The Washington Commanders are predicted to sign an AFC running back in free agency, plus insight on what the priorities are this offseason
While the top offseason priority was hiring a defensive coordinator with Titans defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson becoming the third interview to replace Joe Whitt Jr., ESPN's John Keim made clear that overhauling the defense is a focus for the Washington Commanders this offseason.
"Washington desperately needs them, otherwise simply changing coordinators won't have a strong enough yield. The Commanders need more speed and youth in their front seven, as well as a starting corner and safety," Keim wrote.
Of course, a big part of that decision is what the Commanders will do in the draft with the team in line for the seventh overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft with the early offseason expectation that the pick will be used on a defensive prospect. Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey is the most discussed prospect in play for Washington with draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. bullish on his potential on a defense that needs playmakers all over the field, a point that Keim reiterated.
"Add impact players on defense," Keim said is the secondary priority for the Commanders this offseason. "Washington desperately needs them, otherwise simply changing coordinators won't have a strong enough yield. The Commanders need more speed and youth in their front seven, as well as a starting corner and safety."
"Improving the defensive front seven will be a core need for Washington, especially with linebacker Bobby Wagner set to hit free agency at 36. Ohio State's Arvell Reese would solve a lot of problems in the middle of the defense, but some scouts think he can be an edge rusher in the NFL. That's another priority for Quinn's unit," draft analyst Matt Miller added.
Cornerback Marshon Lattimore is viewed as a likely cap casualty with no guaranteed money left on his contract, while he was arrested on misdemeanor weapons charges just days after the regular season finale. He would free $18.5 million in cap space to push the Commanders to roughly $100 million in available cap space for a team that needs upgrades everywhere.
That also includes the offensive side of the ball with wide receiver Deebo Samuel arguably the most intriguing re-sign candidate this offseason, but that may prove to be a one-year deal in the end.
"He turns 30 in January and could be costly to retain," ESPN's Jeremy Fowler said of Samuel, adding that left guard Chris Paul is also a re-sign candidate after materializing into a full-time starter in 2025.
Whether a second season with the team materializes for the team's leading receiver is unclear with Samuel keeping his options open.
"Nothing that I can control right now. We’ll see how it goes. Not too much I can do so at the end of the day, it’s business," Samuel said when asked about his future.
While running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt proved to be the jewel of Washington's 2025 draft class, he also enters the offseason as the only running back under contract with the Commanders projected to take a big swing in free agency on an AFC back.
"The Commanders will make a big splash by signing running back Breece Hall, a talented rusher and receiver who will be just 25 years old next season," Aaron Schatz predicted. "Rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt didn't end up taking the league by storm, and Chris Rodriguez Jr. wasn't spectacular either. Washington finished 21st in run offense DVOA through Week 17 this season."