The Washington Commanders are gearing up for one of the most critical offseasons in franchise history. General manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn face challenges, and with only six selections in the 2026 NFL Draft, being aggressive in free agency is crucial.
Nobody expected the Commanders to be languishing at 3-8 coming off their bye week. Injuries, aging players regressing, and young players not progressing effectively have caused their demise. It's evident Peters needs a rethink, and this roster will look a lot different by the time 2026 rolls around.
There is some good news. The Commanders could have more than $100 million in salary-cap space if the required sacrifices arrive. They only have 34 players under contract, and Peters has the most pending free agents of any NFL team. Significant changes are coming, and after how things have unfolded this season, no fan will be complaining.
With this in mind, and it is Black Friday after all, here are 10 dream free agents who could ignite a massive Commanders' offseason shopping splurge next spring.
Not all will hit the open market. Still, it's fun to think about.
Dream free agents who could ignite a massive Commanders offseason shopping spree
Commanders could sign Trey Hendrickson
- Defensive End | Cincinnati Bengals
The Commanders need more help on their defensive edge. That was a concern before the campaign, and these fears have been realized. Dorance Armstrong Jr. is the only dependable pass-rusher, and he's hurt. Therefore, this could be Adam Peters' top priority when the 2026 offseason arrives.
Trey Hendrickson could be the most accomplished free agent set to hit the market, regardless of position. The All-Pro eventually signed a new contract with the Cincinnati Bengals, but it didn't come with any added years. This relationship has seemingly soured, and all signs point to the NFL's sack leader in 2023 and 2024 taking his chances elsewhere.
Acquiring Hendrickson wouldn't be cheap, but he would instantly transform the Commanders' fortunes.
Commanders could sign Kyle Pitts
- Tight End | Atlanta Falcons
Zach Ertz has been a productive performer over his two years in Washington. The veteran tight end isn't getting any younger, and with Ben Sinnott and Colson Yankoff remaining unknown quantities, scouring the free-agent market for a proven weapon in the passing game could be an option to consider.
While 2021 first-round pick Kyle Pitts never reached his generational tag coming out of college, he's got the athleticism and sharpness to provide an immediate upgrade. The Florida product went over 1,000 receiving yards as a rookie and has put up decent numbers ever since. He'll also be relishing the prospect of starting fresh elsewhere.
Much will depend on the financial demands, but pairing Pitts with Jayden Daniels represents an intriguing possibility.
Commanders could sign Devin Lloyd
- Linebacker | Jacksonville Jaguars
Bobby Wagner's status among the modern-day greats is firmly cemented. The veteran linebacker was a key cog in the Washington Commanders' culture shift under head coach Dan Quinn, but it seems as if Father Time is catching up at long last.
General manager Adam Peters should find a younger, more dynamic alternative to spearhead the defensive second level alongside Frankie Luvu. Someone like Devin Lloyd makes a ton of sense.
The 2022 first-round pick has been nothing short of phenomenal for the Jacksonville Jaguars this season, which puts him squarely in the Pro Bowl and All-Pro conversation. While the AFC South club will probably keep him around, placing him in Quinn's defensive scheme is a mouthwatering proposition.
Commanders could sign David Edwards
- Offensive Line | Buffalo Bills
Adam Peters made some hefty investments in the offensive line earlier this year. That's given the Commanders a genuine bookend tackle tandem for Jayden Daniels to depend upon, but things have been a lot shakier on the interior.
Tyler Biadasz and Sam Cosmi will probably be back. Chris Paul is playing well enough to secure a new deal before free agency, which could be the better move to retain continuity. If he gets a better offer from elsewhere, someone like David Edwards could be a decent possibility if the money works for all parties.
Edwards is a well-rounded interior lineman. He's got vast experience on the biggest stages, which would round off Washington's protection nicely if Paul departs.
