
Commanders’ 2025 Offseason Preview: Free Agents, and Draft Targets After Playoff Exit
Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders’ remarkable season ended in Philadelphia on Sunday. Washington fell to the Eagles 55-23 in the NFC Championship Game, and while disappointment was evident on the sideline, there’s plenty of reason for optimism about the franchise’s future.
Daniels is the frontrunner for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, while Dan Quinn is a strong Coach of the Year candidate. The Commanders posted a 12-5 regular-season record, a dramatic turnaround from their 4-13 finish in 2023. The outlook in Washington is promising. What’s next for the Commanders as they set their sights on the 2025 season?
Free Agents
Fortunately for Washington, key players like Jayden Daniels, Terry McLaurin, Brian Robinson Jr., Dorance Armstrong, Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne are all under contract for 2025.
The bad news is the Commanders’ recent draft history has been poor, leaving the team with a lackluster supporting cast heading into the last offseason. Peters focused on bringing in experienced veterans on short-term contracts to turn things around quickly.
That approach worked but has also led to a long list of impending 2025 free agents. Among them are key players like Bobby Wagner, Zach Ertz, Cornelius Lucas, Jeremy Chinn, Dante Fowler Jr., and Noah Brown.
Expect several of these players to become offseason priorities for the Commanders. While Washington will certainly look to find long-term replacements for aging veterans like Wagner and Ertz, they won’t want to overhaul the roster after making a playoff run.
Peters will likely balance re-signing familiar faces with adding new ones, with many of his decisions depending on available free agents when the legal-contact window opens on March 10. Washington is projected to have $102.5 million in cap space for 2025, the third-most in the NFL.
Draft Targets
While the Commanders will likely make some notable moves in the early offseason, don’t expect them to overpay for top talents. Quinn has proven he can quickly mold a successful roster, and Washington is no longer a team struggling to attract top players. For those keeping an eye on Football betting odds, the team’s picks will certainly impact their chances in the 2025 season.
Peters will likely focus on acquiring what he can through free agency and trades, addressing any remaining needs through the draft. Although Washington gave up a round 3 pick to acquire Lattimore, thanks to the Jahan Dotson trade, it still holds picks in the first three rounds.
Peters may take a best-player-available approach in the draft if Washington becomes an attractive destination during the offseason. In the first round, that could mean going for Mykel Williams, Josh Simmons, Derrick Harmon, or Tre Harris.
“Harris would provide the Commander’s offense with a true X-receiver with his height, weight and play strength,” says Dame Parson of the Bleacher Report Scouting Department. “…Harris and McLaurin would immediately become one of the NFC’s most talented pass-catching duos.”
A strong class of rookies is expected to enter the draft, so players like Colston Loveland, Tyler Warren, and Harold Fannin Jr. could be early targets for Washington.
For Day 2 picks, the Commanders will likely look at prospects such as Tyleik Williams, Barrett Carter, Jalen Royals, and Jake Briningstool.
Peters is unlikely to reach for a specific position. Instead, he’ll focus on finding the right fits for the franchise while steering clear of the types of busts that have hurt the Commanders in previous drafts.
Three Moves to Make for Commander’s Offseason
The Top NFL Draft Prospects on FanDuel and other platforms had officially started this year. And as the Washington Commanders look ahead to the 2025 season, key areas of the roster need attention. The team should focus on addressing critical positions to build on their recent success and continue improving. The Commanders might make three important moves this offseason: edge rusher, offensive line, and wide receiver.
Edge Rusher
Fowler (10) and Frankie Luvu (8) led the Commanders in sacks last season. With Fowler heading into free agency, the team still hasn’t filled the void left by departing edge rushers Montez Sweat and Chase Young. Dallas Cowboys DeMarcus Lawrence is also about to become a free agent. Coach Dan Quinn, who coached Lawrence as the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator, is familiar with him. Still, it would be wise for Washington to address the edge rusher position in the upcoming draft.
Offensive Line
Daniels was sacked 47 times this season. Some of those sacks were due to rookie growing pains, while others resulted from issues with the offensive line. A stronger offensive line would greatly benefit the likely NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. Josh Simmons and Wyatt Milum are projected to be available in the draft’s first two rounds.
Wide Receiver
Terry McLaurin is the top wide receiver for the Commanders. Olamide Zaccheaus and Noah Brown, the next two leading receivers, are set to become free agents. McLaurin and Ertz combined for 20 of Daniels’ passing touchdowns, but Washington needs additional playmakers at wide receiver. Free-agent options like Keenan Allen or Chris Godwin could be strong fits for the team.
Final Words
With ample cap space and several draft picks, Peters and the Commanders will likely focus on strengthening the roster through strategic signings, trades, and the draft. The edge rusher, offensive line, and wide receiver positions are likely top priorities, with a strong rookie class offering opportunities to fill these gaps.
Washington’s offseason decisions will be crucial in continuing the momentum from their playoff appearance and setting the stage for sustained success in 2025 and beyond. While the team navigates roster changes, the goal will be to maintain the balance between building for the future and staying competitive in the present, ensuring the Commanders remain a formidable force in the NFC.