Adam Peters' approach took a seismic shift this offseason. The general manager sensed a newfound urgency to make aggressive moves after the Washington Commanders reached the NFC Championship game. He struck with conviction to put his team in the best possible position.
Peters also had to rely on aging veterans. The Commanders had the NFL's oldest roster coming into the season, stemming from years of poor drafting under former head coach Ron Rivera. Not ideal, but it was the only way right now.
Things haven't gone according to plan for the Commanders. This team has regressed considerably. Injuries haven't helped, but everything is slow. Momentum has been lost, and Peters has some more big decisions to make when the offseason arrives.
With this in mind, we projected the fate of every Washington free agent in 2026 at the midseason point.
Predicting the fate of Commanders' 2026 free agents at midseason mark
Chris Paul - Commanders OL
Just when all hope seemed lost for Chris Paul, the offensive lineman got another chance to start amid Brandon Coleman's early struggles. This was his final chance to prove himself, and he seized it with both hands.
The left guard position is Paul's until further notice. And if he keeps playing well, a new contract should be waiting next spring.
Prediction: Re-signed (2-year deal)
Chris Rodriguez Jr. - Commanders RB
The Commanders still have Chris Rodriguez Jr. around, and he's gaining carries after making the 53-man roster. Perhaps he should be used more, especially after Austin Ekeler got hurt and Brian Robinson Jr. was traded, but there is still a lack of trust attached.
He's a restricted free agent, so the Commanders will probably tender him an offer to see if there can be even more progress.
Prediction: Restricted free-agent tender
Tyree Jackson - Commanders TE
Washington must think something of Tyree Jackson to keep him on injured reserve rather than waiving him with a settlement. He's got the size and scope to be impactful, but this health concern represented a devastating blow to his development. Although disappointing, the Commanders might give him another shot.
Prediction: Re-signed (1-year deal)
Lucas Niang - Commanders OT
The same goes for Lucas Niang. Washington brought him in this offseason, and he suffered a season-ending injury almost immediately after. Like Jackson, he was not waived with an injury settlement, which could indicate he gets another shot at establishing himself in 2026.
Prediction: Re-signed (1-year deal)
George Fant - Commanders OT
The Commanders signed George Fant to be an insurance policy in the event their starting offensive tackles and backups go down with injury. He looks pretty far down the pecking order, so the chance of an extended stay is remote.
Prediction: Enter free agency
Eddie Goldman - Commanders DL
The Washington Commanders picked up Eddie Goldman this offseason, and he's formed a key part of the defensive line interior rotation. His ability to stop the run has steadily become an asset, which could lead the veteran to secure another short-term deal from the franchise this offseason if his strong performances continue.
Prediction: Re-signed (1-year deal)
Jeremy McNichols - Commanders RB
Not many thought Jeremy McNichols would make the 53-man roster. Not only did he accomplish this feat, but the veteran running back is a core special teams presence and shone in recent weeks when carries/targets come his way. Don't be surprised if he gets more involved in the coming weeks, which might see another deal on the table.
Prediction: Re-signed (1-year deal)
Josh Johnson - Commanders QB
Veteran quarterback Josh Johnson was acquired this offseason, and he managed to outperform Sam Hartman for the No. 3 job behind Jayden Daniels and Marcus Mariota. The journeyman signal-caller hasn't been needed, and it would be a bombshell of epic proportions if he were extended.
Prediction: Enters free agency or retirement
Trenton Scott - Commanders OT
It was worth keeping Trenton Scott around last offseason. He's experienced, dependable, and versatile. But the fact that he was a healthy scratch against the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday Night Football indicates that the offensive lineman is well on course to becoming surplus to requirements next spring.
Prediction: Enters free agency
Noah Igbinoghene - Commanders CB
After performing fairly well last season as the nickel cornerback, Noah Igbinoghene has gone firmly to the fringes after Trey Amos and Jonathan Jones joined the ranks. There is speculation about a possible trade before the 2025 deadline, but it remains to be seen whether a willing suitor will emerge. Either way, this is probably going to be his last season in Washington.
Prediction: Enters free agency
Jacob Martin - Commanders DE
The Commanders have asked Jacob Martin to do more in recent weeks as the injury bug continues to bite. He's responded well to additional responsibilities, displaying explosiveness as a pass-rusher while also providing a much-needed vocal presence amid the doom and gloom. If this positivity extends over the second half of 2025, he could get another shot.
