One could forgive Washington Commanders fans for feeling regretful during the Super Bowl. Dan Quinn's squad was so close to reaching the NFL's pinnacle before defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship game. As it turned out, they lost to the eventual hoisters of the prestigious Vince Lombardi trophy.
The Super Bowl was a procession. Philadelphia's dominant defense imposed themselves immediately. The Kansas City Chiefs had no answer and the contest was over way before the confetti came from the rafters.
Washington was the last team to beat the Eagles this season. They went 1-2 against their bitter NFC East rivals, but there is legitimate hope for the future. The Commanders must urgently find the right reinforcements this offseason to keep pace with the defending champions in 2025.
Adam Peters is well-positioned to make improvements. The Commanders are loaded with salary-cap space and also boast seven draft selections. Expect the general manager to be aggressive while also keeping the future in mind given the need to maximize quarterback Jayden Daniels' rookie contract.
Adding players who know how to win and can fit into the new culture is essential. With this in mind, here are five Super Bowl stars the Commanders must target in 2025 free agency.
Super Bowl stars the Commanders must target in 2025 free agency
Commanders must target Zack Baun
Bobby Wagner outlined his desire to continue playing despite his advancing years. The perennial All-Pro linebacker was a driving force for the Washington Commanders in 2024 — both on and off the field. A new deal should be there if he wants it, but taking on a different challenge couldn't be completely dismissed either.
The Commanders will make contingencies for every eventuality. If something cannot be worked out with Wagner, identifying another prolific veteran from the free-agent pool seems like a realistic avenue of pursuit.
Zack Baun would arguably be the best available on the market if the Philadelphia Eagles cannot work out an extension. The linebacker was nothing short of sensational throughout the campaign, displaying outstanding run support and exceptional coverage to play a leading role in Philadelphia's outstanding year that eventually ended with a Super Bowl.
Baun also made himself a ton of money along the way. This will be the best chance he's ever had of accumulating generational wealth. There should also be a robust free-agent market for the second-level enforcer if the Eagles let things get that far.
This should be considered by the Commanders if Wagner doesn't return. Weakening a division rival only sweetens the pot.
Commanders must target Josh Sweat
One of the biggest problems that eventually led to the Washington Commanders' undoing centered on the trenches. Both sides of the football were found wanting against the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship game. Considering the newly crowned Super Bowl champions reside in the same division, rectifying these issues should be among Adam Peters' biggest priorities in the coming months.
Fortifying the pass rush is crucial. The Commanders trod water with the options available, but they needed a legitimate game-wrecking force capable of turning the tide. Especially considering the strength of Philadelphia's vaunted offensive line.
This is a deep draft class for defensive linemen and edge rushers, so Peters could go down the college route for reinforcements. The Commanders are also being linked with a bold trade for Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett. Whether this amounts to anything more than speculation is debatable.
If the Commanders opt to invest in free agency, Josh Sweat comes into the equation. His performance in the Super Bowl was outstanding, causing constant havoc and making life extremely uncomfortable for All-Pro quarterback Patrick Mahomes. This won't go unnoticed by teams looking for edge help this spring.
Acquiring Sweat won't be cheap. However, the Commanders have more than enough spare financial resources to pull this off.
Commanders must target Justin Reid
The safety position wouldn't be a significant need for the Commanders heading into the offseason. That will change depending on Jeremy Chinn's future with the franchise.
Washington took a chance on Chinn in free agency last year. He was down on his luck after being relegated to an afterthought with the Carolina Panthers. Linking up with Dan Quinn in a scheme that suited his athletic attributes saw the defensive back galvanize his outlook.
Chinn was explosive and instinctive. It wasn't perfect, but the improvements were encouraging. His partnership with Quan Martin on the back end comes with a long-term upside attached. It would be surprising if Washington and the former second-round pick out of Southern Illinois didn't work out an extension.
If Chinn gets a better offer from elsewhere, the Commanders must pivot accordingly. Justin Reid would be on the pricey side, but one could argue he'd be a substantial upgrade on anything Washington has at its disposal currently.
The Kansas City Chiefs were never in the game as their historic three-peat fell short. Reid was among the very few to emerge with credit, trying valiantly to turn the tide. It wasn't enough thanks to the failings of others, but his performance is only going to increase interest if the AFC champions let him test the market.
Commanders must target Milton Williams
The Washington Commanders have some difficult decisions to make on their defensive line interior this offseason. This received significant investment under previous regimes. Unfortunately, not many lived up to their lofty billing.
Rookie second-rounder Johnny Newton flashed promise and should improve further with another summer to develop. Daron Payne's contract looks difficult to get off right now, so he'll be on the books. That might not be the case with Jonathan Allen despite his outstanding leadership within the locker room.
Allen's performances have regressed over the last two seasons. The Commanders could let him see out the final year of his deal. But if general manager Adam Peters gets the chance to upgrade, he'd be foolish not to consider the possibility.
That brings Milton Williams under the microscope. The Philadelphia Eagles defensive lineman goes relatively under the radar compared to the hype around Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter. That does not detract from his exceptional contribution throughout the campaign.
Williams saved his best for last, gaining plaudits for a superb Super Bowl performance where he gained two sacks and a fumble recovery. This is only going to bolster his bank balance if the Eagles let him test free agency.
They'd like to keep Williams, but the Eagles won't be able to satisfy everybody. The Commanders must throw their hat into the ring if he hits free agency.
Commanders must target Mekhi Becton
The Commanders' problems in the trenches aren't reserved for the defensive side. Their offensive line also struggled at times throughout the campaign, especially when going up against the Philadelphia Eagles' exceptional defensive front.
Washington needs more. This is especially significant considering right guard Sam Cosmi could miss the entire 2025 campaign after tearing his ACL against the Detroit Lions. It's a gaping hole that must be filled effectively.
If the Commanders want to examine free-agent possibilities, Mekhi Becton is a surprising name who could be in line for a decent payday this offseason. Things looked incredibly bleak for the former first-round pick once upon a time. He failed to impose himself on the edge with the New York Jets and was eventually cast aside with little fanfare attached.
This was the wake-up call Becton needed. The Eagles saw something in the player, switching him to the interior. This gamble paid off handsomely.
Becton benefitted greatly from a prolific supporting cast. He was no longer a weak link. His dominant run blocking was a big reason behind Saquon Barkley's sensational year. Fighting through the pain barrier in the Super Bowl en route to another accomplished performance is only going to help his cause.
It's still risky, but Becton's enhanced attitude and improved consistency warrant further investigation if he hits the market.