caller in games.

Bieniemy’s arrival in Washington could also lead to broad change in scheme.

Bieniemy, like many candidates the Commanders interviewed, comes from the West Coast system, having spent a decade alongside Reid. Reid’s play-calling is renowned for its innovation and a marriage of college and pro concepts, yet it’s founded on some basic ideologies. Among them: Use the passing game, typically off shorter routes, to gain a lead and use the running game to wear out an opponent late.

“I’m looking for that

Subscribers get free access to the daily digital replica of the U-T print edition that regularly includes one bonus sports page. Today, NFL stuck in neutral regarding Black coaches, plus a look at the Gen 7 NASCAR car. To view the e-newspaper on your phone, tablet or computer, visit sandiegouniontribune.com

quick passing game,” Rivera said in Phoenix last week. “. . . We want to get into the fourth quarter where you’ve got a 10-point lead or a nine-point lead and there’s 10 minutes left to go, and then you get the ball and you grind it down, you wear that clock out.”

Washington is still searching for an answer at quarterback. Sam Howell, a fifth-round pick in 2022, enters the offseason as the projected starter, in part because he’s the only quarterback known to be returning; the team will probably cut Carson Wentz, and Taylor Heinicke could land elsewhere in free agency.

Carr’s first stop: Jets

Free agent quarterback Derek Carr is meeting with the New York Jets this weekend, according to a person familiar with the situation.

The 31-year-old Carr, who spent his first nine NFL seasons with the Raiders, was released by Las Vegas on Tuesday after he declined to waive the notrade clause in his contract. Las Vegas needed to trade or release him by Wednesday or $40.4 million of his contract over the next two years would have become fully guaranteed.

The Jets are looking for a veteran quarterback to lead their offense after Zach Wilson struggled mightily after being the No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 draft. Carr is a potential replacement and New York is bringing him in for a visit.

NFL Network first reported Carr will visit with the Jets, who are the second team that the quarterback has met with; he also visited New Orleans shortly before his release.

New York is also expected to be interested in Green Bay’s Aaron Rodgers if he is made available.

Packers, Jones restructure

Running back Aaron Jones agreed to remain with the Green Bay Packers on a restructured deal with a reduced salary for the upcoming season.

Drew Rosenhaus, Jones’ agent, said Jones will make $11 million in 2023 — including an $8.52 million signing bonus — rather than the $16 million he had been projected to make.

Jones, 28, rushed for a career-high 1,121 yards on 213 carries and caught 59 passes for 395 yards last season as part of a runningback tandem with 2020 second-round pick A.J. Dillon. Jones scored seven touchdowns — five receiving and two rushing.

Notable

• The Carolina Panthers added the last major piece of Frank Reich’s coaching staff, hiring Thomas Brown as offensive coordinator. The 36-year-old Brown spent the past three seasons on coach Sean McVay’s staff with the Los Angeles Rams.

• Matt Slater, the 37year-old longtime Patriots captain and two-time AllPro, says he is returning for his 16th NFL season in 2023.