Respected insiders around the NFL are expecting the Washington Commanders to be aggressive with cash to spend in free agency. There are significant holes to fill, but the turnaround could be quick if general manager Adam Peters spends his money wisely and moves away from aging veterans past their prime.
Defensively, it's a mess. That should rightfully take priority, but expect Peters to improve the firepower around quarterback Jayden Daniels as the Commanders look to maximize his cheap rookie contract.
This is still an exciting project to be a part of, despite head coach Dan Quinn's squad taking a massive step back in 2025. Finding the right players who can hit the ground running is more crucial than any amount of money. And a notable development around the league should perk the Commanders' interest with just a few short weeks remaining until the legal tampering window opens.
Commanders' interest should be raised by Seahawks' Kenneth Walker III decision
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Seattle Seahawks will not be using the franchise or transition tag on running back Kenneth Walker III. The senior insider revealed that the newly crowned Super Bowl champions have several other key free agents to re-sign. The club also plans to give wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba a megabucks deal after he won the Offensive Player of the Year award.
This follows a trend. Seahawks general manager John Schneider wants his players to get paid every cent they've earned. If that means they have to leave to get it, he still doesn't begrudge them for it. Seattle will probably make Walker an offer, but the organization won't go above its valuation.
The price only went up after Walker earned Super Bowl MVP during his dominant performance against the New England Patriots. Paying running backs on their second deals, especially those who adopt a bruising style. But after a dazzling run in the postseason, someone will be willing to make him a sizable offer.
Washington should consider it. They have seventh-round pick Jacory Croskey-Merritt in their running back room and not much else heading into the offseason. New offensive coordinator David Blough has already outlined his desire for more. Having a genuine bell-cow back to take the head off Daniels comes with untold benefits attached.
According to Spotrac, Walker could get a four-year, $36.04 million deal, averaging $9.01 million per season. That might be on the conservative side after his Super Bowl showing, but the Commanders have enough spare cash to absorb this if Peters has genuine conviction.
Time will tell, but it seems as if the Seahawks are willing to let Walker test the market before taking things any further. That might be all the Commanders need.