Commanders could sign Odafe Oweh
As previously mentioned, the Washington Commanders are desperately seeking more explosiveness off the defensive edge. Adam Peters has ignored this position for far too long. Now is the time to prioritize, and Daronte Jones' defense won't go very far if it cannot apply consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Going down the draft route with a young, cheap option will be considered, potentially at No. 7 overall. But with cash to spend, the Commanders must target the top-end of this year's free-agent market for a statement upgrade.
We've already discussed Trey Hendrickson, who's older but is easily the most accomplished option on the market. If the Commanders want to go younger with more long-term upside, Odafe Oweh comes firmly under the microscope.
Oweh is athletic, ferocious, and explosive. His relentless motor and intriguing length make him the perfect candidate to give Washington's edge an injection of energy. It won't be cheap, but it could be a risk worth taking.
Commanders could sign Bryan Cook
The Commanders need more at the safety position. Defensive coordinator Daronte Jones praised the options already around during his introductory press conference, but nobody who watched this underperforming unit closely last season would disapprove of wholesale changes on the back end.
Washington remains a potential landing spot for Ohio State safety Caleb Downs in the 2026 NFL Draft. But if the Commanders find the right free-agent fit, Adam Peters won't hesitate to pull the trigger.
Paying veteran safeties isn't typically Peters' approach. Letting Kamren Curl and Jeremy Chinn walk in consecutive offseasons is proof positive of that. However, there needs to be a shift in approach this time, and the Commanders could do far worse than to examine Bryan Cook's credentials in greater detail.
Cook was once again one of the league's premier safeties in 2025. The Kansas City Chiefs aren't known for paying defensive backs, so there is a good chance he'll be there for the taking.
Commanders could sign Alec Pierce
There are rumors around Terry McLaurin that no fan wants to contemplate right now. Matthew Berry of NBC Sports, citing a trusted team source, revealed that this could be the prolific wide receiver's last year with the Commanders. That seems inconceivable, but nothing should be completely dismissed.
McLaurin eventually signed an extension last summer after a long standoff. There is no guaranteed money after 2026, so it's another wait-and-see scenario. Adam Petters cannot leave anything to chance, so this could be the offseason where Washington spends big in free agency to find a potential long-term replacement.
Alec Pierce didn't get tagged by the Indianapolis Colts. The AFC South club is still hoping to tie him down long term, but the wideout also wants to be a legitimate WR1. He may not be that in Washington with McLaurin around, but it's a strong insurance policy if the second-team All-Pro does leave after next season.