The Washington Commanders are looking to make bold moves to get out of their slump in free agency. General manager Adam Peters has cash to spend, but that counts for nothing if the correct strategy isn't in place.
Most fans agree with that. They believe the Commanders should be looking to get younger and more dynamic. Washington had the NFL's oldest roster in 2025, and it showed throughout the season. It was a deeply frustrating campaign where nothing much went right, but at least Peters kept the team's future financial flexibility intact.
But one bold prediction from an NFL insider doesn't quite fit the mold of what the Commanders should be looking for this offseason.
Commanders projected to make bold bid for Mike Evans in free agency, but it makes no sense
Conor Orr of Sports Illustrated thought the Commanders could make a massive statement by luring wide receiver Mike Evans from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Buffalo Bills are reportedly interested, but the analyst thought Washington could offer a tempting financial package to tip the scales in their favor.
"Despite interest from the Bills, Washington can commit more with breathing room under the salary cap. The push to get Jayden Daniels to a Super Bowl before his rookie contract tolls is real, and [Mike] Evans is one of the most quarterback-friendly receivers in the NFL."Conor Orr
Evans is a good player. He's a future Pro Football Hall of Famer who's been one of the league's most productive performers from the moment he entered the NFL as a first-round pick in the 2014 draft. However, the wideout is at the tail-end of his career, and the Commanders should be thinking longer-term.
The former Texas A&M standout dealt with injury problems last season, ending his phenomenal streak of 1,000-yard receiving campaigns since being drafted by the Buccaneers. Evans is still a matchup nightmare when firing on all cylinders, but this looks like the sort of move typically associated with teams looking for one final piece to get over the hump.
Washington is not in that bracket this time around.
It's hard to envisage a scenario where Evans ends his long association with the Buccaneers. But even if he was allowed to test the market, the Commanders shouldn't throw their hat into the ring.
Peters must focus his financial assets on younger players coming off their rookie contracts — players with upside throughout their prime years. There will be a few exceptions, of course, but considering the money it would probably take to get Evans on board, this seems like a non-starter.
Nothing should be completely dismissed at this time of year. Even so, signing Evans would send the wrong message to fans demanding change.