6 winners and losers after Commanders’ active free agency, including breakout late-round gem

The Commanders added a lot of talent this offseason, which brings good news and bad news for other players on the roster.

Josh Taylor — Washington Commanders News Writer
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Dec 7, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt (22) practices before the game at U.S. Bank Stadium. © Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

General manager Adam Peters got active this offseason and had his most impactful free agency period since joining the Commanders.

We’ll see a lot of new faces in Washington next season, which means there could be new starters on both sides of the ball, while others take a step down in their roles. Here are five of the biggest winners and losers so far this offseason after the Commanders went spending in free agency.

LOSER: Bill Croskey-Merritt

I know Bill Croskey-Merritt was a standout rookie last season who rushed for 805 yards in a RB committee, but they still didn’t trust him as the RB1 with his liabilities in pass protection and in the receiving game. He also had four crucial fumbles, and the Commanders reloaded by adding Rachaad White. White is a complete back who thrives in all three phases and could easily lead the team in touches and production next season.

WINNER: Daronte Jones

New defensive coordinator Daronte Jones is easily one of the biggest winners as he brings his own scheme to Washington to run a defense for the first time in his career. Peters gifted him a haul of defensive players to work with, like Odafe Oweh, K’Lavon Chaisson, and Charles Omenihu on the defensive line. They also invested in rising stars like Leo Chenal and Nick Cross, who both will thrive in Jones’ scheme.

LOSER: Quan Martin/Jeremy Reaves

The Commanders got younger and way more athletic at safety after adding the hometown rising star in Nick Cross. As of now, Cross and Will Harris would be the starting safeties. Quan Martin and Jeremy Reaves could very likely see their defensive snaps vanish in 2026, and their play says so as well. The Commanders still need a true free safety, which means another could be added via the NFL Draft, and their roles would diminish even more.

WINNER: Mike Sainristil

Peters signed Amik Robertson, who is very likely the new nickel corner, which means they didn’t add any outside corners to compete with Mike Sainristil, who has taken a step back. Daronte Jones is excited to see Sainristil play, and I believe they think he can play as an outside corner. They still have no depth at the position, so more additions will be made, and Sainristil will still need to earn the spot in training camp.

LOSER: Terry McLaurin

The Commanders tried to give WR Terry McLaurin some help on the other side of the field, but unfortunately, they missed on both Alec Pierce and Romeo Doubs. McLaurin hasn’t had a real WR2 option to help him out since he was drafted, and that trend continues. The Commanders will likely add Brandon Aiyuk whenever he is actually released, and possibly draft one with the No. 7 overall pick, who could actually replace McLaurin after the season if they play well enough. It’s a lose-lose situation for McLaurin.

WINNER: Nick Allegretti

Nick Allegretti went from having essentially no role on the offense and a clear salary cap cut candidate to receiving a contract extension and possibly taking over as the starting center after the Commanders shockingly released Tyler Biadasz. The Commanders did throw a massive offer at Tyler Linderbaum, but they ultimately didn’t land him or pivot to any other center options. They should take one in the NFL Draft and have him compete with Allegretti in camp.

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