It was a quiet first wave of free agency for the Washington Commanders. Adam Peters made one big splash from the veteran pool but nothing more. Picking guys on one-year deals and looking after those who made a good impression last season were his preferred options.
The Commanders pulled off yet another eye-popping trade to acquire left tackle Laremy Tunsil to protect Jayden Daniels' blindside. They are in win-now mode with a rookie quarterback contract to build around on the back of reaching the NFC Championship game. Peters is taking that into account while also retaining some semblance of future financial flexibility for his grand plans.
This is the stage of recruitment where some value can be had. Most of the big names have new homes. Peters could identify a few more pieces that can help them now and are willing to accept short-term deals.
With this in mind, here are five intriguing players the Commanders could sign over the second wave of free agency. We'll begin with a three-time Pro Bowl pass-rusher who was recently released by an NFC adversary.
Players the Commanders could sign over the second wave of free agency
Commanders could sign Za'Darius Smith
The Washington Commanders made strengthening their defensive front among their biggest priorities this offseason. Middle-of-the-road free agents and a larger-than-expected contract for interior force Javon Kinlaw was the direction Adam Peters chose. That shouldn't prevent him from adding to the group with another proven performer if the money works for all parties.
Za'Darius Smith needs no introduction. The Pro Bowl edge presence gained nine sacks last season for the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions. Unfortunately, this wasn't enough to prevent being released by the team that Washington beat in the divisional round.
Smith is still capable of generating pressure despite being in his career twilight. He can set a clean edge against the run and his 63 total pressures last season ranked 10th league-wide. This is the sort of short-term fix a contending team like the Commanders should be all over.
Peters placed a strong emphasis on experience steering the Commanders into brighter days during his first two recruitment periods at the helm. Smith ticks those boxes, and his ability to perform on the biggest stages would be a tremendous asset to call upon in high-pressure situations.
Maybe Peters is waiting until the draft to see what options could become available. But if he's looking for another quick solution to their edge-rushing problem, Smith is arguably the best remaining on the free-agent market.