While it now looks increasingly likely that quarterback Jayden Daniels makes his return this weekend when the Commanders travel to face Minnesota, Washington is merely playing for draft position with postseason hopes on life support amid a seven-game losing streak heading into week 14.
Washington will head into the offseason with several needs, along with roster decisions, including what a potential return for WR Deebo Samuel could look like, contingent on the money. Wide receiver has been the popular pick for Washington, currently in line for the seventh overall selection, with Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate and Arizona State wide receiver Jordan Tyson among the popular selections, with USC slot receiver Makai Lemon also in the mix to come off the board within the first 15 picks.
The Commanders were an obvious team first linked to wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk following news of a restructured contract that was finalized in the offseason and reported on ahead of his potential return, though it’s unclear whether he suits up again for the 49ers. But a more intriguing offseason acquisition candidate became a more realistic free agent target on Thursday: Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely.
Washington was one of five teams that CBS Sports pointed to a possible landing spot for the former Coastal Carolina star.
“Similar to Kansas City, the Commanders could see their veteran tight end call it a career, with Zach Ertz only signed through 2025 and playing in his age-35 season,” Tyler Sullivan of CBS Sports wrote. Daniels has shown an affinity for peppering the tight end position, so bringing in Likely would not only fit a need, but it'd bring another young pass-catching option for the 2024 first-rounder. The Commanders also have the fifth-most cap space to work with this offseason at a projected $94 million.”
This comes fresh off news that the Baltimore Ravens agreed to a three-year extension with Mark Andrews, putting Likely’s question about becoming a top option in doubt in the Charm City with Andrews initially entering the final year of his contract.
That means Isaiah Likely, who is in the final year of his four-year, $4.1 million contract, could hit the open market this offseason. Likely is coming off five catches for 95 yards on six targets, all season-highs, , though he's on pace for a career low in all three major categories in addition to his first season with a touchdown. Likely near notched his first score in the Thanksgiving loss vs. Cincinnati before fumbling at the goal line, resulting in a touchback and Bengals' ball.
Still, Likely has flashed his ability as a receiving threat during his four seasons in Baltimore while rotating with Andrews, giving credence to his ability to stretch the field as a third option for Jayden Daniels in Kliff Kingsbury's offense.
For Washington, taking a shot on the receiving threat could also prove to be an answer for a team that enters the offseason with mixed draft capital and ample cap space flexibility. Zach Ertz is coming off ten catches for 106 yards, both season-highs, in the overtime loss vs. Denver where he’s once again entrenched himself as the quarterback’s safety blanket, whether it be Jayden Daniels or Marcus Mariota under center. But for the 35-year-old tight end also wrapping up a one-year deal, could the Commanders look for a younger option? Could the Commanders bolster the top of the room with both?
Washington worked to address the room after drafting former Kansas State tight end Ben Sinnott in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, but he’s sitting third string behind John Bates, a former four-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Yet the production from both has been limited with two combining for 11 catches for 110 yards in 2025, leaving Ertz to admirably shoulder the load once again. Still with both under contract through the 2027 season, it begs the question which direction Washington will go to bolster the weapons around the former Rookie of the Year.
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