Adam Peters has got a significant amount to do in the coming months. The Washington Commanders took a massive step back in 2025, winning just five games after reaching the NFC Championship game in Year 1 under head coach Dan Quinn. Drastic measures are needed to ensure this lost campaign becomes a blip rather than the start of anything more concerning.
The onus is on Peters to implement the correct roster upgrades. He's got six selections in the 2026 NFL Draft, but only two of those are in the first four rounds. The Commanders do have money to spend in free agency, which could exceed $100 million once the required sacrifices, early extensions, and potential restructures are confirmed.
First, the Commanders must decide on their own free agents. Some veterans will be moved on without much fanfare attached. Others are a little more difficult to figure out, but Peters must be ruthless and aggressive in equal measure if he wants Washington to get out of its current slump.
With this in mind, here are seven impending free agents who could give Peters more headaches than most before their futures are decided.
Impending Commanders free agents who have Adam Peters in a brutal dilemma
Drake Jackson - Commanders DE
It's no secret that the Washington Commanders need to fortify their pass-rush this offseason. Adam Peters acknowledged as much during his end-of-season media availability, and this was welcomed by fans and experts alike.
The Commanders looked old, slow, and incapable of generating consistent pressure last season. This capitulated even further when Dorance Armstrong Jr.'s breakout year ended abruptly with a significant knee injury. It was a brutal wake-up call for Peters, so he's right to prioritize the defensive edge this time around.
This will likely involve several new additions to the ranks. Not everyone is going to come along for the ride, which means Drake Jackson's future is firmly under a cloud until further notice.
Washington signed Jackson after his time with the San Francisco 49ers came to an end. He immediately went to injured reserve to continue his long recovery from some serious issues. The former USC star managed to feature three times down the stretch, gaining four pressures and three tackles. That was a step in the right direction, but whether it's enough for another contract is another matter.
Peters obviously likes him, and Jackson could enhance his influence with a full offseason to prepare and get into prime physical shape. He could just as easily be let go as part of Daronte Jones' expected defensive revolution.