Commanders could sign Nakobe Dean
Changes could be coming to the Washington Commanders' linebacking corps this offseason. Bobby Wagner wants to keep playing, which will be his 15th season of a future Pro Football Hall of Fame career. Whether that'll be with the team he's spent the last two years with or not remains a hot topic of discussion.
Frankie Luvu and Jordan Magee should have roles to play. Still, the Commanders need a more athletic linebacker to fill the void if Wagner departs as expected.
Though he's dealt with some injury issues throughout his career, Nakobe Dean remains a decent option with his best years ahead if the money works out.
The 2022 third-round pick showed what he could do in a full season, racking up 130 tackles and three sacks for the Philadelphia Eagles during their 2024 campaign that resulted in the Super Bowl. Everything needs to be satisfactory on the medical front, but this would provide the explosiveness Washington desperately needs at the defensive second level.
Commanders could sign Wan'Dale Robinson
The Commanders need more firepower for quarterback Jayden Daniels. New offensive coordinator David Blough wants to build the team's passing attack around wide receiver Terry McLaurin, which is the right move. Unfortunately, that won't nearly be enough.
Washington has the money needed to make a splash in free agency if the situation presents itself. They need a young, dynamic weapon with proven capabilities at the highest level. Wan'Dale Robinson is one of the more intriguing possibilities, especially if Deebo Samuel Sr. takes his chances elsewhere in free agency.
Robinson put together an exceptional campaign for the New York Giants in 2025, bringing in 92 receptions for 1,011 receiving yards and four touchdowns. He's now looking to cash in when the legal tampering window opens, and the former Kentucky standout looks tailor-made for the projected pro-style scheme that Blough plans to run in Washington.
Commanders could sign Dane Belton
Daronte Jones singled out almost every safety under contract with the Commanders during his introductory press conference, highlighting their versatility and athleticism as potential fits within his defensive system. But the moves Adam Peters makes on the back end of his defense will be far more telling.
The Commanders cannot stand pat. This group fluffed their lines last season. Changes are needed. Attacking this with a potential high-end draft pick and a dependable veteran in free agency wouldn't be the worst idea in the world.
If the Commanders are looking for someone a little under the radar, Dane Belton ticks a lot of boxes. He came of age with the New York Giants last season, recording 120 tackles and becoming a force against the run through instinctive playmaking and physical explosiveness. If he can improve in coverage under Jones, this could be a shrewd addition.