The Washington Commanders came agonizingly close to reaching the Super Bowl in their first season under the new regime. The team's NFC Championship loss to the Philadelphia Eagles was a step too far. And now, general manager Adam Peters immediately turns his attention to another pivotal offseason.
Big changes are coming to the playing personnel once again. Head coach Dan Quinn got a tremendous amount out of the options at his disposal in 2024. But if the Commanders want to take that next step into perennial contention, more is needed.
Peters has some huge decisions to make in the coming weeks. The Commanders are well positioned to strengthen the ranks with almost $100 million in salary-cap space and seven draft selections. Before that, the respected front-office leader must first determine the fate of the team's free agents.
The Commanders hedged their bets with most acquisitions under Peters. Very few signings received long-term commitments. Most got one-year, prove-it deals with the promise of more if they prove themselves. Washington must figure out which ones should come along for the ride.
Some will be moved on with little fanfare attached. Others have done more than enough for extensions after sterling efforts throughout a campaign to remember. A select few could legitimately go either way.
Washington has no fewer than 30 free agents. Most are unrestricted, meaning they can sign with other teams quickly if no agreement is reached before the legal tampering period. One has an early restricted free agent tag.
There was a somber feel during the team's locker clearout after losing to the Eagles. Players know that this roster could look unrecognizable again by the time organized team activities resume. Quinn urged them to savor the moment, appreciate each other, and recognize what they accomplished together as a brotherhood.
A fascinating and eventful offseason awaits. If Peters navigates everything as well as he did in year one, another bold playoff bid could be in the offing next time around.
Let's take a look at the Commanders' free agents in 2025.
Commanders unrestricted free agents in 2025
Player & Position | 2024 salary |
---|---|
Bobby Wagner (LB) | $6.5 million |
Marcus Mariota (QB) | $6 million |
Jeremy Chinn (S) | $4.1 million |
K.J. Osborn (WR) | $4 million |
Clelin Ferrell (DE) | $3.75 million |
Tress Way (P) | $3.41 million |
Dante Fowler Jr. (OLB) | $3.25 million |
Michael Davis (CB) | $3.2 million |
Zach Ertz (TE) | $3 million |
Cornelius Lucas (OT) | $2.8 million |
Michael Deiter (OL) | $1.8 million |
Trent Scott (OL) | $1.51 million |
Jamison Crowder (WR) | $1.31 million |
Noah Igbinoghene (CB) | $1.29 million |
Benjamin St-Juste (CB) | $1.27 million |
Olamide Zaccheaus (WR) | $1.27 million |
Dyami Brown (WR) | $1.23 million |
Noah Brown (WR) | $1.21 million |
Nick Bellore (FB/LB) | $1.21 million |
Sheldon Day (DT) | $1.21 million |
Jeff Driskel (QB) | $1.12 million |
Jeremy McNichols (RB) | $1.12 million |
Mykal Walker (LB) | $1.12 million |
Zane Gonzalez (K) | $1.12 million |
Jalyn Holmes (DL) | $1.12 million |
Austin Seibert (K) | $1.12 million |
John Bates (TE) | $1.05 million |
Darrick Forrest (S) | $947,768 |
Kevon Seymour (CB) | $302,400 |
Not everyone is going to be on the books in 2025. That's all part of the NFL's cutthroat business, but the Commanders aren't going to let everyone walk.
Established veterans such as Bobby Wagner and Zach Ertz proved they still have good football left and should get extended. Standout safety Jeremy Chinn silenced his doubters and might be rewarded with a longer-term commitment. Dante Fowler Jr. and Noah Igbinoghene also performed well enough for another go around.
Washington has a tough choice at the kicker spot. Austin Seibert was almost flawless before his injury. Zane Gonzalez stepped into the void and performed relatively well. This represents a tricky conundrum Peters must solve effectively.
The wide receiver dynamic is another interesting one.
Dyami Brown's late-season resurgence won't go unnoticed by others around the league, but he's planning to keep his options open. Noah Brown was decent enough before his serious internal injury. Olamide Zaccheaus' dependability on the rotation came in handy. But keeping all three doesn't seem feasible considering the improvements expected around rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels.
This seems like a good time to move on from John Bates, Darrick Forrest, and Benjamin St-Juste. Marcus Mariota could come back to cement familiarity around Daniels. Tress Way is part of the furniture and still punting well.
Commanders early restricted free agents in 2025
Player and Position | 2024 salary |
---|---|
Chris Rodriguez Jr. (RB) | $915,000 |