The Washington Commanders were well-positioned to make improvements this offseason. Adam Peters had a wealth of resources at his disposal and the franchise was coming off its best campaign in decades. Fans were anticipating lavish spending and aggressive moves to go one better next time around.
Peters managed to find the right balance between bold moves and methodical signings. He kept faith with those who gave so much last season. The front-office leader made a few splashes, but he also maintained long-term flexibility as part of his plan to make the Commanders' instant success something more sustainable.
Washington's roster looks in better shape right now. There are still holes to fill that could hold them back, but Peters has five picks during the 2025 NFL Draft and $26.32 million in available salary-cap space for more additions should they wish.
The Commanders are in the best possible hands. Peters came into the franchise with a big reputation and has lived up to his billing. If his new signings hit the ground running, one couldn't dismiss another deep playoff run next time around.
That's for the future. For now, we ranked the seven best pre-draft Commanders off-season additions in 2025. We based this on reputation, productivity, and potential to help Washington reach its goals.
Ranking the seven best pre-draft Commanders offseason additions in 2025
Jacob Martin - Commanders OLB
The Washington Commanders opted to let Dante Fowler Jr. walk in free agency. He managed 10.5 sacks but failed to make an impact against the run. The Dallas Cowboys were happy to pay him the going rate after one year away from the squad.
Replacing Fowler became a high priority for the Commanders. Adam Peters bided his time, potentially looking to the draft for an explosive edge threat. Washington picked up an intriguing depth piece in the form of Jacob Martin on a one-year deal, which offers security if preferred prospects aren't available.
Martin is a dependable rotational piece without setting the world alight. He's got 21 career sacks and flashed tremendous promise on special teams for the Chicago Bears last time around. That's probably where the Commanders will deploy him if they get their hands on a dynamic pass-rushing force with one of the team's early draft selections.
The former sixth-round pick out of Temple can be moved around to exploit mismatches. Martin might not make a big impression, but he's a solid pro who can carve out a decent role for himself on special teams if he doesn't quite fit into the defensive rotation.
6. Deatrich Wise Jr. - Commanders DE
Fixing the trenches became Adam Peters' most pressing priority above all else. The Washington Commanders had enough to suffice last season, but it wasn't nearly enough to counteract what the Philadelphia Eagles brought to the table during their NFC Championship showdown.
Stopping the run was a problem all season. The Commanders were second-worst in this discipline with only the historically bad Carolina Panthers behind them. Improving the personnel with players capable of holding a firmer line defensively was a prudent move from Peters.
One overlooked signing promises to help in this regard. Deatrich Wise Jr. joined from the New England Patriots on a one-year deal. His role diminished during the previous campaign, but he's a dependable option who knows how to set a strong edge to prevent outside runs.
Looking at how Eagles running back Saquon Barkley torched the Commanders last season, having this experience is only going to assist. Whether Wise will fill a starting role opposite Dorance Armstrong Jr. or be a key rotational presence hasn't been determined. But upon further examination of the options available currently, the Arkansas graduate will fancy his chances.
The Commanders will probably add to their defensive end options during the draft. For now, Wise figures to be an important part of the team's plans.
5. Will Harris - Commanders S
The Commanders opted to make a change to their safety dynamic. Jeremy Chinn's performance levels last season were outstanding overall. Unfortunately for the former Southern Illinois star, it wasn't enough for an extended stay.
Adam Peters didn't want to pay him what the Las Vegas Raiders were offering. He signed a two-year deal in the desert and is a ready-made replacement for Tre'von Moehrig after he joined the Carolina Panthers. Ironically, this was the team that drafted Chinn in 2020.
Washington pivoted accordingly. They signed Will Harris to a two-year contract that came in a lot cheaper than Chinn. Whether he'll be able to have the same influence is anyone's guess, but the physical attributes are similar.
Harris got the seal of approval from assistant general manager Lance Newmark, who worked closely with the defensive back during their time together on the Detroit Lions. He was solid if not spectacular for the New Orleans Saints last season, so hopes are high that he can continue this trend within Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr.'s schematic concepts.
Fans were disappointed when Chinn didn't get another deal. If Harris cannot meet expectations, it won't take much longer for the finger-pointing to begin.
