Commanders could sign Jaelan Phillips
The Washington Commanders need a legitimate game-changer on their defensive edge. One could make a strong case for everyone except Dorance Armstrong Jr. being let go this offseason, though general manager Adam Peters may decide to retain someone like Jacob Martin for depth.
Peters also has cash to spend to achieve this objective. Finding the right fit is more important than any salary cap space. There will be several intriguing options available, and the Commanders could do far worse than examine Jaelan Phillips' credentials in greater detail.
Phillips joined the Philadelphia Eagles via trade from the Miami Dolphins before the 2025 deadline and played well. The veteran revealed after the campaign that he is looking forward to testing free agency for the first time, so it wouldn't be a great surprise to see the Commanders inquire about what it might take to bring him into the fold.
Commanders could sign Reed Blankenship
The Philadelphia Eagles have some monumentally important decisions to make this offseason. There isn't much money to go around, and they have several free agents who would generate significant interest on the open market. General manager Howie Roseman has his work cut out for him, and every team in the league will be watching closely.
Although Reed Blakenship may not have reached the same heights as his Super Bowl-winning campaign, he's young enough to keep growing throughout his prime years. The Commanders also need assistance at the safety position, despite Daronte Jones outlining his confidence in the options currently available.
With 308 tackles in 50 starts, Blakenship does most of his good work closer to the line of scrimmage. If Jones moves the Commanders' defense to a 3-4 front, he'll need this sort of forcefulness and versatility within his secondary. His ability to come on blitzes is something else Washington can put to good use.
Commanders could sign Sam Williams
As previously mentioned, the Commanders are in desperate need of edge-rushing assistance this offseason. Adam Peters recognizes the fact, and it would be a massive letdown if the general manager wasn't ultra-aggressive in his quest to rectify these glaring issues.
The Commanders need starting-caliber upgrades. They also need to enhance their depth with dependable pieces capable of making a difference when the numbers are called. Sam Williams would fall into the latter, but he did manage to put together a full campaign after missing the entire 2024 season due to injury.
Williams and head coach Dan Quinn know each other well from their time together on the Dallas Cowboys. He's got the length for a defensive end, but he's also got enough athleticism to utilize as a 3-4 outside linebacker if that's the direction Daronte Jones plans to go with his unit. This is also unlikely to break the bank.