ESPN projected a pair of Seattle Seahawks to sign with the Washington Commanders in free agency
Which signing is most likely for Washington?
With the legal tampering window set to open in nearly 48 hours, ESPN projected the Washington Commanders to land a trio of impact free agents, including one of
RB Kenneth Walker
Arguably the best player at his position this offseason, Walker will also draw top dollar as he enters free agency fresh off a Super Bowl MVP selection and an expected crowded field of available suitors. Walker is also coming off a role with Seattle where Zach Charbonnet, which has prevented him from eclipsing a 1,000 rushing yard season in the regular season in three years, but he’d have a chance to add exactly that with a chance to lead Washington’s backfield.
Graziano projected a three year, $44 million deal for Walker with $22 million guaranteed to lead the market. Walker was serviceable in the passing game, an area of weakness for Washington in 2025, as he drew just 24 targets with 20 catches for 144 yards. But in an offense that is expected to make the run game a focal point under David Blough, Walker would give the offense its feature back it needs alongside Jacory Croskey-Merritt. ESPN ranked Walker the 13th-best free agent this offseason.
WR Rashid Shaheed
After joining Walker as a wait-and-see candidate for Seattle, all signs point to Shaheed landing elsewhere in 2026 after a stint with the Seahawks. Shaheed landed in Seattle after New Orleans shipped him ahead of the trade deadline in exchange for a pair of 2026 draft picks, reuniting him with Klint Kubiak who served as the Saints’ offensive coordinator the year prior. Graziano noted the obvious speed that sticks out to teams while noting “those that swing and miss on Pierce could be very happy signing Shaheed at a lower cost.” Shaheed was projected to sign a three year, $40 million deal with $20 million guaranteed after posting 15 catches for 188 yards in nine games with the Seahawks.
ESPN noted that he can "stretch defenses vertically, plus he can turn screens or underneath throws into chunk plays." Shaheed also adds another versatile weapon in the return game, which is a good problem to have for Washington considering rookie Jaylin Lane was named an alternate for the Pro Bowl as a returner. ESPN ranked Shaheed as the 24th-best free agent this offseason.
Edge Jaelan Phillips
A familiar name for Commander fans and another who was traded ahead of the trade deadline, Phillips arrived in Philadelphia after playing just 12 games the previous two seasons due to knee and Achilles injuries but flashed in his short stint. Phillips tallied three TFLs and three sacks across nine games with the Eagles, finishing the season with five sacks, and enters free agency with intrigue and upside.
Graziano projected a four year, $92 million deal with $32 million guaranteed, though also noted “it’s possible he does a one-year prove-it deal somewhere if his market doesn't do what he hopes it does.” General manager Adam Peters noted the defense needs to get younger and address the pass rush and a 27 year old pass rusher addresses exactly that. ESPN ranked Phillips as the third-best free agent this offseason.