The Washington Commanders have a clear path toward fixing their problems this offseason. It's still a tall order, but general manager Adam Peters is better positioned than most around the league.
Washington currently ranks fifth in the NFL in salary cap space, with a projected $74.55 million. There will also be opportunities to add to that number through potential releases and trades.
That said, Peters' offseason plan is going to be easier said than done. It's great to have money in the bank, but using it well is a totally different story.
Commanders can't afford to waste their money during a pivotal offseason
Fans who still have PTSD from the Dan Snyder era surely need no reminders of the many times Washington splurged on big names in free agency just to have them backfire. From washed-up superstars like Deion Sanders to the infamous Albert Haynesworth contract, there's a long history of exciting acquisitions that haven't panned out.
During his two seasons in Washington, Peters has already made a few similar mistakes, most notably trading for cornerback Marshon Lattimore and overpaying for defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw. He's going to need to be much more careful with his assets this offseason, and 106.7 The Fan's Nick Ashooh highlighted the importance of substance over name value.
"Commanders could use an edge rusher and probably about five more... they could use a receiver, and they got the money to spend. And that's the key, is that you can have the money to spend, but you've also got to make smart decisions. You have to bring in more talent, period."Nick Ashooh, 106.7 The Fan
Nick Ashooh makes it VERY simple for the Commanders offseason needs: TALENT! pic.twitter.com/oKvKvLhu8R
— 106.7 The Fan (@1067theFan) February 16, 2026
As has been said many times, Peters's primary emphasis will be on signing younger free agents, unlike in the past two years. Washington doesn't need any more Bobby Wagners or Zach Ertzs or Von Millers. They should be done signing "locker room guys" and certainly done signing ring-chasing veterans in their twilight years.
The Commanders can likely afford to make one or two big splashes while using the rest of their resources on potential value pickups. Still, those splashes have to be worth it. Paying too much for someone like Kinlaw when you can find more production for less money is not worth it.
Two years ago, Peters signed a second-team All-Pro in Frankie Luvu for barely $10 million per year. He'll need to strike similar magic this time around while reconstructing Washington's roster based on fit and team needs, not desperation spending.
And his strategy better work.