The Washington Commanders are in desperate need of energy and dynamism at the defensive second level. That may not be an opinion shared by general manager Adam Peters if his actions on the first day of legal tampering around the league are any indication.
And one development, in particular, caused significant dismay among large sections of the team's fan base.
New defensive coordinator Daronte Jones has big plans for Frankie Luvu, who should move back to the off-ball spot after being forced into more of an edge rushing role in 2025. Jordan Magee still has promise and should be a rotational asset. But if the Commanders plan to bring back the aging, increasingly exposed Bobby Wagner, that could be a mistake.
More is needed. Unfortunately, the top free agent is now off the market.
Commanders had an affordable solution to their glaring linebacker problem
According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, the Carolina Panthers have agreed to terms with second-team All-Pro linebacker Devin Lloyd. They beat out several suitors for his services, and this came just a few short hours after the NFC South club spent lavish sums to bring in edge rusher Jaelan Phillips from the Philadelphia Eagles.
Peters may not have been interested. But at the eventual price Lloyd went for, he should have been.
Rapoport revealed that the Panthers worked out a three-year, $45 million deal for Lloyd, with $25 million guaranteed. Not exactly chump change, but it could be an absolute bargain based on the player's market projection beforehand.
This was something the Commanders could have easily afforded. Lloyd proved himself as a forceful, well-rounded presence at the second level last season. He'd be an instant upgrade on anything Washington has right now, but Peters opted to sit on his hands and not throw his hat into the ring.
That does seem strange. Other possibilities, such as Tremaine Edmunds, also signed with other teams. Options are dwindling, leading to one of two scenarios, depending on what happens in the coming days.
Either the Commanders are planning to give Wagner another season, or Peters has someone in mind early in the 2026 NFL Draft for a viable, long-term solution that won't cost nearly as much.
That would obviously place Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese firmly under the microscope. The problem is, neither is guaranteed to be around at No. 7 overall. And if the Commanders re-signed Wagner amid their painfully obvious need to get younger, that wouldn't go down particularly well with fans.
It'll be interesting to see what Peters has planned, but not making a bid for Lloyd at this price was an error.