With the 2026 NFL Draft compete and free agency picking back up, we take a look at three players who could still fill needs for the Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders have addressed multiple positions this offseason while ESPN pointed to the edge rushers as the one best addressed, yet there are lingering roster needs as we approach the midway point of the offseason. While the free agent market has thinned out, we highlight three free agents who could still address those needs, including one with local ties.
WR Stefon Diggs
There are a lot of flashy free agent receivers still available: Tyreek Hill, Deebo Samuel, Jauan Jennings. While the Commanders are reportedly monitoring Jennings, Hill has injury concerns to overcome. DeAndre Hopkins could be an intriguing veteran name to round out the rotation as outside receivers, offering another redzone threat, while Sterling Shepard could even be an intriguing name to upgrade the end of the rotation. Yet the one who could now materialize into a realistic target is the local talent: Stefon Diggs.
The path for the 32 year old to make his way back to the NFL cleared a major hurdle after being found not guilty on multiple charges on Tuesday, paving a way for the former Patriots receiver to sign back with a team. Though maybe more unlikely given how the court case played out, Diggs could still face discipline from the league, which could complicate how soon NFL interest materializes, yet the fit makes sense for Washington.
Capable of playing inside and out, Diggs at his best was one of the league's top route runners while the Gaithersburg, Md. native is coming off his seventh career 1,000 yard season despite drawing four targets or fewer in eight games in 2025. An explosive receiver, Diggs could also step into a mentorship role for rookie Antonio Williams while complementing veteran Terry McLaurin as a strong WR2. It'd be a much easier argument for Diggs compared to Aiyuk given the latter still has to prove he's in game shape, and for the first time in his career, a path to Washington could also make sense in his final few seasons in the league.
CB Rasul Douglas
Former Dallas and briefly Green Bay cornerback Trevon Diggs has been loosely linked to Washington in random reports, but that has not materialized into anything. While Diggs saw success under Dan Quinn in Dallas, Diggs is far removed from that place in his career and proved to be a liability in his final two seasons as a Cowboy. Yet there are other options, including one coming off a strong 2025 season.
Veteran Rasul Douglas hasn't always been consistent in his career, but the 30 year old proved to be a big piece of the Dolphins' secondary where he posted 13 pass deflections and a pair of interceptions in 13 starts and 15 appearances. Douglas also allowed just a 54.5% completion percentage and allowed three touchdowns on 77 targets.
Washington has a pair of veterans in Akhello Witherspoon and Amik Robertson already signed to pair with Mike Sainristil and Trey Amos back as Amos recovers from his season-ending injury, but Douglas could solidify the rotation after prioritizing speed and depth in the front seven.
Safety Ifeatu Melifonwu
After electing against drafting both a cornerback and safety, is it realistic for both a cornerback and safety to be listed? Washington still needs help, though Nick Cross serves as a big boost where he steps in as the likely starting strong safety. Former Cowboy Donovan Wilson is another intriguing name who has ties under Dan Quinn from his time in Dallas while veterans like Harrison Smith and Taylor Rapp remain in the market. Yet Melifonwu may be another intriguing name who has experience playing under defensive coordinator Daronte Jones.
Another coming off a season with the Dolphins, Melifonwu spent his first four seasons in Detroit where he started in 14 games and appeared in 37, totaling 13 pass deflections, two interceptions and one forced fumble. In Miami, Melifonwu started in half of his 16 appearances where he notched one pass deflection as a versatile piece in the rotation.
That versatility could serve Washington well given Melifonwu started as a cornerback before shifting to safety where he offers experience serving in hybrid coverage duties.
Washington returns Quan Martin and Will Harris in 2026 alongside the addition of Cross, but reinforcements could serve well with a possible option still looming.