Adam Peters' approach took a seismic shift this offseason. The general manager sensed a newfound urgency to make aggressive moves after the Washington Commanders reached the NFC Championship game. He struck with conviction to put his team in the best possible position.
Peters also had to rely on aging veterans. The Commanders had the NFL's oldest roster coming into the season, stemming from years of poor drafting under former head coach Ron Rivera. Not ideal, but it was the only way right now.
Things haven't gone according to plan for the Commanders. This team has regressed considerably. Injuries haven't helped, but everything is slow. Momentum has been lost, and Peters has some more big decisions to make when the offseason arrives.
With this in mind, we projected the fate of every Washington free agent in 2026 at the midseason point.
Predicting the fate of Commanders' 2026 free agents at midseason mark
Chris Paul - Commanders OL
Just when all hope seemed lost for Chris Paul, the offensive lineman got another chance to start amid Brandon Coleman's early struggles. This was his final chance to prove himself, and he seized it with both hands.
The left guard position is Paul's until further notice. And if he keeps playing well, a new contract should be waiting next spring.
Prediction: Re-signed (2-year deal)
Chris Rodriguez Jr. - Commanders RB
The Commanders still have Chris Rodriguez Jr. around, and he's gaining carries after making the 53-man roster. Perhaps he should be used more, especially after Austin Ekeler got hurt and Brian Robinson Jr. was traded, but there is still a lack of trust attached.
He's a restricted free agent, so the Commanders will probably tender him an offer to see if there can be even more progress.
Prediction: Restricted free-agent tender
Tyree Jackson - Commanders TE
Washington must think something of Tyree Jackson to keep him on injured reserve rather than waiving him with a settlement. He's got the size and scope to be impactful, but this health concern represented a devastating blow to his development. Although disappointing, the Commanders might give him another shot.
Prediction: Re-signed (1-year deal)
Lucas Niang - Commanders OT
The same goes for Lucas Niang. Washington brought him in this offseason, and he suffered a season-ending injury almost immediately after. Like Jackson, he was not waived with an injury settlement, which could indicate he gets another shot at establishing himself in 2026.
Prediction: Re-signed (1-year deal)
George Fant - Commanders OT
The Commanders signed George Fant to be an insurance policy in the event their starting offensive tackles and backups go down with injury. He looks pretty far down the pecking order, so the chance of an extended stay is remote.
Prediction: Enter free agency