The Washington Commanders officially saw one top target at a position of need come off the board on Monday, and could see another come off the board prior to free agency.
The Washington Commanders have a laundry list of roster needs and departing players on expiring contracts, but Monday delivered bad news for a pair of the top free agent targets.
The Atlanta Falcons pulled the trigger on a franchise tag on tight end Kyle Pitts with the possibility that the two sides end up finalizing a long-term deal this offseason. The University of Florida product is coming off a 2025 season where he finished second at his position with 88 catches and 928 receiving yards, finishing just shy of notching his second 1,000 receiving yard season. But it also came after an inconsistent three seasons following a breakout rookie season, making him one of the more intriguing 'elite' possible free agents with a long list of suitors expected to be available - including the Commanders. Now paired with new head coach Kevin Stefanski where he could see increased production, his future at least for 2026 is now cemented.
The good news is Pitts sticking in Atlanta does take away a top talent at a position with several options. Isaiah Likely, Chig Okonkwo, Dallas Goedert and Cade Otton all expected to remain in free agency. Veteran David Njoku already announced his time in Cleveland is over as he prepares to become a free agent for the first time in his career.
While the Pitts' news was an unofficial announcement that cemented his status, news of another hopeful Commanders target surfaced on Monday night after Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported on the NFL Daily with Gregg Rosenthala that Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce could return to Indianapolis instead of heading to the open market.
The Colts enter the offseason with a question mark on offense with both Pierce and quarterback Daniel Jones on expiring contracts, though Rapoport noted that Jones could be in line for a long-term extension which could position the team to place the franchise tag on Pierce. Like Pitts, that will only cement his status for 2026 though whether he returns long-term could materialize into a possibility. NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported that the team is also pursuing an extension with Pierce.
While also an unsurprising move, the removal of Pierce days in addition to the expectation that the Dallas Cowboys place the franchise tag on George Pickens removes two of the top available wide receivers this offseason.
Romeo Doubs, Jauan Jennings, Wan'dale Robinson, Rashid Shaheed and Christian Kirk are among the free agent receivers available while veterans like Keenan Allen and Mike Evans are set to hit the open market, with Evans to do so for the first time in his career. Of course, so is Deebo Samuel, but the overwhelming belief is he lands elsewhere with the West Coast teams drawing buzz. But with veteran receiver Terry McLaurin expected to be a focal point in David Blough's system, how the front office opts to address the pass catchers for quarterback Jayden Daniels is its own question mark. Will Washington elect to go top dollar for a tight end and find a complementary receiver to serve as a viable third option? With cap space available and a long list of needs, could Washington elect to pay top at both positions?
With general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn set to meet with the media ahead of the NFL Combine on Tuesday, it marks the start of those questions beginning to be answered.