The dust is still settling on the 2025 season, a year that saw the Commanders finish a disappointing 6-11, good for last in the NFC East. But for General Manager Adam Peters and Head Coach Dan Quinn, the focus immediately shifts to 2026 free agency. This isn't just about plugging holes; it's about defining the identity of this franchise moving forward. They’ve got some serious cap space to play with – reports have them projected with north of $80 million, even after accounting for rookie contracts. That kind of money can change a team fast, for better or worse.
Peters wasted no time making a splash, though perhaps not in the way some expected. The first big domino to fall was the re-signing of defensive tackle Jonathan Allen to a three-year, $51 million extension. Allen, who recorded 7.5 sacks and 14 QB hits in 2025, was heading into the final year of his deal, and keeping him in DC was a no-brainer. He’s the anchor of that defensive line, and losing him would have set the rebuild back significantly. The more surprising move was the four-year, $70 million deal handed to veteran safety Jessie Bates III, formerly of the Falcons. Bates, 29, still plays at a high level, logging 98 tackles and 3 interceptions last season. He immediately upgrades a secondary that gave up an average of 255 passing yards per game in 2025. Yeah, that's a lot.
On the offensive side, the Commanders made a calculated risk, signing running back Saquon Barkley to a two-year, $22 million contract. Barkley, 28, is coming off a season with the Eagles where he rushed for 1,087 yards and 8 touchdowns. He adds a dynamic element to the backfield that’s been missing since… well, a long time. The team also brought in veteran wide receiver Allen Lazard on a one-year, $5 million deal. Lazard, who had 45 receptions for 550 yards with the Jets in 2025, provides a big-bodied target and a reliable blocker, something Quinn values. Here's the thing: while Barkley is a game-changer, paying a running back big money in 2026 feels a little like investing in Blockbuster stock. He’s great, but the shelf life is short, and the position is increasingly devalued.
Not every familiar face will be back in burgundy and gold. Linebacker Frankie Luvu, who signed a big deal last offseason, was surprisingly traded to the Texans for a 2027 third-round pick. Luvu had a solid 2025 with 110 tackles and 2 sacks, but his cap hit was substantial, and Peters clearly felt the team could get similar production for less. Guard Sam Cosmi, a consistent starter for years, signed a four-year, $48 million deal with the Titans in the opening hours of free agency. Losing Cosmi stings, as he was a dependable presence on an offensive line that struggled with consistency. The team will now look to second-year pro Tyler Steen, who started three games at guard in 2025, to step up.
The biggest question mark remains at quarterback. Sam Howell, after a tumultuous 2025 season where he threw 17 touchdowns and 19 interceptions, is still on the roster. The Commanders did not pursue any of the top-tier free agent quarterbacks, opting instead to sign veteran Jacoby Brissett to a one-year, $6 million deal as a backup. This signals a belief in Howell, or perhaps a plan to target a signal-caller in the upcoming draft. My hot take? They should have gone all-in on a veteran. This team isn't one piece away from the Super Bowl, but they're also not a full-blown rebuild. Howell needs to show significant improvement, and quickly.
This offseason is a pivotal one for Washington. They’ve spent big, but they haven’t completely mortgaged the future. Expect the Commanders to finish with at least 9 wins in 2026, making a strong push for a wild card spot.