The Washington Commanders have a long list of needs to address, but five impending free agents were named among the top 100 best players available this offseason
The Washington Commanders enter the offseason with over 30 free agents, including all but a handful unrestricted free agents, as general manager Adam Peters and the front office looks to fill the long list of roster holes on both sides of the ball. Of course, in addition to which new players could be headed to Washington, the other question is who will return for another season? As the Commanders look to add star power, five impending free agents were named among the top 100 free agents this offseason by CBS Sports.
LB Bobby Wagner, 42
One of the most controversial free agents for the Commanders, the veteran linebacker made history in what could be his final game with the team after notching his 2,000th career tackle to become the third player in NFL history to achieve the feat. It speaks volumes to the career for the future first ballot Hall of Fame linebacker, who was also named the Walter Payton Man of the Year earlier this month. But all signs have pointed to Wagner likely headed back to the West Coast, maybe even a reunion with the Seattle Seahawks.
WR Deebo Samuel, 51
The most debated free agent for Washington this offseason, a divorce may be most likely after the Commanders' front office traded for the veteran wide receiver. Both Los Angeles teams - Chargers and Rams - have been viewed as potential suitors for Samuel in a reunion on the West Coast, similar to Wagner. ESPN's John Keim pointed to Samuel's price tag as reason why he could find himself in a different uniform this offseason. It's also notable that the wide receiver market is already thin even before franchise tag decisions for both Dallas and George Pickens, along with the Colts and Alec Pierce. Samuel could be in position to cash in this offseason.
LB Von Miller, 65
After repeatedly being transparent about his interest in returning to Washington toward the end of the 2025 season, Miller drastically changed his tune once the offseason hit, taking to his podcast to express his interest in returning to the Denver Broncos. Miller quietly finished the 2025 season with a team-high nine sacks, but with a need to get younger in the room this offseason, Miller's updated wish to land elsewhere could materialize.
DE Jake Martin, 93
Maybe the biggest question mark of them all, Martin stepped into an injury-ridden defensive line for the Commanders to finish with 39 tackles, 5.5 sacks, one fumble, one pass deflection in 2025.
QB Marcus Mariota, 96
The biggest question for Mariota will be whether a starting role emerges this offseason, but if not, there shouldn't be much debate for a third season to serve as the backup to Jayden Daniels. Mariota proved to be serviceable after Daniels struggled with injuries through 2025, while there's familiarity in the room having worked with former assistant quarterbacks coach David Blough over the last two seasons. No one will have clear familiarity within the new-look Commanders offense, expected to feature much more under center than the Kliff Kingsbury system, but Mariota would add stability to the room.