Commanders’ hopes of signing top free agent option are fading with contract extension talks heating up
Commanders’ top free agent option, RB Kenneth Walker III, is already looking for a contract extension with the Seahawks after winning the Super Bowl.
The Washington Commanders are looking ahead to free agency now that the coaching staff is finalized, and this offseason has to be different than last year.
General manager Adam Peters has to be aggressive with the Commanders, having a top-5 salary cap space in the NFL, and more moves to be made to create more. The Commanders will be able to take a couple of big swings in a critical offseason, and now they wait to see who actually hits the market and who stays with their teams.
One of the top free agents this offseason is wasting no time looking for a contract extension just days after winning the Super Bowl.
Kenneth Walker III is already talking about a new contract with the Seahawks
The Commanders will be looking to add a top running back this offseason who can be the RB1 next year, with only Bill Croskey-Merritt under contract. Kenneth Walker III is the top running back free agent this offseason, just ahead of Breece Hall, but he might not make it to free agency with how his season ended.
It seemed like a slim chance that Walker III received a big contract from the Seahawks after Zach Charbonnet popped off this year, but then he suffered a torn ACL in the Divisional round of the playoffs, and Walker III took over. Walker III then went on to rush for 135 yards and won Super Bowl MVP. Just days later, Seahawks GM John Schneider revealed at the Super Bowl parade that Walker III is already trying to negotiate a new deal to stay in Seattle.
Walker III finished the season with 1,340 yards and nine touchdowns on the season, and earned a new contract after showing he can be a top RB1 in the NFL. Charbonnet will likely miss the start of the season if not longer, and they can’t afford to lose Walker III in free agency. That means the Commanders have to pivot elsewhere.
Top running back options for the Commanders if Kenneth Walker III stays with the Seahawks
It would be unfortunate for the Commanders to miss on Walker III, but this free agent class is loaded at running back. Breece Hall would be the next top option, and he’s very unlikely to want to stay around for another rebuild with the New York Jets. He’s projected to earn a three-year $37 million contract according to PFF, and well worth that contract.
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. would be next on the list, and he’s the perfect fit for Blough’s offense as he thrives in both gap and zone schemes. His 2025 season was the best of his career, and he’s just turned 27 years old. He’s projected to get a three-year, $34.5 million contract this offseason, according to PFF, which would be a home run for the Commanders.
One of the most underrated options for the Commanders is Rico Dowdle, who hit over 1,000 yards in each of the last two seasons, and is looking for a more guaranteed role with Chuba Hubbard back. Dowdle just turned 28 years old and has great ball security with only two fumbles in 2025. He doesn’t seem to be slowing down at all, and PFF’s contract evaluation of two-years and $17 million is a very risk-free signing that could come with a major payoff in production as well.
Washington Commanders News
One team wasted no time recruiting a Commanders pending free agent this offseason
George Kittle and Christian McCaffrey have already made a recruiting pitch for Deebo Samuel to return to the 49ers in free agency.
