Adam Peters is widely expected to be bold in free agency. The Washington Commanders have a surplus of salary-cap space, many roster holes to fill, and only two draft picks in the first four rounds. That dictates the general manager must be aggressive, and fans are expecting swift action.
The Commanders have a chance for a quick turnaround if they can find the right upgrades. They still have some franchise cornerstone pieces to build around, but there are plenty of unknowns as well.
Still, with quarterback Jayden Daniels entering Year 3 of his rookie contract, the urgency to maximize this critical window of opportunity cannot be overstated.
With this in mind, here are eight bank-breaking free agents set to hit the market with the potential to flip the Commanders' script immediately.
Bank-breaking free agents who could transform the Commanders overnight
Commanders could sign Tyler Linderbaum
The Commanders caused a stir by releasing starting center Tyler Biadasz after two seasons. This caught everyone, including his teammates in the locker room, completely off guard. Washington doesn't need the money, so this could be a sign that the Wisconsin product wasn't seen as a good fit within David Blough's new blocking concepts. Â
Nick Allegretti was extended, which indicates he could be in line to compete for the starting job. Even so, the Commanders should be thinking bigger, and Tyler Linderbaum is the best center set to test free agency by a considerable margin.
Resetting the market with Linderbaum when the Commanders have to do the same with left tackle Laremy Tunsil is risky, but the rewards could be substantial.
Commanders could sign Kwity Paye
This will be a theme. The Commanders' pass-rush was anemic and lacked any sort of legitimate threat last season, especially when Dorance Armstrong Jr.'s breakout came screeching to an abrupt halt through injury. More is needed, so fans are expecting Adam Peters to go on the offensive when the legal tampering window opens.
This is a decent market for edge rushers. Peters needs to consult Daronte Jones to see which options could fit seamlessly into his schematic concepts, but Kwity Paye has the size, length, and run-setting ability that should provoke a conversation between those in power.
Paye may not have generated many sacks last season, but he's an exceptional asset against the run who can consistently pressure the quarterback when early momentum is established. His violent hands and supreme motor make him a superb fit for the creative defense Jones plans to implement if the money works for all parties.