Free Agency and the Commanders Roster

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January 19, 2026

By Noonefromtampa

With so few players under contact for the 2026 season and close to $100M in free cap space, Washington figures to be a big player in free agency. Most fan armchair general managers make the mistake of thinking the team is going to sign the best available free agent in every position group. The reality is that most teams are only able to sign a couple of big ticket free agents, and most of the money is spent on role or situational players.

Washington needs to greatly improve their defense, especially the pass rush and backend coverage ability. The true free agent market of available players will not be known until late February or the early part of March.

Players to Re-Sign

The first order of business is which of Washington’s current former players do they attempt to re-sign.

They will need a quality backup quarterback and depending on what new offensive coordinator David Blough does, it makes sense to try and bring Marcus Mariota, considering the current free agent options.

On the offensive line, the starter Chris Paul and key backup Trent Scott are both free agents. Those are the two players that make the most sense to pursue. The team also needs a backup center. They have Nick Allegretti who filled in for Tyler Biadasz when he was injured, but another player needs to be added.

With only one running back under contract, Washington will have some decisions to make. Chris Rodriguez is a restricted free agent so the team can match any offer he gets and keep him. Jeremy McNichols has been successful as a third down back replacing the injured Austin Ekeler, but there may be better options available in free agency.

At wide receiver, Deebo Samuel had to fill the #1 role this past season and that is not his strength. The big question is whether Washington can re-sign him for a reasonable amount for the role he should be playing with the team. If he wants big money, it’s likely he will not return. In-season pickup Treylon Burks made a great one-handed touchdown reception and showed promise during the season. He is the other wide receiver that Washington should re-sign. The Commanders need a solid #2 wide receiver.

Tress Way needs to be re-signed to a cap-friendly deal since he is still a top-flight punter.

On the defensive line, the line play went down after Deatrich Wise and Dorance Armstrong went down with injuries. Wise and Jacob Martin are both good role-based defenders and would be the two players I see as worth returning. Von Miller has stated he would like to return, and he did lead the team in sacks, but he’s not a long-term solution.

In the secondary, I thought Jonathan Jones played well as the replacement for the injured Trey Amos and Marshon Lattimore. He could be an option at fourth or fifth cornerback.

Possible Free Agent Targets

Offense

Quarterback – If the Commanders are unable to bring back Mariota, the best option is Malik Willis if he does not re-sign with the Packers. Other non-ancient options include Mitchell Trubisky, Kenny Pickett, and Tyrod Tayor. Hey, Kirk Cousins is a likely cap casualty if the team really wants to go retro.

Offensive Line – What moves could the Commanders make to replace Chis Paul? Teven Jenkins, Evan Neal and John Simpson are scheduled to become free agents. Jenkins is rated as a much better run blocker than Paul so if Washington wants to run the ball more, he would be a good addition. Neal and Simpson are essentially like replacements for Paul. To replace the 4th tackle, Scott, players available include Charlie Heck, Spencer Burford and Chukwuma Okorafor. At center, some backup choices include Austin Schlottmann, Brock Hoffman and Matt Hessessy.

Wide Receivers – If the Cowboys don’t re-sign George Pickens, signing him could be the big offseason move to generate some energy around the team. Other players that could generate some significant buzz are Alec Pierce, Jauan Jennings, Wan’Dale Robinson, Romeo Doubs and Rashid Shaheed. Marquise Brown, TuTu Atwell and Zay Jones could be some second-tier choices.

Running Back – The Commanders may look to upgrade this group by signing Breece Hall, Javonte Williams, Rachaad White or Travis Etienne if they become available.

Tight End – Washington needs to replace Zach Ertz, and Ben Sinnott has not yet shown that he is a proven solution. The fan pick here is Isaiah Likely but Cade Otten, Kyle Pitts and Chig Okonkwo may also be available. Nothing helps a young quarterback out like a sure handed tight end who can get the first down in third down situations.

Defense

Interior Defensive Line – With Daron Payne a likely cap casualty, the Commanders will need to add a veteran role player to the mix. Dre’Mont Jones is the bigger name out there, but Washington may go with some next tier players like Teair Tart, Logan Hall, Jordan Elliot or Roy Lopez.

Edge – You don’t often find a premier pass rusher in free agency, but if the Bengals don’t bring back Trey Hendrickson, fans will want the team to pursue him. Al-Quadin Muhammed, Joseph Ossai, Malcom Koonce and D.J. Wonnum are other players to keep an eye on in free agency.

Linebacker – The are some good one scheduled to become free agents, but we will have to wait to see who gets re-signed by their current team. Players that could help improve the Washington defense include Quay Walker, Quincy Williams, Devin Lloyd, Devin Bush and Kenneth Murray.

Cornerback – The Commanders need another starter because Marshon Lattimore will not be returning. Eric Stokes, Jamel Dean, Amik Robertson, Jaylen Waston, Tariq Woolen and Cam Taylor-Britt are players the team should be looking at. The decisions here are (1) whether Mike Sainristil plays inside or outside, and (2) which type of corner the team should sign.

Safety – Quan Martin got pulled for poor play. Will Harris is back for another year and was vital when not injured. Kyle Duggar, Jalen Thompson, Geno Stone, Jaquan Brisker and Alohi Gilman may be available to fill the gap.

Wrap-Up

Over the coming weeks, The Hog Sty will have in-depth looks at each position group leading up to the official signing day of March 11th.

Let us know in the comments what you think the key free agent signings are that should be made by the Commanders.