The Washington Commanders have 29 pending free agents, 14 of which are on offense. This means Adam Peters has several big decisions to make as the team continues to build towards the future.
Even though drafting Jayden Daniels catapulted the Commanders' offense into elite status in 2024, there were also several veteran free agent acquisitions that contributed that are now due new contracts. It was the recipe for success, but that won't stop Peters from tweaking his roster once again in 2025.
Not every free agent is going to come along for the ride. With this in mind, we predicted which out-of-contract players on offense will stay, and which ones will be free to take their chances elsewhere.
Examining every Commanders' free agent on offense in 2025
Zach Ertz - Commanders TE
Zach Ertz was acquired to help build a winning culture for a new, young team. Based on last season, this signing was worth every penny.
Not only did Ertz help establish the correct mentality, but he was second on the Washington Commanders in receptions, targets, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns.
Daniels used Ertz as his safety blanket and go-to guy in key third and fourth down plays. It seemed like the tight end knew exactly how to get open in each of these situations, which made life a lot easier for the rookie quarterback.
If Ertz is retained, his playing time might go down as Ben Sinnott hopefully takes a sophomore leap. But he would be a big help in ensuring another successful campaign for the Commanders.
- Stay or go? Stay
Ertz has stated that he intends to return to the Commanders in 2025. As long as the front office is in agreement, there should be no reason not to lock him into another one-year deal.
Marcus Mariota - Commanders QB
Marcus Mariota was more instrumental for the Commanders in 2024 than it may seem on paper.
Every time his number was called to play, he delivered. Mariota was thrust into starting most of the game against the Carolina Panthers when Daniels went down with a rib injury. The signal-caller answered the call, leading the Commanders to a convincing victory.
The former Heisman Trophy winner also helped finish the regular season with a win over the Commanders' long-time division rival Dallas Cowboys. Dan Quinn made the decision to bench Daniels at half-time in a tight contest to make sure he was fresh for the playoffs. Mariota stepped in and delivered, leading a game-winning touchdown drive to secure bragging rights.
Not only did Mariota help bring two victories to the Commanders in 2024, but he also was a key man behind the scenes. He mentored Daniels superbly, which was his primary objective entering the campaign.
- Stay or go? Stay
Mariota proved that he is not only a great fit in Kliff Kingsbury's system as the team's backup, but that he is also crucial to Daniels' development. The Commanders should look to bring him back if a chance to start elsewhere doesn't arrive.