5 bargain free agents Commanders should already be thinking about in 2025

Adam Peters gutted the Washington Commanders' roster quickly and efficiently during his first few months as general manager. This was a necessary exercise considering the team's poor direction throughout Ron Rivera's tenure. The results were immediate.

Things haven't gone well for the Commanders in recent weeks. That doesn't detract from how encouraging it's been this season overall. Washington is way ahead of schedule in Year 1 of Peters' drastic overhaul. They've earned respect and are reportedly becoming an attractive destination for those looking to secure new challenges when free agency hits next spring.

Peters still has to find the right guys. There's confidence he can achieve this feat based on his promising reputation and the new culture shift in Washington. The Commanders have enough cash to swing for the fences if opportunities arise. They'll also need to find some cheaper additions who can potentially make an impact next time around.

With this in mind, here are five bargain veteran free agents the Commanders should already be thinking about heading into the 2025 offseason.

Bargain free agents the Commanders should be thinking about in 2025

Commanders could sign Israel Mukuamu

The Washington Commanders could have a serious need within their secondary next offseason. Several established stars are out of contract and might not return. Trading for stud cornerback Marshon Lattimore before the deadline does nothing to alter that fact.

Benjamin St-Juste, Michael Davis, Noah Igbinoghene, Jeremy Chinn, and Darrick Forrest are all facing uncertain futures. One or two will be retained, but Adam Peters won't hesitate to get rid of those who haven't pulled their weight.

If the Commanders want some bang for their buck, then taking a look at Israel Mukuamu wouldn't be the worst idea in the world. The former sixth-round selection knows Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. well from their time together with the Dallas Cowboys. He's got the versatility to operate anywhere in the secondary to further sweeten the pot.

Mukuamu is dependable when called upon on the defensive rotation. He's carved out a niche for himself on special teams, featuring prominently and firmly establishing himself in this key discipline. Much will depend on the money involved, but the Syracuse product could be a useful addition for depth purposes and special teams prowess.

Commanders could sign Tutu Atwell

Jayden Daniels has proven he can spearhead the Washington Commanders' renaissance. What the rookie quarterback needs is better weapons in the passing game to take that next step.

Nobody is dependable aside from Pro Bowl pass-catcher Terry McLaurin. Noah Brown's flashed promise, but crucial drops in key moments are an ongoing frustration. Olamide Zaccheaus, Dyami Brown, and Luke McCaffrey haven't come to the fore as yet, so expect the Commanders to address this as a matter of urgency in 2025.

Many fans are hoping Adam Peters makes a bold splash for Cincinnati Bengals wideout Tee Higgins. That'll be costly, so examining alternatives that provide more value cannot be completely dismissed.

This brings Tutu Atwell firmly under the microscope. The former second-round selection flourished in an important role with the Los Angeles Rams earlier in the season. When the star duo of Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua returned from injury, he went back to the fringes.

Atwell is probably relishing the prospect of moving elsewhere and becoming a potential focal point. He's got the talent, so the Commanders could do a lot worse than examining his credentials in greater detail.

Commanders could sign Joseph Ossai

Finding productive edge rushers is something the Commanders need to do this offseason. Dorance Armstrong Jr. hasn't reached his billing. Dante Fowler Jr. is worthy of an extension after securing 8.5 sacks so far, but the price is only going up as the veteran looks to cash in for the final time on the wrong side of 30 years old.

Going down the draft route is preferred. This is an exceptional class for defensive linemen for Adam Peters to take advantage of. Adding a high-upside individual from the free-agent pool is another realistic avenue of pursuit.

Joseph Ossai fits the mold. The versatile defender can play as an edge or at the defensive second level with minimal fuss. He's been a useful rotational piece over his three years with the Cincinnati Bengals so far. The former third-round selection is also emerging into a decent special teams contributor this season for the first time.

Ossai has the physical attributes that should fit into Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr.'s scheme well. Having the opportunity to join Washington's ambitious project is something that could get the Commanders a good deal in this scenario.

Commanders could sign Brady Christensen

The Washington Commanders' offensive line has been a bright spot aside from a few lackluster performances in recent weeks. However, this is one position group that Adam Peters cannot afford to stand still with in pursuit of maximizing the exceptional traits quarterback Jayden Daniels brings to the table.

Adding more quality for depth if nothing else is always welcome. Competition breeds success across the board. Someone like Brady Christensen offers exactly that at any position across the protection.

Christensen's versatility has come to the fore once again this season. He's played guard, center, and left tackle for the Carolina Panthers and done so with aplomb at all three spots. This is a tremendous tool for any team to call upon.

The former third-round pick out of BYU might want to test himself elsewhere in pursuit of a starting berth. This is something the Commanders could potentially provide, especially if the likes of Nick Allegretti and Andrew Wylie don't finish the campaign strongly.

At the very worst, Christensen would be a major upgrade as Washington's swing option at all five positions. He also might not cost the earth to raise intrigue further.

Commanders could sign Camryn Bynum

As stated previously, the Commanders could need some safety reinforcements when the 2025 offseason arrives. Jeremy Chinn is doing enough for a new deal, but Darrick Forrest has been cast aside and will likely be moved on when his rookie contract expires next spring.

Adam Peters needs to find another option capable of solidifying depth and challenging Chinn and Quan Martin for a starting role. Someone like Camryn Bynum fits the bill.

Bynum's been a highly productive performer throughout his stint with the Minnesota Vikings. He gets around the football against the run and provides adequate support for the cornerbacks on the backend. Perhaps more impressive is his improvement in coverage this season, conceding 51.4 percent of his targets and a 58.8 passer rating when targeted to enhance his influence further.

The Vikings will likely try to keep Bynum around. But it wouldn't hurt the Commanders to test the waters if the former fourth-round selection out of California is allowed to test the market.