Last year’s free agency haul was, well, to put it bluntly, MEH! 2026 on the other hand is setting up to be one of the best free agent classes I have seen in quite some time.
Washington needs reinforcements all over the roster and has the money to be big players in free agency.
It’s time for Adam Peters to go big or go home!
**Struggling franchise looking for young, talented difference-makers who can help transform a new scheme into one of the league’s best. Interested applicants please apply below…**
General manager Adam Peters, head coach Dan Quinn and new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones have an arduous task in front of them this offseason - to rebuild the 31st ranked defense from 2025 into a respectable unit moving forward.
Just like we discussed in yesterday’s article focused on offense, we still do not know what type of scheme Jones will implement here in Washington, but based on a few tells, we have an idea what our guys may be looking for:
* Impact pass rusher who can get after the “head of the snake”
* Long, fast, explosive, ability to turn the corner and finish
* DBs who can guard tight, especially in late-game/clutch situations
* Adding length and speed - both at pass rusher and in coverage
* Versatile, run-and-hit off-the-ball LB who can blitz and cover
* **Odafe Oweh (27):** Oweh was a former first round pick of the Ravens who never quite got over the hump in Baltimore. He was traded last October to the Chargers where he really came on. He checks off every box that Peters and Quinn have highlighted in what they look for in a pass rusher - long (6’5” with 34 1/2” arms), fast (4.37 40), explosive (39.5 vert and 11’2” broad) and bend. He’s likely going to command a contract at or near 20M/AAV, but this is the type of player that Peters needs to invest in.
* **Jaelan Phillips (26):** Phillips is another former first rounder who was traded during the 2025 season from Miami to Philadelphia. He’s battled injury throughout his career, but when healthy, he has the traits to put it all together. Like Oweh, he has the desired athletic profile Peters and Quinn desire. Also like Oweh, he won’t come cheap, but he could be a great reclamation project for a defense lacking playmakers.
* **Boye Mafe (27):** Mafe never quite found his footing is Seattle’s defense, but the potential is there for him to shine. At almost 6’4” and over 260, he’s solid against the run, can get around the edge and can also drop into coverage. His contract likely won’t come near what Oweh and Phillips get, but he’d still be considered an impact signing for Peters.
* **Devin Lloyd (27):** Lloyd saw his fifth-year option declined by the Jaguars last spring, and the former first round pick went out and had his best season as a pro being named second team All-Pro and making his first Pro Bowl. He had five interceptions (one returned for a score) in 15 games played in 2025.
* **Quay Walker (26):** Walker is another former first round pick who had his fifth-year option declined by the Packers. He’s long, athletic and plays sideline-to-sideline. He is better when dropping into zones than when asked to cover running backs out of the backfield. He’s eclipsed 100 total tackles all four years he’s been in the league.
* **Tremaine Edmonds (27):** Edmonds has been in the NFL for eight years, but he’ll only be 28 this May. He was a surprise release by the Bears last week which lands him on this list. At 6’4” 251 pounds, he one of the bigger off-the-ball linebackers in the NFL. He has the desired length and athleticism to be a force in the middle of this new defense for Quinn and Jones. He’s started every game he’s played in since entering the league in 2018 and has had at least 100 total tackles each season.
* **Nakobe Dean (25):** Although Dean doesn’t possess the desired length at the position (5’11” 232), he’s the exact definition of a run-and-hit off-the-ball linebacker who is good in coverage and excellent at blitzing. He turned 25 in December, so he’ll be in his prime for a few more years. The knock on him to date is his ability to stay heathy.
* **Jaylen Watson (27):** Watson fits the mold of what Peters and Quinn have talked about in wanting at outside corner. At 6’2” 197 pounds, he’s a scheme-diverse corner who can excel in either man or zone. He improved each season he’s been in the league and will get a big pay-day coming off his rookie deal.
* **Ric Woolen (27):** Woolen, as 6’4” 210, is built more like a safety than a corner, but he possesses excellent speed, incredible length and great ball skills. He had his ups and downs in Seattle, but the talent is there and a smart coordinator will play him to his strengths.
* **Alontae Taylor (27):** Taylor is another big corner (6’0” 200) who is a tackling machine. He can play press or off-coverage and excels on corner blitzes. He would add a physical presence to Washington’s back end.
* **Bryan Cook (26):** Cook is an interchangeable safety who can play as part of a two-high, cover deep third, drop down as a robber or play in the slot as a tight end eraser. His versatility should be appealing to new coordinator Daronte Jones.
* **Coby Bryant (26):** Bryant is a free safety who has shown solid ball skills over the past two seasons, collecting seven interceptions during that time. He’s still in his prime and would be a great addition to Washington’s back end.
The rumor is that Adam Peters will be aggressive this offseason and will not be afraid to take some big swings for some of the bigger names in free agency.
With a new scheme being implemented by Jones, and a ton of holes to fill, this could be a defining moment for Peters to put his stamp on this team.
See More:
* [Washington Commanders Analysis](/washington-commanders-analysis)
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