Commanders lock in one veteran player with contract extension ahead of critical 2026 NFL free agency period
The Commanders are bringing back a value depth piece to help solidify an important position group moving forward.
The Washington Commanders have a handful of difficult decisions to make this offseason with 32 pending free agents and a roster that needs a lot of work.
They obviously won’t move on from everyone, despite a 5-12 season of disappointment, and bringing back some players at a good value will be important.
The Commanders have made another decision on one of their own pending free agents, and it’s going to help protect a position group and Jayden Daniels next year.
Commanders extend OT Andrew Wylie ahead of free agency
After reaching an extension with All-Pro punter Tress Way, we knew the Commanders had more work to do with the most pending free agents this offseason. The next free agency domino has fallen for the Commanders, and they’re extending OT Andrew Wylie to a two-year deal worth $7.5 million, and a max value of $10.5 million.
Wylie was set to become a free agent in just two weeks, but now he’s staying in Washington, where he wanted to be. He’s 31 years old, but he’s been an important veteran who has filled in at tackle and guard as depth and as a starter. Wylie played in 194 pass-blocking snaps last season and only allowed one sack and nine pressures. He didn’t allow a single sack as the starter at right tackle in 2024, so his depth is valuable.
The Commanders obviously drafted Josh Conerly Jr, who had a stellar ending to his rookie season after a rough start, but having depth at every position is part of the Commanders’ issues as well. Wylie won’t hit the market, and now they can focus on their remaining free agents over the next few days before the tampering window opens.
Next free agents the Commanders could extend
The Commanders will likely let a few players test their market before bringing them back, but there will be a few they don’t want to risk losing. Left guard Chris Paul is likely on their list, and I’d be surprised if they just let him walk without trying to get an extension done first. Left tackle Laremy Tunsil is also due for a new extension sooner rather than later, hopefully.
EDGE rusher Jacob Martin was also a pleasant surprise last season, and he could be another depth piece the Commanders will need to lean on in 2026. Then the Commanders can open their wallets and get to spending on outside talent to take the roster to the next level, and get back to a winning culture next season.
Washington Commanders News
Commanders miss on top free agent option before they even get a chance after latest 2026 NFL offseason domino
The Commanders will have to shift their 2026 NFL free agency board after a top target was hit with the franchise tag.
