Washington’s Potential Remaining Free Agent Fits
May 29, 2026
by David Earl
What Is Available
Under GM Adam Peters, Washington continues to prioritize youth, speed, and athleticism while blending in targeted veteran leadership to support Jayden Daniels in Year 3. To maximize this roster, new offensive coordinator David Blough is implementing a creative, motion-heavy, run-first, and play-action system influenced by Ben Johnson that emphasizes versatile skill players who win after the catch. On the other side of the ball, defensive coordinator Daronte Jones utilizes a 3-4 base with aggressive, Flores-inspired elements—such as simulated pressures, versatile fronts, disguised coverages, and “mugged-up” linebackers—to ensure specific player fits stand out.
Washington’s needs include wide receiver depth/complements to Terry McLaurin, offensive line versatility for protection and run schemes, additional edge rushers and linebacker athleticism for the new defense, and corner/safety playmaking. The list mixes younger, explosive players aligning with Peters’ “young and fast” vision and proven veterans like Stefon Diggs. Rankings prioritize scheme fit, immediate impact, and long-term roster building.
The following targets balance immediate contention with rostering youth. Offensive additions emphasize YAC, motion versatility, and protection for Daniels in a creative scheme. Defensively, they bolster athleticism for pressure packages and versatile fronts without heavy older mileage (except targeted vets like Diggs). Many could sign on short-term or incentive deals, preserving cap space. Risks include injury reclamation (e.g., Diggs brothers) and consistency, but the upside in scheme fit and alignment with Peters’ vision is potentially substantial. Landing 2-4 could meaningfully boost 2026 outlook.
Stefon Diggs, WR, Age 32
- 2025 Season: 85 receptions, 1,013 receiving yards, 11.9 Y/R, 4 touchdowns (with the New England Patriots)
- Career: 942 receptions, 11,504 receiving yards, 12.2 Y/R, 74 touchdowns
- The veteran, who is a Maryland native, tops the list as the ideal veteran complement especially with the need regardless of the “diva” mentality he could bring. He is a consistent separator with precise routes, toughness over the middle, and red-zone reliability, Diggs posted 85 catches for over 1,000 yards in 2025 with the Patriots. In Blough’s Johnson-style offense, his alignment flexibility, in-breaking routes, and third-down reliability would create mismatches and elevate Daniels’ quick game and play-action. He brings valuable experience to a young room as long as he remains football focused without major recent injury flags. A short-term deal fits perfectly.
A.J. Epenesa, EDGE, Age 27
- 2025 Season: 32 total tackles (17 solo), 2.5 sacks, 2 interceptions, 28 total quarterback pressures (with the Buffalo Bills)
- Career: 135 total tackles (81 solo), 24.0 sacks, 5 interceptions
- A younger, high-upside edge defender who fits Daronte Jones’ versatile 3-4/hybrid fronts. The long (6-6), powerful 260-pounder sets a strong edge, generates disruption (24.5 career sacks), and offers run defense. His athletic profile aligns with Peters’ speed emphasis and Flores-style aggression for pressures and forced fumbles. Limited major injury history makes him a reliable rotational-to-starter upgrade who can develop further.
L’Jarius Sneed, CB, Age 29
- 2025 Season: 18 solo tackles, 3 passes defended, 0 interceptions (with the Tennessee Titans)
- Career: 352 total tackles, 43 passes defended, 10 interceptions, 6.5 sacks
- Physical, press-man corner with championship pedigree and versatility. Released by the Titans in March 2026 after limited availability due to injuries, Sneed excels in aggressive man coverage, jamming receivers, and supporting the run—perfect for Jones’ disguised, pressure-heavy secondary. His size, physicality, and experience in big moments would upgrade boundary play and fit simulated blitzes. Significant recent injury history (limited games in Tennessee) is the primary risk, but on a prove-it deal, his upside as a younger veteran is high for Peters’ athletic vision.
