With roughly three weeks until the start of NFL free agency, the Washington Commanders enter the offseason in a premier financial position. With the NFL salary cap projected to climb to approximately $301M in 2026, General Manager Adam Peters has the flexibility to reshape this roster aggressively.

According to Spotrac, Washington ranks 5th in the league in cap space, with roughly $66 million dollars. Additional space is expected to be created through strategic moves and releases.

It is widely expected that the Commanders will move on from Marshon Lattimore following a disappointing, injury-plagued stint. If released, Lattimore would clear his full $18.5 million cap hit with $0 dead money. Such a move would push Washington even higher in available cap space, likely trailing only the Titans and Raiders in the league.

With Jayden Daniels entering Year 3 of his rookie contract, the timing is clear: spend now. His modest cap number gives Washington a valuable window to surround him with high-end talent and reopen its championship trajectory after regressing in 2025.

Below is a realistic list of free agents who address Washington’s primary needs—Edge Rusher, Wide Receiver, Linebacker, Running Back, Cornerback, and Tight End.

Let’s play GM.

Through his first two seasons, Adam Peters has shown financial restraint. He prioritized experienced veterans such as Zach Ertz, Bobby Wagner, and Austin Ekeler, relying heavily on one-year deals to preserve flexibility. 

This conservative strategy paid dividends in 2024. However, by 2025, the roster’s lack of high-end talent and aging depth became evident. With that in mind, this offseason approach focuses more on ascending players entering their prime rather than short-term stopgaps. It's time to spend. 

Why he’s available:  After a late-season trade to the Philadelphia Eagles, it is expected that Jaelan Phillips will test the open market as an unrestricted free agent. Although there is interest in Philadelphia to bring him back, they are facing a significant cap crunch that may make him unaffordable. The Eagles need to determine if they are willing to meet his $23M AAV asking price, or choose to focus on massive internal extensions for cornerstones like Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter.  

Why he fits: Washington struggled to get to the passer last season and ranked 23rd in pass-rush win rate and 27th in total QB pressures according to PFF. This has left them susceptible to giving up big pass plays and ultimately losing games. Phillips is still in his prime and produced 15 QB hits last season, offering the high-end motor Washington needs on the edge.

Why he’s available:  After years of neglecting the position, the Green Bay Packers began to heavily invest in wideout. This embarrassment of riches has put Green Bay in a tough position as Christian Watson and Jayden Reed are also up for extension. In addition, they drafted Matthew Golden in the first round last season. Instead of getting into a bidding war for Doubs’ services, the Packers are likely to let their high-end WR3 go, despite him leading them in targets at various points.  

Why he fits: Doubs is a multi-dimensional receiver who would be a perfect complement to Terry McLaurin. He is capable of playing multiple positions and rarely misses games. He is also known for being a red zone presence, contributing 21 touchdowns in 4 years.

Why he’s available: There appears to be a weird dynamic in Jacksonville. Prior to this season, the Jaguars elected not to enable the fifth-year rookie contract option for Lloyd, showing a lack of long-term investment. Lloyd responded by having his best season as a pro, becoming a Second-Team All-Pro player. So why would Jacksonville allow him to leave? They simply don’t have the money. The Jaguars have a salary cap number of -$9 million, making it almost impossible for them to franchise tag him.

Why he fits: As the Commanders look to redesign their defense under Daronte Jones, potentially moving to a 3-4 scheme, they need to improve their linebacker play—especially one who thrives in pass coverage. Although Bobby Wagner produced as a high-level run stopper, the team consistently struggled covering tight ends and running backs. Lloyd would instantly fix that.

Current Team: New York Jets

Why he’s available:  Stop me if you have heard this before, but the Jets are rebuilding. The team let go of some of their greatest assets in Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams to clear space. Breece Hall has expressed interest in exploring the market and a desire to play for a contender. He is expected to hit the market as the #1 or #2 RB option.  

Why he fits: Washington currently has only one running back under contract: Jacory Croskey-Merritt. The seventh-round pick produced 805 yards and 8 touchdowns as a rookie, and although he showed flashes, the team would benefit from a pass-catching back who can help carry the load. Hall has produced over 5,000 yards from scrimmage over his first four years, proving his versatility with 188 catches for 1,642 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns. He displays the exact flexibility that Washington needs in its offense.

Why he’s available: The former seventh-round pick has exceeded expectations, but the Kansas City Chiefs currently rank 32nd in the NFL in salary cap space. They are projected to have -$57M on their books and need to release talent. Watson will likely be a cap casualty.

Why he fits: With a PFF overall score of 74.1 and a run defense grade of 83.5, Watson provides a blitzing, tough, aggressive defender who could thrive in a Flores-inspired defense. At 6’2” and 197 lbs, he provides ample size to complement the CB room. He also ranks 10th out of 114 CBs in QB pressures, showing his versatility around the line.

Why he’s available:  The Baltimore Ravens prioritized veteran Mark Andrews with a multi-year extension, effectively capping Isaiah Likely’s role in Baltimore as a TE2. Likely has shown the propensity to shine when he is in a featured role, and this would be his opportunity to assume the role as a primary pass catcher. Plus, Washington is just a 45-minute drive down I-95 from his current home.  

Why he fits: With Zach Ertz not likely to return and rehabbing from a serious injury, the Commanders are in need of a primary target in the middle of the field. Ertz was Daniels’ security blanket, and Washington needs to replace him. Likely provides a big-body receiver with yards-after-catch capabilities.

Heading into a pivotal Year 3 for Adam Peters and Dan Quinn, the honeymoon phase in DC is officially over. After a regression to 5-12 in 2025, Washington can no longer afford the luxury of a "slow build" or the temporary comfort of one-year stopgaps. Another losing season won't just result in local grumbling; it will likely trigger a total organizational overhaul, sending coaches packing and leaving Peters’ front-office strategy under a microscope.

Washington must use its ample cap space to inject this roster with youth and high-end talent. Not only would this maximize Jayden Daniels' value while he’s on his rookie contract, but it would also grant the front office draft-day freedom and the ability to select the best player available.

My favorite offseason adage is, “You fill holes in free agency so you can add talent in the draft.” By being aggressive in free agency now, Peters can walk into April with the flexibility to select a long-term, blue-chip prospect at No. 7 overall, regardless of position. Needs change year over year, but elite talent is permanent. Raising the overall ceiling of this roster must be the priority—starting today.