Adam Peters transformed the Washington Commanders roster during his first offseason as general manager. He was unhappy with the current state of affairs and reacted accordingly, acquiring a nice blend of youth and experience to kick-start this extensive rebuild.
The Commanders are ahead of schedule. They sit at 8-5 through 13 games and have altered perceptions around the league. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, players are reportedly telling their agents to engineer moves to Washington rather than doing everything possible to avoid the franchise when Dan Snyder held absolute power.
Washington is in a good position. They have seven draft selections despite giving up capital for cornerback Marshon Lattimore. The Commanders also boast an abundance of salary-cap space to attract veteran acquisitions that fit into their way of thinking.
This is an exciting time for every fan. No longer are the Commanders among the league's laughingstocks. They are moving with purpose, professionalism, and stability under Peters. And the respected front-office leader is just getting started.
With this in mind, here are 10 free agents for the Commanders' wish list in 2025 at the team's bye week.
Free agents for the Commanders' wish list in 2025 at the bye week
Commanders could target Carlton Davis III
- Cornerback | Detroit Lions
Despite acquiring Marshon Lattimore via trade from the New Orleans Saints, the Washington Commanders might not be done with adding cornerbacks under the new regime. This bears more significance if Benjamin St-Juste, Michael Davis, and Noah Igbinoghene don't return in free agency.
Emmanuel Forbes Jr. was released, ending the former first-round pick's disastrous spell with the organization. Lattimore and Mike Sainristil are core foundational pieces for the future. That won't be enough to hang with the NFL's elite.
Carlton Davis III looks like a good scheme fit. He's shone for the Detroit Lions this season, playing 89 percent of defensive snaps and giving up just 56.5 percent of targets thrown in his direction. The NFC's top seed has enough spare cash to make him a decent offer, but the Commanders should be ready to swoop in the event they cannot come to a mutually beneficial arrangement.
Other options will be considered. But Davis' production, experience, and mentality are exactly what head coach Dan Quinn typically looks for in his defensive backs.