Will Harris - Commanders S
- 2025 salary-cap hit: $2.88 million
The Washington Commanders were widely expected to keep Jeremy Chinn around on a long-term deal. After an outstanding contribution from the standout safety to galvanize his career, most fans were hoping the former second-round pick would be rewarded accordingly by general manager Adam Peters.
That didn't happen. The Commanders let Chinn test the market and decided not to match the offer he received from the Las Vegas Raiders. That represents a calculated risk from Peters, who thought he found a similar option for cheaper on the open market.
The Commanders acted swiftly when Chinn departed. They signed Will Harris to a two-year contract, who looks set to start alongside Quan Martin on the backend after spending last season with the New Orleans Saints.
Harris has the same playing style as Chinn. He came highly recommended by assistant general manager Lance Newmark, who knows the player well from their time together with the Detroit Lions. This looks like another solid scheme fit for Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr.'s system, but the Boston College graduate might not have the same dynamism Chinn brought to the table.
What comes next is down to Harris. There's a chance to start and contribute to a leading Super Bowl hopeful. If he transitions well this offseason, it could be another shrewd piece of business by Peters.
Jacob Martin - Commanders OLB
- 2025 salary-cap hit: $2.4 million
It seemed like Dante Fowler Jr. would be taking his chances elsewhere from a long way out. The edge rusher voiced his displeasure about being disrespected on social media just before the legal tampering period opened. Why he became so disgruntled wasn't revealed, but it didn't exactly paint a promising picture regarding an extended stay in Washington.
These fears proved accurate. Fowler didn't get an acceptable offer from the Commanders despite gaining 10.5 sacks last season. The Dallas Cowboys were only too happy to bring him back after one season away from the franchise.
Adam Peters had a contingency plan lined up. Jacob Martin signed a one-year deal. He's a versatile pass-rusher capable of being moved around to exploit mismatches. His production is nowhere near what Fowler's accomplished throughout his career, but hopes are high that this system and locker-room environment can bring out more.
Martin's been a journeyman throughout his career. He's never achieved more than four sacks in any campaign and featured on 32 percent of the Chicago Bears' defensive snaps in 2024. Asking him to attain double-digit sacks is unrealistic, but if he can do his part on the rotation and also feature prominently on special teams, his signing will be money well spent.