Will Harris - Commanders S
- 2026 salary-cap saving: $4 million
- Dead cap money: $1 million
Jeremy Chinn became a major asset to the Washington Commanders in 2024. The standout safety was looking to galvanize his career after becoming an afterthought with the Carolina Panthers under defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero. This was the exact environment to do just that.
Chinn was an ever-present and highly productive. His explosiveness, versatility, and high-level instincts provided Washington's defense with a much-needed spark. Unfortunately, this wasn't enough for an extended stay.
The Commanders didn't believe Chinn was worth what he got from the Las Vegas Raiders. They had a contingency plan in mind, signing Will Harris to a two-year deal after the veteran flashed promise last season.
Harris knows assistant general manager Lance Newmark well from their time together on the Detroit Lions. His traits are similar to Chinn's without the dynamism attached. The Commanders are hoping there won't be too big of a drop-off, but they were also right to hedge their bets if this transaction doesn't go according to plan.
Adam Peters gave himself an out regarding Harris' deal entering Year 2. That was the correct call, which would save them $4 million on their 2026 salary cap with just $1 million in dead money attached.
This one could go either way, but Harris' athletic attributes look like a good scheme fit. That represents a decent foundation from which to build.
Dorance Armstrong Jr. - Commanders DE
- 2026 salary-cap saving: $9.33 million (post-June 1 designation)
- Dead cap money: $3 million
The Commanders didn't get enough consistency from their edge-rushing options last season. That has to change if they want to improve their hopes of surpassing the Philadelphia Eagles next season or beyond.
Adam Peters didn't do much to fortify the pass rush this offseason. Clelin Ferrell and Jalyn Holmes were re-signed. Deatrich Wise Jr. came in on a one-year deal from the New England Patriots. Jacob Martin provides versatility, but the journeyman's role hasn't been determined fully.
Washington should rectify this during the 2025 NFL Draft. Peters only has five picks at his disposal right now, but this remains one of his biggest priorities. Regardless of who comes in, much more is expected of Dorance Armstrong Jr. entering his second season with the squad.
Armstrong was a high-priority target for the Commanders in free agency. His previous connection to Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. enabled a smooth transition. There were flashes of exceptional promise as a pass-rusher, securing five sacks and 46 total pressures throughout the campaign.
The player's problems centered on run defense. Armstrong struggled to set a clean edge and was targeted as a weak link for outside runs. This area of his game must progress rapidly to avoid similar complications in 2025.
If not, the Commanders could save some funds by cutting Armstrong with a post-June 1 designation this year.