Prediction: Re-signed (1-year deal)
Tress Way - Commanders P
Tress Way is the model of consistency. The Pro Bowler is not getting any younger, but he is still performing at a high level. While he's not needed as much these days with Dan Quinn going for it so much on fourth down, his flawless composure and leadership are more than enough to extend his long-running association with the franchise.
Prediction: Re-signed (1-year deal)
Noah Brown - Commanders WR
The Commanders gave Noah Brown another one-year deal this offseason despite finishing the campaign on injured reserve. He returned healthy but missed most of the summer due to a knee injury. The wide receiver lasted just two games before going down, and he was eventually put on IR. His qualities are apparent, but Washington can't depend on him anymore.
Prediction: Enters free agency
Deatrich Wise Jr. - Commanders DE
Hopes were high that Deatrich Wise Jr. could become the run-stuffing defensive end the Commanders were desperate for. That looked to be the case early in the campaign, but a devastating setback saw the veteran placed on injured reserve. Washington could bring him back if everything checks out medically. At the same time, they have to get younger.
Prediction: Enters free agency
Andrew Wylie - Commanders OL
The Washington Commanders thrust Andrew Wylie back into the spotlight when Nick Allegretti underperformed at the right guard position. He did well in difficult circumstances, but his removal from the starting lineup when Sam Cosmi returned was inevitable. Much will depend on the money involved and if he gets a better offer elsewhere, but having him as a backup wouldn't be the worst idea in the world.
Prediction: Re-signed (1-year deal)
Matt Gay - Commanders PK
Adam Peters gave Matt Gay the most guaranteed money for a one-year kicker deal in NFL history. It was a rough start, but the veteran was starting to put everything together before a back injury kept him out against the Kansas City Chiefs. The life of a kicker is precarious. But for now, it might be worth giving him another deal.
Prediction: Re-signed (1-year deal)
Jonathan Jones - Commanders CB
Jonathan Jones' time with the Commanders so far has been blighted by injury. The veteran cornerback hasn't been able to generate any momentum as a result, although he is now back in the mix. Despite his return, the fact that he didn't play a single snap versus the Chiefs indicates his time in Washington will be short-lived.
Prediction: Enters free agency
Von Miller - Commanders DE/OLB
With the Commanders clamoring for pass-rushing help, Peters signed Von Miller shortly before the season began. His previous credentials need no introduction, but even as a situational edge rusher, it seems as if Father Time is finally catching up to the future first ballot Pro Football Hall of Famer. Free agency or retirement awaits.
Prediction: Enters free agency or retirement
Zach Ertz - Commanders TE
There is no doubt Zach Ertz will go down as one of the most prolific pass-catching tight ends of the modern era. He recently joined some elite company with his 800th career reception, but he is a little slower as age takes its toll. The Pro Bowler knows how to get open, and he's got a strong connection with Jayden Daniels. However, another year is no guarantee.
Prediction: Enters free agency or retirement
Marcus Mariota - Commanders QB
It was surprising to see Marcus Mariota re-sign with the Commanders in 2025. He was expected to get offers to compete for a starting gig elsewhere, but the signal-caller believed in the project enough to stick around. He's been solid enough when called upon this season, but with his starting chances fading, another short-term deal couldn't be dismissed entirely.
Prediction: Re-signed (1-year deal)
Bobby Wagner - Commanders LB
Bobby Wagner is a first ballot Pro Football Hall of Famer without hesitation. His leadership and on-field communication remain first-class. But this is the first time in his prolific career that he's being actively targeted as a weak link by opposing offenses, especially in coverage. His influence is waning, so this looks like a good time to call it a day.
Prediction: Enters free agency or retirement
Deebo Samuel Sr. - Commanders WR
The Commanders gave up just a fifth-round pick to secure Deebo Samuel Sr. via trade this offseason. He's already provided a sound return on this investment, coping well as the lead guy when Terry McLaurin is out through injury. What Peters needs to figure out is whether he is worth the money when it comes time to begin contract negotiations.
Given how Peters handled McLaurin's contract situation this offseason, it could legitimately go either way. But if Samuel keeps performing well and the money works for all parties, giving him another deal seems feasible.
Prediction: Re-signed (2-year deal)