Washington Commanders fans were eagerly anticipating what the franchise had planned in free agency. Massive alterations were needed, and respected insiders across the NFL expected fireworks. General manager Adam Peters duly delivered.
To say the first wave of free agency was busy for Washington would be an understatement. Peters was ultra-aggressive, prioritizing the defense while also adding to the firepower around quarterback Jayden Daniels. It was a frantic few days, but it was necessary after how things unfolded for the Commanders in 2025.
There was an emphasis on young players coming off their rookie contracts. Peters was no longer relying on aging veterans past their prime. Every massive commitment comes with long-term upside, and with plenty more cash to spend, the Commanders may have more moves to make before and after the 2026 NFL Draft.
Things are looking up. Peters did some self-reflection and altered his strategy accordingly. It's given him extra flexibility during the draft, and the increased competition will make everyone better before a campaign with high stakes attached.
There are still some tweaks to make, but Peters is off to the best possible start. With this in mind, we graded the 12 new signings made by the Commanders during their stunning free agency spending spree.
Grading the first 12 signings from the Commanders' stunning free agency spree
Commanders signed Amik Robertson
The Washington Commanders began free agency with an understated signing. Fans were expecting a big fish to land right out of the gate, but cornerback Amik Robertson was the first acquisition.
This came with a mixed reaction. Robertson is undersized, which is a concern playing alongside Mike Sainristil. However, the veteran is experienced, versatile, and willing to do whatever it takes to help the team. He's heard the criticism, but he doesn't care.
Roberston's arrival shouldn't preclude Adam Peters from signing another free agent. He could wait until the draft to take one at No. 7 overall, with an in-person visit scheduled with shutdown LSU presence Mansoor Delane. If this puts the 2020 fourth-round pick out of Louisiana Tech as a backup or rotational option, this becomes a much better signing.
Having the ability to line up outside or in the nickel isn't a bad asset for Daronte Jones to call upon during his first season as defensive coordinator. Robertson's size can be problematic, so picking his spots will be key to the player's success.
- Signing Grade: B
There is no doubt Robertson is ready to silence his doubters in Washington. But if the Commanders are starting him in Week 1, that represents a risky proposition.
Commanders signed Odafe Oweh
Adam Peters knew what the biggest priority was this offseason. He needed to find more dynamism coming off the defensive edge. Just a few short hours into the legal tampering window, the Washington Commanders made a massive splash that had the entire NFL sitting up and taking notice.
Odafe Oweh signed a four-year, $100 million deal with $68 million guaranteed. The 2021 first-round pick came of age after being traded to the Los Angeles Chargers just before last season's deadline. He gained 10.5 sacks and was a relentless force coming off the edge. His three-sack outing in the playoffs only added more dollars to his demands.
Oweh has the size, length, and burst the Commanders have craved. He'll need to respond positively to being a focal point rather than a rotational piece, but the signs are immensely encouraging.
- Signing Grade: A
There will be lofty expectations on Oweh's shoulders. If he can deliver, this could change everything for the Commanders.
Commanders signed Tim Settle
With defensive coordinator Daronte Jones projected to switch the Commanders to a 3-4 base scheme next season, more was needed in the trenches. Daron Payne is sticking around without a new deal, and Javon Kinlaw's contract is hard to get off. Even so, another capable performer was required.
The Commanders have someone in mind, and it was a popular move. Tim Settle Jr. is back with the team that drafted him. But this reunion is not just sentimental. It can also significantly impact their ability to stop the run in 2026.
Settle is another large body capable of eating space and absorbing double teams. He can operate at the nose tackle position or as a 3-4 defensive end, depending on what Jones has planned. Considering the size of Payne and Kinlaw, this could be a difficult proposition to overcome.
- Signing Grade: A
This will breathe new life into Washington's defensive front. Expect Settle to regain his fan-favorite status in no time.
Commanders signed Leo Chenal
Nobody expected the Washington Commanders to stand pat at the linebacker position this offseason. They might not be done just yet, but signing Leo Chenal was a good place to start.
Chenal signed a three-year deal worth up to $24.75 million. This is nothing more than the player deserved after catching the eye considerably during his stint with the Kansas City Chiefs. Even though it was more on a rotational basis than anything else, he still received rave reviews whenever reps came his way.
One only has to look at how dismayed Chiefs fans were by Chenal's departure to see how highly they regarded him. He's fast, instinctive, and dynamic. He's a force against the run, can be a massive asset on blitzes, and has the athleticism to hold his own in coverage. He also looks more than ready for increased responsibilities.
- Signing Grade: A+
Adam Peters has made many signings so far. Acquiring Chenal could be the best.
