Adam Peters transformed the Washington Commanders roster during his first offseason as general manager. He was unhappy with the current state of affairs and reacted accordingly, acquiring a nice blend of youth and experience to kick-start this extensive rebuild.
The Commanders are ahead of schedule. They sit at 8-5 through 13 games and have altered perceptions around the league. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, players are reportedly telling their agents to engineer moves to Washington rather than doing everything possible to avoid the franchise when Dan Snyder held absolute power.
Washington is in a good position. They have seven draft selections despite giving up capital for cornerback Marshon Lattimore. The Commanders also boast an abundance of salary-cap space to attract veteran acquisitions that fit into their way of thinking.
This is an exciting time for every fan. No longer are the Commanders among the league's laughingstocks. They are moving with purpose, professionalism, and stability under Peters. And the respected front-office leader is just getting started.
With this in mind, here are 10 free agents for the Commanders' wish list in 2025 at the team's bye week.
Free agents for the Commanders' wish list in 2025 at the bye week
Commanders could target Carlton Davis III
- Cornerback | Detroit Lions
Despite acquiring Marshon Lattimore via trade from the New Orleans Saints, the Washington Commanders might not be done with adding cornerbacks under the new regime. This bears more significance if Benjamin St-Juste, Michael Davis, and Noah Igbinoghene don't return in free agency.
Emmanuel Forbes Jr. was released, ending the former first-round pick's disastrous spell with the organization. Lattimore and Mike Sainristil are core foundational pieces for the future. That won't be enough to hang with the NFL's elite.
Carlton Davis III looks like a good scheme fit. He's shone for the Detroit Lions this season, playing 89 percent of defensive snaps and giving up just 56.5 percent of targets thrown in his direction. The NFC's top seed has enough spare cash to make him a decent offer, but the Commanders should be ready to swoop in the event they cannot come to a mutually beneficial arrangement.
Other options will be considered. But Davis' production, experience, and mentality are exactly what head coach Dan Quinn typically looks for in his defensive backs.
Commanders could target Chris Godwin
- Wide Receiver | Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jayden Daniels is the franchise quarterback the Washington Commanders have been searching for. Adam Peters and his staff made the right call by selecting him at No. 2 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. He's not the finished article, but those in power cannot be anything other than thrilled with the Heisman Trophy winner's rapid growth.
Building around Daniels and maximizing his rookie contract is essential. Peters knows how important this is having worked with the San Francisco 49ers and Brock Purdy. He'll be eager to do the same again.
Adding to Daniels' weapons in the passing game would be a good place to start. The Commanders have Terry McLaurin as their alpha in the wide receiver room. Several others have flashed, but the consistency just isn't where it needs to be.
Splashing the cash on a prolific free agent is something that Peters should contemplate depending on the options available. Chris Godwin would be high on the list if the Tampa Bay Buccaneers let him test the market. This would be dependent on the player's recovery from a long-term injury.
Godwin's talent is obvious. If everything checks out on the health front, the prospect of pairing him with McLaurin could take Daniels' game to new heights in 2025.
Commanders could target Nick Bolton
- Linebacker | Kansas City Chiefs
Adam Peters revolutionized the linebacking corps this offseason, signing Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu. They've emerged into the heart and soul of Washington's defense, boasting the physicality, production, and leadership at the second level that was sorely lacking during Ron Rivera's four-year tenure.
Luvu penned a three-year deal in free agency and represents a core foundational piece. Wagner's influence on and off the field warrants another deal, but the second-level enforcer isn't getting any younger.
If the Commanders decide to get another capable veteran piece to provide assurance, they could do a lot worse than examine Nick Bolton's credentials in greater detail. The former second-round pick took the league by storm over his first two seasons. He's been a consistent performer for the Kansas City Chiefs, but they're up against it from a salary-cap standpoint.
Peters might look to the draft for cheaper options with long-term upside. They also have Jordan Magee as an intriguing project, so it'll be fascinating to see how things play out in this position group.
Commanders could target Jevon Holland
- Safety | Miami Dolphins
The Commanders might not have the biggest need at the safety spot in free agency. However, this is dependent on what the future holds for those currently on the books.
Jeremy Chinn should get an extension after flashing tremendous promise throughout the campaign. Quan Martin looks like a mainstay if he continues his encouraging progress. As for the rest? Let's just say there are concerns.
Percy Butler is a decent special teamer but nothing more. Darrick Forrest's been an afterthought and will be moved on. Tyler Owens has promise, but the sample size is small after the undrafted free agent made the 53-man roster.
If the Commanders decide to swing for the fences, Jevon Holland is a name to watch. He'll arguably be the hottest free-agent safety on the market if the Miami Dolphins let things get that far. More than a few teams will be monitoring his contractual situation closely.
Commanders could target Sebastian Joseph-Day
- Defensive Line | Tennessee Titans
The Washington Commanders could use some help on the defensive line interior. There are questions about almost every option currently. Don't be surprised if Adam Peters rings the changes once again in 2025.
Daroon Payne should be around. The same goes for second-round rookie Johnny Newton, who's flashed promise and could develop further with additional development throughout the offseason.
