Adam Peters has a big offseason ahead. He's currently attending the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine to assess potential draft targets. Before attention turns to recruitment, the Washington Commanders must figure out what to do with their 29 free agents.
The Commanders have enough salary-cap space to extend whoever they want. This is an exciting project to be part of, so players would jump at the chance of a prolonged stay. That's not going to be the case with everyone.
Big changes are coming to the playing personnel once again. The Commanders reached the NFC Championship game against all odds, but that won't stop Peters from making widespread alterations in pursuit of overtaking the division-rival, Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles in the not-too-distant future.
There will be a few surprises along the way. Peters has a price in mind for almost everyone and is unlikely to waver from his stance. Some will get extended with little fuss. Others could decide to take their chances elsewhere despite the franchise's newfound momentum.
With this in mind, here are five underrated free agents the Commanders must re-sign this offseason. We'll start with defensive lineman Jalyn Holmes.
Underrated Commanders played who must be re-signed in 2025
Jalyn Holmes - Commanders DL
The Washington Commanders need more in the trenches on either side of the football. Watching both fronts get demolished by the Philadelphia Eagles with the Super Bowl in sight should be the reality check Adam Peters needs to rectify these issues.
That said, it might be worth keeping Jalyn Holmes around. The defensive lineman came into the fold during the campaign following his departure from the New York Jets. He got up to speed quickly and flashed when called upon on the starting rotation for good measure.
Holmes isn't a world-beater by any stretch. However, he's a solid pro who could benefit greatly from a full offseason in the scheme. That wouldn't come with any guarantees, but it won't cost the Commanders much to find out one way or another.
Attention centers on Jonathan Allen's future with the organization with one year and no guaranteed money remaining on his deal. Tying down Holmes to another one-year deal gives the former fourth-round selection a legitimate chance to prove himself seems like a viable option. If it doesn't work out, the Commanders can move off him with little fanfare attached.
While upgrading the defensive front with a genuine difference-maker is almost guaranteed, there's a lot of merit to keeping a depth guy like Holmes around too.
