Dan Quinn and Adam Peters
Getty
Commanders head coach and general manager Adam Peters interact before a September 7, 2025 game.
The Washington Commanders will spend money. According to ESPN writer John Keim, the franchise looks to make a sizable entry into the free agency pool.
“But as one team source said, while the Commanders won’t spend recklessly, if there’s a player they want who commands top-of-the-market money and is considered a good fit, they will spend. After all, this is a pivotal year for the franchise after going 5-12 following a 12-5 season and a trip to the NFC Championship Game.”
Head coach Dan Quinn eyes a free agent class that may provide answers to what theCommanders need.
“”There’s going to be difference-makers that will be part of this class.”
With needs at wide receiver and running back and on all three defensive levels—defensive line, linebacker, and secondary—the Commanders could end up signing more than one upper-tier free agent. General manager Adam Peters is not a stranger to inking veterans to deals. During his two seasons at the helm, Peters signed 50 free agents, according to Keim. Under those circumstances, the team could begin upgrading the roster before April’s draft.
With $83,313,649 in available cap room, Washington can build around players like quarterback Jayden Daniels. However, that doesn’t mean the team will haphazardly throw money around at everyone free to sign with a new team. Instead, taking a prudent approach and being able to write large checks could go a long way toward putting their 5-12 season behind them.
Without any clear indication, but with an understanding of how the league works, Quinn needs a bounce-back season. As mentioned, the franchise stood one win away from a Super Bowl appearance. Since then, injury and ineffective play have haunted the team. Now, as free agency looms, what players make sense?
Jaelan Phillips Fits Peters’ Profile Up Front With Significant Risk.
Looking at the front seven, you can see the team starting to bring back depth pieces. For example, the Commanders re-signed veteran defensive ends Drake Jackson and Deatrich Wise Jr. However, that doesn’t mean that either will start. Phillips is a twitchy, angular edge that gained functional weight and strength (266 pounds). He possesses a diverse repertoire of brushes, such as the swim and the rip.
Yet, the bright red flag that hovers over any possible deal is his injury history. First, at UCLA, he took a medical retirement due to injuries like a concussion, an ACL tear, and a motor scooter accident. While Spotrac lists his market value at $17.3 million per year, the Commanders could check his medicals to see if they hold up.
Jaelan Phillips
GettyFree agent edge rusher Jaelan Phillips celebrates during a November 16, 2025 game against the Detroit Lions.
Chig Okonkwo Provides Youthful Upgrade Over Zach Ertz
After spending his first four seasons with the Tennessee Titans, the 26-year-old hits the market. While he may not have the absolute sure hands of Ertz, the former Maryland standout catches over 70% of his targets. Moreover, he can extend the field a little bit more. Although he doesn’t offer much in the way of blocking, his receiving diversity could help the Commanders.
For instance, Okonkwo took more snaps in the slot/wide (352) than he did in-line (294). As a result, offensive coordinator David Blough can use him underneath, drawing coverage down, allowing Terry McLaurin and the other receivers to enjoy more space over the top. In addition, Okonkwo displays the agility to win on a rub route, which will either grant him or the wideout daylight.
Chig Okonkwo
GettyFree agent tight end Chig Okonkwo score a touchdown during a December 28, 2025 game.
New Era of Prudent Spending Changed the Course of Free Agency
When Daniel Snyder owned the team, his resume included several regrettable, big-money deals. Namely, Albert Haynesworth, Jeremiah Trotter, and Bruce Smith. Now, Peters continues to attempt to build a roster of players through deals that also foster a culture in the locker room. More importantly, while he has the power to crack open the room and cast a wide net in free agency, reports indicate he will do the exact opposite.