4. Javon Kinlaw - Commanders DT
The Washington Commanders and veteran defensive tackle Jonathan Allen went their separate ways this offseason. Adam Peters granted his trade request and released him when no willing suitor came forward. This was a respectful way to handle the departure of someone who gave a significant amount to the franchise.
Peters had a replacement lined up. The Commanders signed Javon Kinlaw to a two-year, $45 million deal with $30 million guaranteed. This caused a stir around the league, with most immediately proclaiming the contract as a huge overpay for an underachiever who didn't exactly shine with the New York Jets last season.
Kinlaw and Peters know each other well. The general manager is placing a huge amount of faith in the interior force to be more impactful. Things haven't quite come together as yet, but players with his attributes tend to get more than two chances.
The former South Carolina standout is eager to repay the faith shown in him by Peters. Kinlaw will be tasked with forming a dominant interior trio with Daron Payne and Johnny Newton. The Commanders wanted to get bigger in the defensive trenches. This goes a long way to achieving that.
Fans are hopeful Kinlaw can benefit from being part of this exciting project. But with a big price tag comes raised expectations he needs to match.
3. Jonathan Jones - Commanders CB
The Washington Commanders needed more at the cornerback position. Marshon Lattimore and Mike Sainristil could potentially be a solid tandem, but that won't be enough to counteract some imposing passing attacks on the schedule in 2025.
Adam Peters re-signed Noah Igbinoghene after he performed well from the nickel. The Commanders also added another proven performer with Super Bowl-winning credentials into the fold, signing Jonathan Jones to a one-year deal.
Jones is coming off a glittering career with the New England Patriots. He's an exceptional coverage presence and leader in the locker room. The player was linked with a trade to the Commanders before they went for Lattimore. Now, they get him for nothing more than his 2025 salary.
This promises to help greatly. Jones is a top-level pro with some good football left. His coverage capabilities are renowned, but his tackling and willingness to assist against the run are traits that the Commanders desperately needed.
Dan Quinn stated that the Commanders will utilize Jones more on the inside than the boundary. That hints at Sainristil remaining outside, which is the right call after his outstanding transition when the likes of Benjamin St-Juste and Emmanuel Forbes Jr. were struggling.
Jones went relatively under the radar compared to other free-agent signings. But make no mistake, he'll have a pivotal role to play.
2. Deebo Samuel Sr. - Commanders WR
The Washington Commanders needed to add more firepower around quarterback Jayden Daniels this offseason. Maximizing his rookie contract became the biggest priority above all else following his debut campaign for the ages. Adam Peters turned to a familiar face in the trade market to kick off another eventful offseason.
Peters struck a trade with the San Francisco 49ers for wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. The Commanders got the All-Pro for nothing more than a fifth-round pick. This makes the transaction a low-risk, high-reward pickup with some intriguing promise attached.
Samuel is coming off a down year after things fizzled out in San Francisco. The Niners are taking on more than $34 million in dead cap money, indicating that they don't believe he's got much left in the tank. That's not an opinion shared by the player, who's already begun working hard in pursuit of silencing his doubters.
The Commanders plan to line Samuel up everywhere, taking advantage of his versatility and dynamism with the football in his hands. His pending partnership with Terry McLaurin should be productive and explosive in equal measure. It's something else for opposing defenses to think about, which is only going to free up space for others to do damage.
It could go wrong, but Samuel could also seize a fresh challenge and thrive.
1. Laremy Tunsil - Commanders OT
No surprise who lands at No. 1 in these rankings.
Trading for five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil represents a significant game-changer for the Commanders. Adam Peters had to pay a premium to bring him into the fold, but the benefits will be substantial if the elite edge protector meets expectations.
Tunsil is one of the league's most accomplished pass protectors and has been for some time. The Commanders haven't had someone like this since Trent Williams was traded. His penalty numbers last season weren't ideal, but the production was still up there with the very best.
The Commanders' offensive line improved last season. It wasn't perfect, especially against the vaunted Philadelphia Eagles' defensive front. Peters recognized the need for a major alteration. Tunsil is all that and more.
Having someone capable of keeping quarterback Jayden Daniels' blindside free of major issues could make a huge difference when push comes to shove. Brandon Coleman was serviceable as a rookie. That said, adding one of the game's greats is an upgrade of epic proportions.
Tunsil is highly motivated to embrace this opportunity. He's also got his sights set on another new deal. If the offensive tackle reaches his billing, the Commanders will only be too happy to pay him accordingly.