Washington Commanders fans had been looking forward to the offseason long before the 2025 campaign concluded. A season that promised so much delivered very little, and massive changes were needed to turn the tide.
General manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn were under a fierce microscope. The latter did his part, firing Joe Whitt Jr. and Kliff Kingsbury to signal a new era. After that, all eyes were on Washington's front-office leader when the free-agent frenzy commenced.
Peters needed to change the way he went about his business. The Commanders made mistakes in Year 2 of this project, but they maintained financial flexibility. And the former San Francisco 49ers executive was not going to sit on his hands.
The Commanders were among the most aggressive teams. Twelve new signings have been made, and more could be arriving soon. Fans are starting to believe again, but Peters will know there is still a lot to get through before confidence in their bounce-back chances increases in 2026.
These alterations were extremely welcome, but they may not be good news for everybody. With this in mind, here are four winners and three losers from the Commanders' first wave of free agency.
Winners and losers for the Commanders after the first wave of free agency
Winner No. 1
Laremy Tunsil - Commanders OT
The Washington Commanders struck gold when they traded for five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil. Not much went right for the club in 2025, but this transaction with the Houston Texans was a masterstroke.
Tunsil played at an elite level all season. He didn't earn Pro Bowl or All-Pro honors, but he played like one. As such, the former Ole Miss standout wanted to be paid accordingly.
It was no secret that Tunsil wanted a contract extension in advance. General manager Adam Peters recognized his importance to the franchise and reacted accordingly, agreeing to a two-year, $60.2 million extension with a $32.5 million signing bonus. This keeps the franchise's blindside enforcer under contract until 2029, which is a win-win for everybody.
If that wasn't enough, he also has familiarity with the offensive line next season. Chris Paul tested the market to see what else was out there, but he ultimately re-signed with the Commanders on a one-year deal. And according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, playing next to Tunsil was one of the biggest reasons.
The blocking concepts are going to change under the new offensive coordinator, David Blough. However, Tunsil will remain an integral figure in any success that comes Washington's way.
Loser No. 1
Ben Sinnott - Commanders TE
This offseason was something of a referendum on Ben Sinnott. Veteran tight end Zach Ertz tore his ACL last season and was unlikely to return. If the Washington Commanders made a splash, that would represent a damning indictment of how they perceive the Kansas State product's growth two years into his NFL career.
The Commanders signed Chig Okonkwo to a three-year, $30 million deal. This hints at a featured role for the ex-Maryland standout and also confirms two other things about the unit.
Ertz won't be coming back for a third season. And the jury is still firmly out on Sinnott.
Okonkwo immediately becomes the TE1 as a pass-catching asset. John Bates is one of the best blocking tight ends in the league. That leaves Sinnott as the No. 3 option, and David Blough's blunt assessment of his outlook doesn't exactly bode well for his chances.
Winner No. 2
Frankie Luvu - Commanders LB
There was a real sense of frustration around Frankie Luvu's role in 2025. The Commanders had no option other than to use him more as an edge rusher amid wholesale injury problems. He wasn't comfortable in the spot, but the second-team All-Pro did whatever the coaching staff wanted in difficult circumstances.
Daronte Jones has already declared his intent to make Luvu the instinctive, off-ball linebacker that took the Commanders by storm in his first season. And now, the former Washington State standout has a much-improved supporting cast around him.
Leo Chenal is expected to start alongside him, giving the Commanders an explosive duo at the second level of defense. The edge rushing unit also got a makeover with Odafe Oweh, K'Lavon Chaisson, and Charles Omenihu. This should ensure Luvu stays at linebacker even if injuries strike, which will only serve him well in a contract year.
Loser No. 3
Johnny Newton - Commanders DL
Daronte Jones is projected to switch the Commanders' defense to a 3-4 base front. This will be interchangeable depending on the situation and the players available, but fans are expecting a seismic shift in the schematic concepts under the new coordinator.
Adam Peters has done his part for Jones by acquiring several defensive players who are expected to play key roles next season and beyond. That was imperative after such a torrid campaign in 2025, but for Johnny Newton, it comes with a harsh reality check.
The Commanders have seen flashes from Newton, but nothing that would suggest he's capable of occupying a three-down role. Washington signed Tim Settle in free agency. Javon Kinlaw and Daron Payne are still around and will see the field a lot. That leaves the 2024 second-round pick as a rotational asset in pass-rushing situations.
That may be what Newton is, which is fine. But it is not what the Commanders drafted him to be.
Winner No. 3
Daronte Jones - Commanders DC
The Washington Commanders were blown away by Daronte Jones during the interview process to fill their defensive coordinator vacancy. Head coach Dan Quinn believes that his innovative ideas and aggressive strategy could be exactly what this unit needs. But for this grand plan to work, the personnel needed a massive overhaul this offseason.
This did not go unnoticed by general manager Adam Peters. He rightfully prioritized the defense in the first wave of free agency, filling some critical needs and fortifying depth. More will be required, but Jones is no doubt thrilled with the acquisitions Washington's front-office leader has made so far.
The Commanders are finding young, athletic players who can slot seamlessly into Jones' new system. The pieces are slowly coming together, which is only going to serve the rookie NFL play-caller well in pursuit of hitting the ground running in Washington.
Loser No. 3
Jacory Croskey-Merritt - Commanders RB
The Commanders got much more than they bargained for with Jacory Croskey-Merritt during his rookie season. A meteoric surge from the seventh-round running back got the entire NFL's attention. There was a slight performance dip midway through the campaign, but he managed to finish on the front foot.
Croskey-Merritt should be a part of new offensive coordinator David Blough's plans. The Commanders were not going to stand pat in the backfield, so it was no surprise to see Adam Peters acquire two new faces over the early stages of free agency.
Washington reunited Jayden Daniels with Rachaad White, his old college teammate at Arizona State. He's expected to feature heavily as a dual-threat weapon. There are more unknowns attached to Jerome Ford, who also signed a one-year deal with the club.
This leaves Croskey-Merritt potentially being used as part of a committee. And if the Commanders draft Jeremiyah Love, that'll push him even further down the pecking order.
Winner No. 4
Adam Peters - Commanders GM
Adam Peters was under enormous pressure to shift his approach this offseason. The general manager gambled on aging veterans past their prime as the Commanders went into win-now mode. It didn't go according to plan, so fans were demanding a drastic change of course this time around.
So far, they've got their wish.
Peters was extremely aggressive over the first wave of free agency, signing no fewer than 12 players. There were big splashes, potential bargains, and an emphasis on youth. And the Commanders still have plenty of cash to spend on additional reinforcements if the right opportunities present themselves.
This was the response Commanders fans were looking for. Peters moved with the urgency required, and Washington looks in better shape. Not only in the short-term, but for the years ahead.
If the same trend continues in the coming weeks and months, the Commanders could be a prime bounce-back candidate.