The Washington Commanders have made just about every transaction possible during the first moves of free agency. From big-money signings, to big-time, to trades, to mid-tier signings and then keeping their own guys – they've done it all.

As such, there is fallout associated with each move and a specific variation comes in the form of guys quickly finding themselves in a battle for their job. Whether it's because the Commanders brought in someone more established or if they're a scrappy veteran attempting to claw their way to the top, things have officially changed when it comes to their future.

And, of course, there's the positive side where the new/retained players completely change the dynamic for another player or position group. It's always important to look at both sides of the coin.

So, with that being said, let's go ahead and take a look at the winners and losers from the Commanders' first free agency moves.

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Winners

Jayden Daniels gets a new weapon and some major protection

The Commanders came into the offseason knowing they needed another legit weapon in the passing game opposite Terry McLaurin. Improving the offensive line was also a big-time priority.

Washington got Deebo Samuel for a very low price – a fifth-round pick in this year's draft. Laremy Tunsil was a lot more expensive for obvious reasons, as he cost a third and a seven in 2025 and then a second and fourth in 2026. However, if things go as planned those future picks should fall in the back end of their respective rounds. 

Regardless, Peters is taking advantage of Daniels' rookie window and unless something crazy happens, both moves will have the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year taking a step, or multiple steps, forward in 2025.

Commanders' kicking unit

The Commanders retained the same trio of placekicker, long snapper, and punter/holder in Zane Gonzalez, Tyler Ott, and Tress Way, respectively. Although I'm not sold on Gonzalez as the future at kicker, it's still valuable to at least have the same crew back from continuity.

It's already hard enough to establish continuity at any position group, so it's always a win whenever a team can make it happen.

John Bates knows his true value after receiving a three-year deal

Terms of the deal haven't been disclosed, but the length is known and the fact Bates received a three-year deal tells you all you need to know about his standing with the organization.

He's an exceptional blocker – Zach Ertz called Bates the best blocking tight end he's ever seen. He can also catch when needed, evidenced by his career catch rate of 69.3%.

Things are put even more into perspective when zooming out and adding in the fact the Commanders took Ben Sinnott in Round 2 of last year's draft. 

Javon Kinlaw gets a bag when he didn't necessarily deserve it

Hey, good for him, though. These guys dedicate their entire lives to this sport and a lot of them don't even get close to sniffing the bag Kinlaw took home in early free agency. 

He was handed a whopping $30 million guaranteed over the first two years and the Commanders will be on the hook for every penny through 2026. Kinlaw's career has been below-average, at best, so this decision was quite the surprise. Regardless, the former first-rounder received life-changing money, therefore, he easily makes the list.

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Losers

The futures of Brandon Coleman and Andrew Wylie are up-in-the-air when it comes to who starts at right tackle

I lumped these two in together because while the obvious route seems to consist of moving Coleman to right tackle, we're still unsure if that's the actual plan because the Commanders were fans of what Wylie did for the team last year. Ultimately, moving Coleman to right tackle and making Wylie the swing tackle makes the most sense, even if he'll end up as one of the NFL's highest-paid swing tackles in this scenario.

Regardless, it's very likely both guys find themselves fighting for a starting job and one of them will get demoted. Hey, that's just life in the NFL. Especially when you're trying to build off an incredible year while taking advantage of a rookie contract.

Jer'Zhan Netwon's 2025 role -and future role- is in question, as well

The 2024 second-rounder started 11 games last year had an OK rookie season once he was fully healthy, but he was part of the woes that frequently arose when defending the run. Therefore, the team went out and brought in former 49er and New York Jet, Javon Kinlaw, to help sew that up.

Based off what Kinlaw's making, he's bound to eat into Newton's snaps, which obviously limits his opportunity for production. Kinlaw will be on the team through 2026, as well, so it's not like this is just a one-year gig.

Newton may not get a full opportunity to show what he can do until 2027, when Daron Payne's contract is up and the Commanders can move on from Kinlaw if they want. The problem with that scenario, though, is 2027 happens to be the last year of Newton's contract.  

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