3 pending free agents Commanders must re-sign this offseason before spending on outside targets
The Commanders need to retain their own key free agents before spending their top-5 salary cap space in 2026 NFL free agency.
The Washington Commanders need to add more talent this offseason to support Jayden Daniels and build for the future.
They also have 32 pending free agents this offseason, so they’ll have to retain a handful that are worth bringing back. Before they go shopping on the market, general manager Adam Peters has to decide whether to re-sign or let their own free agents walk and look for upgrades.
Not all of them are worth losing, however, and three should be retained by the Commanders and have a role next season.
Chris Paul, LG
Chris Paul was one of the best stories in a disastrous season as a former seventh-round pick turned surprising starter. Paul took over as the starting left guard in Week 3 and became a sure blocker next to Laremy Tunsil. He had the fifth-best pressure rate allowed by a left guard last season at just 3.18%, and earned a new contract. Paul could be looking at a three-year, $30 million projection this offseason.
Treylon Burks, WR
Treylon Burks joined the Commanders mid-season and had to quickly get acclimated with the offense, with all of the injuries adding up. It didn’t take long for Burks to show his big-play abilities with a highlight reel one-handed catch for a touchdown against the Denver Broncos. He didn’t have the craziest stat line, but he still averaged 13 yards per catch.
Burks won’t have a starting role once the Commanders pursue other free agents or draft another wide receiver, but having depth with high-end abilities will be handy if injuries occur once again.
Jacob Martin, EDGE
Jacob Martin was a sneaky free agent signing last offseason, who came in and produced where the Commanders needed it the most. The Commanders lacked a pass rush, but Martin filled in, especially when Dorance Armstrong went down for the season. Martin finished with 5.5 sacks and 45 pressures in 2025, and is for sure worth bringing back as a rotational pass rusher while the Commanders look to land a big starter.
The Commanders have some underrated EDGE free agents to target, and of course, they have a high chance of drafting one with the No. 7 overall pick, depending on how the board falls. Having a veteran who can produce is important to have when the room gets much younger. Martin is predicted to make $3 million this offseason, which will be easy for the Commanders to do.
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