Jonathan Allen's future is in doubt heading into the final year of his deal. Phidarian Mathis was a healthy scratch against the Tennessee Titans and could be another high-end draft pick from Ron Rivera's tenure deemed surplus to requirements. Sheldon Day is playing well, but his status beyond 2024 remains unclear.
Someone like Sebastian Joseph-Day could help enormously. He's an outstanding run defender thanks to his solid core and outstanding technique. The draft is loaded with exceptional defensive line prospects, but this wouldn't be a bad direction for Peters to go in that's for sure.
Commanders could target Javonte Williams
- Running Back | Denver Broncos
Running back might not be the biggest need where the Commaanders are concerned. However, that won't stop Adam Peters from examining potential improvements if the right opportunities present themselves.
Brian Robinson Jr. looks like a long-term option after another outstanding campaign. Austin Ekeler's been a shrewd addition, but the serious concussion suffered against the Dallas Cowboys comes with real concern attached.
The Commanders need to form contingency plans just in case. Going down the draft route with someone like Ashton Jeanty was recently touted by Dane Brugler from The Athletic. Some intriguing names could potentially also become free agents that warrant further consideration.
Javonte Williams comes with more long-term upside than most given he's just 24 years old. The Denver Broncos have diminished his usage in recent weeks, which is a sign that the player and organization could be going their separate ways this offseason.
Williams has the dual-threat ability to be a nice complimentary piece. But much would depend on the money involved.
Commanders could target Brady Christensen
- Offensive Line | Carolina Panthers
The Commanders' offensive line has been a source of great encouragement this season. Adam Peters' decision to give this important unit the respect it deserved was a refreshing change of pace. The results were immediate and impressive in equal measure.
That said, the Commanders shouldn't settle, especially when it comes to fortifying depth. Injuries can occur more frequently in this area of the field looking at its physical nature. For all of Washington's strengths along the starting unit, they could use some more accomplished backup pieces.
Brady Christensen ticks all the boxes in that regard. The versatile offensive lineman can occupy every position along the protection with minimal fuss. This sort of dependability is hard to find, which would see significant interest come his way if the Carolina Panthers let him test the market.
Christensen could be looking for a team with a starting position open. That could be the Commanders depending on how Adam Peters perceives the talent level. If not, he'd be an exceptional sixth option capable of stepping in at a moment's notice to ensure no momentum is lost.
Commanders could target Josh Sweat
- Edge Rusher | Philadelphia Eagles
Although things have improved from a pass-rushing standpoint over the second half of 2024, the Washington Commanders need more this offseason. This is one of the biggest potential improvements that could help them take the next step.
Dorance Armstrong Jr. and Clelin Ferrell haven't met expectations so far. Dante Fowler Jr. was a tremendous addition and should get another deal. But general manager Adam Peters would be wise to seek alternative options.
This is a deep class for defensive linemen and edge rushers, which won't go unnoticed by the Commanders during their assessments. If those in power decide that a veteran presence is needed to help maximize this window of opportunity, someone like Josh Sweat comes into consideration.
Sweat is a capable performer who can create havoc in opposing backfields when in the mood. His 44 pressures this season rank 15th out of 200 qualifying edge defenders according to Pro Football Focus. Luring him from a division rival won't be easy — or cheap, for that matter — but it would make a massive difference to Joe Whitt Jr.'s unit.
Commanders could target D.J. Reed
- Cornerback | New York Jets
The Commanders made an aggressive trade for stud cornerback Marshon Lattimore before the deadline. He hasn't played yet due to a hamstring injury, but all signs point to the four-time Pro Bowler making his long-awaited debut after the bye versus the team that sent him packing, the New Orleans Saints.
Lattimore provides the Commanders with a genuine shutdown presence capable of locking down one side of the field. Second-round rookie Mike Sainristil is a player of immense promise. Aside from that, the cornerback room is uncertain.
Perhaps going down the draft route is the better option. However, someone like D.J. Reed would be an immediate upgrade on anything outside of Lattimore.
The cost might put the Commanders off if he tests the market, which seems unlikely given his importance to the New York Jets. But this would provide Washington's defense with a potent cornerback trio capable of taking the league by storm.
Commanders could target Tee Higgins
- Wide Receiver | Cincinnati Bengals
If one were to ask Commanders fans who would be their preferred free agent above all else, many would instantly identify Tee Higgins. And with the wide receiver's time with the Cincinnati Bengals likely coming to an end, he'll arguably be the hottest name on the market.
Higgins has all the makings of a No. 1 receiver. He's not had to show it on the Bengals thanks to the presence of Pro Bowl pass-catcher Ja'Marr Chase. However, the former Clemson star has emerged as an important part of Cincinnats's offensive strategy.
The Bengals would no doubt like to keep Higgins, but there is only so much money to go around. Cincinnati needs to pay Chase, which will put the Commanders and others on red alert next spring.
Acquiring Higgins won't be cheap, especially if his availability results in a bidding war. But the presence of Jayden Daniels and the Commanders having plenty of spare cash means Adam Peters would have a fighting chance if he threw his hat in the ring.
