Frankie Luvu - Commanders LB
Frankie Luvu looked like an absolute superstar during his first season with the Washington Commanders. He was a high-priority target for general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn during their first free agency, and he turned down offers from elsewhere to join this ambitious project.
Luvu formed a ferocious second-level partnership with Bobby Wagner. Both earned second-team All-Pro honors and became inspirational forces behind the Commanders' surge to the NFC Championship game. Unfortunately, things didn't go as well for either this time around.
Wagner's age saw him become more exposed than ever in space. Washington's injury crisis forced Luvu to spend more time on the edge, which he wasn't truly comfortable with. Moving him back to an off-ball linebacker role in 2026 is crucial, which should be a simple task for new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones to figure out.
The former Washington State standout has one more year and no guaranteed money left on his deal. Luvu counts $11.25 million against the salary cap, which isn't terrible. But any hopes of getting an extension ahead of time may be gone after a down year — albeit with mitigating circumstances attached.
Like Daron Payne, the Commanders will probably choose to let him play out the contract before making a decision, but there is just no telling for sure.
Laremy Tunsil - Commanders OT
For all the Commanders' struggles during the 2025 campaign, there were a few bright spots amid the abject misery. Adam Peters' blockbuster trade to acquire four-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil was one of them.
The Commanders had to pay a hefty compensation package to the Houston Texans for Tunsil. Although the team fell vastly short of expectations, the blindside enforcer was as advertised, providing elite pass protection and crushing run-blocking capabilities to cement his status among the league's best.
This was immensely positive. And now, Tunsil is on the lookout for another lucrative payday that will keep him in Washington for the remainder of his playing career.
The former Ole Miss standout hasn't been shy about wanting an extension. Tunsil has one more year remaining on his deal, and he'll likely hold out unless the situation is resolved. Peters cannot afford another Terry McLaurin situation, so getting a deal worked out at the earliest possible opportunity would benefit everybody.
That won't be cheap. Projections suggest Tunsil could reset the market with a deal costing $30 million per season. That is a whopping figure, but having an exceptional presence protecting quarterback Jayden Daniels is priceless.
Peters should know this is the best-case scenario. Dragging his feet is not an option.