Commanders could sign Rico Dowdle
- Running Back | Carolina Panthers
The running back dynamic in Washington is an interesting one. Chris Rodriguez Jr. has taken over the lead role and is doing enough to earn a new deal this offseason. Although seventh-round rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt's meteoric rise to prominence stalled drastically, hopes remain high that he can become a long-term contributor with a bit of extra polish during his second offseason with the club.
Jeremy McNichols is a free agent and might not return. The Commanders could look to the draft, but with only six picks right now, it's difficult to predict which way Adam Peters will go. But if Rico Dowdle hits the market, he's well worth considering.
Dowdle was the catalyst behind the Carolina Panthers' renaissance this season. However, murmurings about friction with head coach Dave Canales could lead to his departure.
Commanders could sign Wan'Dale Robinson
- Wide Receiver | New York Giants
The Commanders might need reinforcements at the wide receiver position this offseason. Terry McLaurin, Luke McCaffrey, and Jaylin Lane will be back. Deebo Samuel Sr. could get extended, and the same goes for Treylon Burks. Aside from that, Washington should remove everyone else from the equation.
Adding some cheaper options in the second and third waves of free agency is a strong possibility. Wan'Dale Robinson is expected to be in that category, according to some experts. However, don't be surprised if the ascending wideout is more coveted than people realize if the New York Giants let him test the market.
Robinson is currently enjoying the best season of his professional career at the perfect time. That's going to drive up the price, but the Commanders could do a lot worse.
Commanders could sign Jaquan Brisker
- Safety | Chicago Bears
Things have not gone according to plan at the safety position this season. Will Harris suffered an early injury, and his presence has been sorely missed. But this unit's underachievement centers squarely on Quan Martin's alarming regression, despite expectations of a legitimate breakout campaign from the third-year pro.
This would be a good time to find an accomplished presence with his best years ahead of him. It seems unlikely that the Chicago Bears would let Jaquan Brisker hit the open market. If they do, the Commanders should be among the first to pick up the phone.
What that means for Martin's future is anyone's guess. But the time for half-measures is over.
Commanders could sign George Pickens
- Wide Receiver | Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys took a significant risk by trading for wide receiver George Pickens. To say it's paid off handsomely would be an understatement, with the gifted pass-catcher silencing his doubters through elite production that is going to make him a ton of money on his next deal.
Pickens is a legitimate No. 1 wide receiver. Reports of being a locker room distraction haven't been evident in Dallas. He's on the fast track to superstardom, so the Cowboys would probably need to shell out around $30 million per year or more to keep him around.
Jerry Jones should find a way. If he doesn't, then the Commanders could strike and get one over on their most hated rival.
Commanders could sign Isaiah Likely
- Tight End | Baltimore Ravens
As previously mentioned, the Commanders could use another athletic tight end to take over from veteran Zach Ertz, especially if Ben Sinnott doesn't show anything over Washington's final six games of the campaign. And if he gets the opportunity to explore other possibilities, Isaiah Likely will be high on several teams' wish lists.
The Baltimore Ravens saw something in the Coastal Carolina product that others didn't. Likely has rewarded them by becoming a decent pass-catcher and a trusted weapon for quarterback Lamar Jackson. With Mark Andrews on his way out, the franchise might look to extend the player and give him the TE1 spot full-time.
If he walks, this looks like a fantastic fit for the Commanders.
Commanders could sign Riq Woolen
- Cornerback | Seattle Seahawks
The Commanders need more at the cornerback spot. Marshon Lattimore tore his ACL and could be released with $18.5 million in salary cap savings attached. Mike Sainristiil and second-round rookie Trey Amos will be around, but the jury is still out on the rest.
Riq Woolen has the size and length to become an asset in Dan Quinn's defensive system. Speculation was rampant about the defensive back potentially being traded before the 2025 deadline, but nothing materialized. Whether he gets an extension offer remains to be seen. Still, he'd be a sensational addition to fill the potential void left by Lattimore instantly.
Washington needs an experienced presence. Woolen fits the bill if the money suits all parties.