Mekhi Becton, OG/OT, Age 27
- 2025 Season Blocking: 37 pressures allowed, 3 sacks allowed (734 offensive snaps at guard with the Los Angeles Chargers)
- Career Blocking: 159 pressures allowed, 20 sacks allowed
- Athletic, massive interior/tackle swing piece (former top prospect) who adds youth and versatility to the OL. His size and movement skills suit zone/gap run schemes in Blough’s offense and provide protection depth for Daniels. Peters loves trench talent with athletic traits; Becton fits the “young and fast” mold if he regains consistency. Some past inconsistency and injury concerns, but tools remain elite.
Trevon Diggs, CB, Age 27
- 2025 Season: 25 solo tackles, 0 passes defended, 0 interceptions (split between the Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers)
- Career: 198 total tackles, 52 passes defended, 19 interceptions, 1 touchdown
- Explosive playmaker with ball skills (20 career INTs, including 11 in 2021) ideal for Jones’ disguised, aggressive secondary that rotates and jumps routes. His length, speed, and backfield vision fit man/press concepts and simulated pressures. As a younger piece, he brings upside to a secondary needing depth and takeaways. Significant injury history (ACL, limited games recently) requires a prove-it deal, but healthy he transforms the unit.
Joel Bitonio, OG, Age 34
- 2025 Season Blocking: 31 pressures allowed, 2 sacks allowed (1,081 offensive snaps with the Cleveland Browns)
- Career Blocking: 263 pressures allowed, 22 sacks allowed
- A veteran interior anchor who would stabilize the offensive line and provide scheme versatility. A long-time Browns stalwart with multiple Pro Bowl nods, Bitonio excels in zone/run schemes and pass protection with intelligence, leverage, and leadership. He would upgrade guard play and mentor younger pieces, fitting Peters’ emphasis on trench talent to protect Daniels and support the run game. Career summary includes durability through most of a decade-plus, though he has dealt with back, knee, foot, and ankle issues in spots (missed time historically but played high-level football into his 30s). His experience would be invaluable for a line seeking cohesion.
Jonah Williams, OT, Age 28
- 2025 Season Blocking: 22 pressures allowed, 4 sacks allowed (592 offensive snaps before a season-ending injury with the Arizona Cardinals)
- Career Blocking: 198 pressures allowed, 37 sacks allowed
- Reliable, younger bookend tackle with starting experience. Solid pass protection and run-blocking fit Blough’s run-heavy foundation and provide competition/stability on the line. Athletic enough for scheme demands; limited major recent injuries.
Deebo Samuel Sr., WR, Age 30
- 2025 Season: 72 receptions, 727 receiving yards, 10.1 Y/R, 5 receiving touchdowns (with the Washington)
- Career: 406 receptions, 5,519 receiving yards, 13.6 Y/R, 28 receiving touchdowns
- Elite, physical run-after-catch weapon who would be a dynamic fit for David Blough’s offense, acting as a premier weapon to execute the Ben Johnson-style touches being installed in Washington. While traditional West Coast systems prioritize pure route-runners, a Johnson-influenced system thrives on formation versatility, physical run blocking, and heavily weaponizing pre-snap motion which Samuel’s can provide. As a reunion is probably out of the question, the fit still makes sense.
Cam Robinson, OT, Age 30
- 2025 Season Blocking: 40 pressures allowed, 8 sacks allowed (443 pass-blocking snaps with the Cleveland Browns)
- Career Blocking: 327 pressures allowed, 43 sacks allowed
- Versatile swing tackle with size (6-6, 335) and foot speed for redirecting pass rushers. Strong run blocker who fits gap/zone elements; provides immediate depth and competition while mentoring younger linemen. Good recent win rates; some technical lapses but serviceable track record with manageable injury history.
Taylor Rapp, S, Age 28
- 2025 Season: 17 solo tackles, 9 assisted tackles, 0 interceptions, 0 passes defended (with the Buffalo Bills)
- Career: 421 total tackles, 26 passes defended, 10 interceptions, 3 fumble recoveries
- Athletic, rangy safety with coverage skills and special teams value who aligns with Peters’ emphasis on younger, fast defenders. Rapp offers versatility in deep and slot roles, good instincts for Flores-style disguises, and solid tackling. He would add youth and speed to the secondary while competing for snaps immediately. Relatively clean injury history for a safety; brings reliability and developmental upside as a special teams contributor.