Commanders signed K'Lavon Chaisson
One big splash wasn't going to be enough at the edge-rushing spot this offseason. Adam Peters recognized this, taking a chance on K'Lavon Chaisson after committing a significant amount to Odafe Oweh.
Chaisson is betting on himself with a one-year deal that could be worth up to $12 million with incentives. He's coming off a breakout campaign with the New England Patriots, which finally started to fulfill his pre-draft promise. Keeping this high production up is the next challenge, but this looks like a good fit.
- Signing Grade: B+
Daronte Jones needs athletic edge rushers who can wreak relentless havoc. Based on last season's efforts, Chaisson could be a solid addition.
Commanders signed Chig Okonkwo
With Zach Ertz in his career twilight and coming off a torn ACL, he was never likely to return in free agency. Fortunately, Adam Peters had something else up his sleeve in the form of Chig Okonkwo.
The Commanders committed to a three-year, $30 million deal with Okonkwo, so they obviously have big plans. His work as a blocker isn't great, but Washington has John Bates and Ben Sinnott for that. The Maryland product's task will be in the passing game, and David Blough can move him around to create mismatches and capitalize on his ability after the catch.
- Signing Grade: A
Okonkwo could be a game-changer for Jayden Daniels. And he is eager to become one of the league's best in Washington.
Commanders signed Nick Cross
Daronte Jones may have praised almost every safety under contract during his introductory press conference, but nobody expected the Commanders to run it back. That notion proved accurate when the club signed Nick Cross.
While Cross doesn't excel in coverage, he has other useful traits. He's instinctive, hard-hitting, and versatile. He does his best work closer to the line of scrimmage, and this helps fill the gaping void left by Jeremy Chinn last year.
- Signing Grade: A
Considering the money attached to Cross, this was a risk well worth taking. And if anyone can help him grow, it's Jones.
Commanders signed Charles Omenihu
Adam Peters wasn't going to leave anything to chance in his edge-rushing room. Odafe Oweh and K'Lavon Chaisson weren't enough. The Commanders wanted to solidify their depth with another versatile, proven producer, and Charles Omenihu was their guy.
Omenihu took time to get going with the Kansas City Chiefs last season. That wasn't surprising, given the player was coming off a torn ACL. But with a full preparation period this summer, there could be more to come.
- Signing Grade: B
This signing also gives the Commanders an option to line up as a 3-4 outside linebacker, 3-4 defensive end, or even a 3-technique rushing from the interior. Hopefully, he stays healthy.
Commanders signed Rachaad White
The Washington Commanders are being strongly linked to wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. But it was another of Jayden Daniels' old college teammates who joined the club first.
Running back Rachaad White made no secret of his desire to join the Commanders. He was even willing to accept a bargain-basement deal to reunite with Daniels. And considering the large role he could play within David Blough's schematic concepts, this could be an absolute steal.
- Signing Grade: A-
If White is used effectively in the passing game and on stretch runs, he can be highly productive in Washington. Having a strong relationship with Daniels will only smooth the transition.
Commanders signed Dyami Brown
Dyami Brown got more from the Jacksonville Jaguars than the Commanders were willing to pay last spring. But after an underwhelming campaign elsewhere, the wide receiver is now back on a one-year deal.
Brown's best football came down the stretch and into the playoffs during Washington's miraculous run to the NFC Championship game. This was enough for Jacksonville to take the plunge, but he once again flattered to deceive.
- Signing Grade: C
Perhaps a return to familiar surroundings will finally light the fire within Brown. His previous chemistry with Jayden Daniels is advantageous. But on a deal worth up to $3 million, the Commanders aren't paying much to find out.
Commanders signed Van Jefferson Jr.
Soon after Brown's arrival was confirmed, the Commanders also confirmed that Van Jefferson Jr. has signed a one-year deal in Washington. Things didn't go quite according to plan with the Tennessee Titans last season, but the struggling AFC South club tasked him with responsibilities he cannot accomplish at this stage of his playing career.
Jefferson's role will be more minimal in Washington. And the experienced figure will know that getting a shot with the Commanders does not necessarily mean he'll be on the 53-man roster in Week 1.
- Signing Grade: C+
Anyone expecting miracles will be out of luck, but this will provide greater depth and increased competition.
Commanders signed Jerome Ford
The Commanders weren't content with one free-agent running back, signing Jerome Ford after his rookie contract with the Cleveland Browns concluded. His departure always seemed inevitable, but he has some prior production that could help with a smooth transition.
Ford may have fallen down the pecking order in Cleveland, but he went over 1,100 yards from scrimmage during the 2023 campaign. If he can reach anything close to these heights in Washington, this is a low-risk move with significant upside attached.
- Signing Grade: B
Making the team is Ford's first objective. If he can do that, there might be a role to play.