The Washington Commanders solved their linebacker problem pretty early in free agency. Another option could be acquired during the 2026 NFL Draft, but the acquisition of Leo Chenal to play alongside Frankie Luvu and Jordan Magee brings significant intrigue.
Washington's bitter rival, the Dallas Cowboys, is still looking for a difference-maker at the defensive second level after cutting Logan Wilson before he retired. And a recent report suggests that owner/general manager Jerry Jones's cheapness is the reason.
And Commanders fans can only laugh at his ongoing incompetence.
Jerry Jones' ongoing cheapness in free agency continues to benefit the Commanders
According to ESPN insider Todd Archer, the Cowboys were in the mix for Devin Lloyd, who entered free agency on the back of a second-team All-Pro campaign with the Jacksonville Jaguars. However, Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram revealed that Jones did not want to meet the asking price, despite it being far below market projections.
"I think Devin Lloyd is a perfect example of them still not reaching that threshold, because they had an opportunity to enter that race. They did not want to meet the price point for that race ..."
Lloyd eventually signed a three-year, $42 million deal with the Carolina Panthers that included a $15.25 million signing bonus and $25 million in guaranteed money. That was immediately considered a steal, but something Jones clearly didn't want to part ways with to get him in a Cowboys uniform.
This provoked a strong response from Cowboys expert Jerry Trotta of The Landry Hat, who thought Jones was now scrambling for veteran assistance to ensure Dallas doesn't get left behind.
"There you have it. Lloyd was on Dallas’ radar, but the team wasn’t willing to step outside its comfort zone to get a deal done. It’s a tale as old as time, and now they’re left scrambling for a veteran linebacker to avoid being pigeonholed in the NFL Draft."
Jones probably had his reasons. He's been more methodical than usual in free agency, but the Cowboys did trade for edge rusher Rashan Gary to fill the void left by Micah Parsons. There is only a projected $14.24 million in available salary-cap space left, and there is also the impending contract collision with wide receiver George Pickens that will likely generate significant headlines over the summer.
The Commanders won't have to worry about a premier player like Lloyd in their division, which will only help. Adam Peters implemented an aggressive strategy, bringing in 12 new signings while also holding back some cap space for additional moves as the offseason progresses. If everything comes together under two new coordinators, and quarterback Jayden Daniels stays healthy, Washington's bounce-back hopes are high.
For some unbeknownst reason, Jones didn't believe Lloyd was worth what the Panthers were willing to pay. And not for the first time, he may live to regret it.