Although general manager Adam Peters didn't go after some of the more prominent names in the free-agent market, he's done a good job of fortifying problem positions and maintaining continuity. He's also continued with the same trend that proved so successful during his first offseason at the helm.
Very few players got lengthy commitments. One-year deals for veterans looking for a new challenge were preferred once again. It was a recipe for success last time around. Peters is hoping for similar returns from his 2025 free agency class.
Aside from the bombshell splash for prolific left tackle Laremy Tunsil and the three-year, $45 million deal given to Javon Kinlaw, the Commanders adopted a methodical approach to their roster construction with Peters leading the charge. He's counting on experience to spearhead another potential playoff bid in 2025. That might have an impact on the development of younger players on the squad, but it's a reflection of the team's current status.
The Commanders are no longer tagged as a rebuilding team. Their Super Bowl window is open and Peters is under pressure to capitalize on Jayden Daniels' rookie contract before things get much more expensive. That's led to a slight pivot, which was necessary in the circumstances.
With that being said, we graded Washington's latest five free-agent signings in 2025. We'll begin with intriguing offensive lineman Nate Herbig.
Grading the latest five Commanders free-agent signings in 2025
Commanders signed Nate Herbig
The Washington Commanders seem comfortable with what they have on the offensive line after making another blockbuster trade. Laremy Tunsil was brought in at great expense to provide quarterback Jayden Daniels with an elite blindside protector. This will involve some shuffling around for others, but that's the price of progress.
Solidifying depth was the next objective for Adam Peters. There were a few eyebrows raised when Michael Deiter got another one-year deal. Another move brought far more intrigue.
The Commanders reportedly signed Nate Herbig to a one-year deal. He missed the entire 2024 campaign through injury but wants to continue his playing career. If the former undrafted free agent out of Stanford can get back to anything like his old self, he's well worth bringing into the fold.
Herbig is no stranger to the NFC East after spending the first three years of his playing career with the Philadelphia Eagles. He's versatile enough to play anywhere along the offensive line interior, although his best production came at the right guard spot. That could be where the Commanders need help considering Sam Cosmi is set to miss most if not all of the 2025 campaign with a torn ACL.
- Signing grade: B+
It's not costing the Commanders much to find out if Herbig still has something left in the tank. He's got a clean bill of health following his torn rotator cuff, so it'll be interesting to see if he can establish himself.