The Washington Commanders have almost no margin for error this offseason. General manager Adam Peters has the second-most cap space anywhere in the league, but spending it effectively is a completely different matter.
There is now an urgency to change the Commanders' trajectory after a five-win campaign in 2025. At the same time, Washington is a prime bounce-back candidate if they have a strong offseason. There is a fine line between success and failure, which could lead Peters to take some additional risks when the free-agent frenzy commences.
Peters relied heavily on aging veterans on one-year deals last spring. He also ran it back with the large majority that got Washington to the NFC Championship game in Year 1 under head coach Dan Quinn. That didn't go according to plan, but the front-office leader maintained the team's future financial flexibility. That bodes well for what promises to be a fascinating few weeks for fans.
With this in mind, here are eight high-risk free agents who could make or break the Commanders' offseason in 2026.
Boom or bust free agents who could make or break the Commanders' offseason
Commanders could sign Brandon Aiyuk
We'll start here, because even though Brandon Aiyuk is not technically a free agent right now, his departure from the San Francisco 49ers is imminent. And the Commanders are unsurprisingly at the forefront of speculation regarding his next destination.
Aiyuk is extremely close with quarterback Jayden Daniels. He has a prior connection to Adam Peters from their time together in San Francisco. The front-office leader even praised him during his media availability at the NFL Scouting Combine, so it's not hard to connect the dots.
There are grave concerns. Aiyuk's recent injury history is deeply concerning. Peters will also need to find out exactly what went down with the Niners and the player before giving this potential acquisition the green light.
Commanders could sign Riq Woolen
The Commanders released veteran cornerback Marshon Lattimore, which was always the inevitable outcome. However, the four-time Pro Bowler still leaves a hole that must be filled.
Washington's cornerback room is understrength right now. Mike Sainristil and Trey Amos will be back, but if defensive coordinator Daronte Jones wants his scheme to flourish, he needs another physical presence on the boundary who can handle press coverage effectively.
John Keim of ESPN revealed that the Commanders are expected to make a bold bid for one of the top free agents set to his the market. Riq Woolen ticks the boxes on paper, but he will need to improve his discipline to justify the expected financial commitment.
Commanders could sign Haason Reddick
The Washington Commanders need more help along the defensive edge. This is no surprise to fans, and general manager Adam Peters acknowledged it's an area he plans to attack aggressively during his third offseason at the helm.
Dorance Armstrong Jr. will be back and should have an important role to play if there are no lingering effects from the knee injury sustained last season. Reports suggest that Jacob Martin will be re-signed, but he's nothing more than a rotational piece. More is needed, so expect the Commanders to be bold in free agency to find the upgrades needed.
Some big names are being considered. Haason Reddick's name hasn't really been touted as a top-end option, but he might be a risk worth taking if the price is right.
Reddick was among the league's most prolific edge rushers once upon a time. The last two seasons haven't been nearly as productive, so it would be a big gamble from the Commanders' perspective.
Commanders could sign Austin Corbett
Releasing starting center Tyler Biadasz came as a massive shock to everyone associated with the Commanders. Some insiders were leaning toward the veteran getting a new deal in advance, but Adam Peters opted to remove him from the equation.
The Commanders don't need the money, suggesting a major schematic shift. Washington extended Nick Allegretti, who'll likely get the chance to at least compete for the starting job. Even so, this might not be enough if new offensive coordinator David Blough wants to hit the ground running.
Another option could be sought. Whether that's in free agency or the draft remains to be seen, but someone like Austin Corbett has the pass-blocking capabilities and zone-blocking experience that could fit well into Washington's plans. He'd also be a cost-effective option, which is another plus.
There are concerns. Corbett has dealt with various injuries over the last three years. That will need to be checked out before taking the plunge.
Commanders could sign Kaden Elliss
There could be changes coming at the linebacker position. Daronte Jones wants versatility and dynamism at his second level of defense. Bobby Wagner, a future Pro Football Hall of Famer with 2,000 career tackles, no longer boasts these traits at this late stage of his playing career.
Frankie Luvu does, and he should play an integral role. Jordan Magee will be an asset to the rotation and possibly more. But the Commanders could use another dependable option to cover all their bases.
There are some big names to consider. Kaden Elliss would be in the second tier, but he's among the best blitzing linebackers in the league. That could be precisely what Jones is seeking as part of a creative, aggressive defensive system in Washington.
Elliss has flaws, especially in coverage. He is also the wrong side of 30 now, so the Commanders might be looking for someone younger with a more well-rounded skill set when push comes to shove.
Commanders could sign Eddy Piñeiro
It seems as if the Washington Commanders might be looking for a new starting kicker once again in 2026. NFL insider Jordan Schultz revealed that general manager Adam Peters will not be triggering Jake Moody's restricted free-agent tender. Though he could still be re-signed, much will depend on what options come on the open market beforehand.
There is also the draft or undrafted free agency to consider. Either way, this carousel has gone on for long enough. The Commanders need to find a legitimate option capable of solidifying the kicking position for years to come. Taking a swing at Eddy Piñeiro could be an option, but it also comes with significant concerns.
Piñeiro is widely considered among the most accurate kickers in league history, at least statistically. However, his leg is not the biggest by any stretch, and there is a history of not coming through in the biggest moments. That should give the Commanders enough reasons to look elsewhere.
Commanders could sign Tyquan Thornton
The Commanders are looking for more firepower to place around quarterback Jayden Daniels. Terry McLaurin is the only prolific wide receiver under contract, although Adam Peters remains bullish on the long-term outlook of Luke McCaffrey and Jaylin Lane.
That won't be enough, especially if Deebo Samuel Sr. doesn't get re-signed. The Commanders don't have a burner who can take the top off defenses as a legitimate deep threat. Tyquan Thornton offers that trait, but there are also some significant red flags that must be investigated before making this move.
Thornton has missed a lot of football over the past few years due to injury. He played 14 games for the Kansas City Chiefs last season, bringing in 19 receptions from 37 targets for 438 receiving yards and three touchdowns. That was the best production of his four-year career to date, but whether this is his ceiling or not remains to be seen.
Commanders could sign Sheldon Rankins
The Commanders' defensive front is another area of the field that could use some extra quality. All signs point to Daron Payne coming back without a contract extension, and he should be highly motivated to silence some increasing doubters in the final year of his deal.
Javon Kinlaw's big-money move last year failed to yield the desired results, but new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones praised his versatility during his introductory press conference. Johnny Newton seems more like a pass-rushing specialist rather than someone capable of being a three-down force, which is deeply disappointing.
If Jones plans to move Washington's scheme to a 3-4 base front, the Commanders need a genuine space-eater at the nose tackle spot who can free up space for others. This is dirty work that goes largely unnoticed, but it's integral nonetheless.
Sheldon Rankins might be a possibility. But he'll be 32 soon, and the Commanders may want to think a little younger.