Frankie Luvu - Commanders LB
The Washington Commanders forced Frankie Luvu into a role he wasn't entirely comfortable with last season. With injuries decimating the defensive unit, the second-team All-Pro linebacker was asked to spend more time on the edge. He did it to help the team, but his influence waned dramatically.
Thankfully, that won't be the plan moving forward. Daronte Jones wants Luvu back as an instinctive off-ball force at the second level. Washington's acquisitions to the pass-rush give them the depth needed to ensure he won't be needed for anything else.
That can only be a good thing. Luvu also got added help in the linebacker room after the Commanders signed Leo Chenal. With Bobby Wagner no longer around, he's the new alpha. And he needs to perform like it.
This is a contract year for Luvu. And his chances of a new deal are almost entirely dependent on next season's efforts.
Nick Allegretti - Commanders OL
The Commanders raised more than a few eyebrows before free agency by releasing starting center Tyler Biadasz. This stunned fans and analysts alike, and Washington has done almost nothing to fill the void since.
No free agents have been acquired. The Commanders may look towards the 2026 NFL Draft, but with only two picks in the first four rounds, that might be difficult. There was one notable transaction, which centered on Washington's surprising decision to extend Nick Allegretti early.
Allegretti started at the center position when Biadasz got hurt late in the campaign. He obviously performed well enough to convince the Commanders, but giving him a clear run to the starting job long-term seems foolish.
More competition should arrive for Allegretti at some stage. Even so, this is a prime opportunity for the Illinois product, given that most expected him to be a salary-cap cut candidate.
Dorance Armstrong Jr. - Commanders DE
It was no shock to see Adam Peters address the edge rushing position with the urgency it required this offseason. The Commanders needed several new faces to apply more pressure on opposing quarterbacks, and the general manager delivered during free agency.
The Commanders got arguably the best available option in Odafe Oweh, who signed a four-year, $100 million deal with $68 million guaranteed. Washington gambled on K'Lavon Chaisson after his breakout campaign with the New England Patriots, and Charles Omenihu also agreed to join the ranks as a versatile rotational piece.
These acquisitions were extremely well received. This also sets the stage for Dorance Armstrong Jr., who was on track for a career-best year in 2025 before a serious knee injury significantly dented his progress.
Armstrong is making good progress. He'll have more space to work next season, so taking advantage of it could be the difference between a new deal and not in a contract year.