Commanders 2026 NFL Free Agency Predictions: Big splashes, key players, and under-the-radar targets Washington will sign
Predicting who the Commanders will sign in free agency to finally spend their salary cap on, and rebuild their roster the right way.
The Washington Commanders have made the moves necessary to be aggressive in free agency, and many insiders around the league expect them to be smart, yet aggressive and active in pursuing the right players.
General manager Adam Peters will certainly change his approach after a conservative offseason last year, and you never know who the Commanders will bring in. I gave it a swing myself and made my predictions on who the Commanders will take during free agency.
I obviously don’t think they will sign every single one of these players, but I believe these are the guys they will target and attempt to sign the majority of them.
Commanders’ big splash signing predictions
Kenneth Walker III, RB
It’s no secret that the Commanders are looking for a true RB1 this offseason, and reports have said that they want a thumper. Kenneth Walker III is the perfect candidate to fill that vacancy, and he’s coming off a Super Bowl MVP season. Walker III will have plenty of teams pursuing him, with the Kansas City Chiefs and New York Giants leading the way, but I think the Commanders sign him to a three-year, $45 million contract in free agency.
Tyler Linderbaum, Center
The Commanders need a new center after releasing Tyler Biadasz, and NFL insider Jordan Shultz says Washington will heavily pursue All-Pro Tyler Linderbaum. Linderbaum will not only reset the market but also completely change it, and it wouldn’t surprise me if he lands $23 to $24 million per year. Peters will be aggressive this offseason, and dropping a bag on one of the best centers in the league, who is not even 26 years old yet, would show that he’s changing his approach and going all in.
Jaelan Phillips, EDGE
The Commanders will aggressively target EDGE players this offseason, and I believe Jaelan Phillips is their guy. Phillips is still just 26 years old during free agency, and showed last season that he can still play when he’s healthy. At 6-5, 263 pounds, Phillips can be the Commanders’ answer on the EDGE, and they just hope he stays healthy with a projected three-year, $50 million contract. They could still draft another or sign an underrated free agent as well, and they should.
Devin Lloyd, LB
Bobby Wagner is a free agent, and honestly, shouldn’t come back, and the Commanders need to upgrade the LB room drastically. Devin Lloyd will demand big money in free agency as the top LB, but he deserves it, and I can see him being high on the Commanders’ list. He’s projected to earn a three-year, $48 million contract, and I can see Washington paying him more.
Commanders’ key player predictions
Rashid Shaheed, WR
The Commanders have been vocal about adding an explosive playmaker on offense, and that’s what they would be getting in Rashid Shaheed, who is hitting the market. Shaheed may not be a true WR1 option, as he’s only eclipsed over 500 receiving yards in a season twice, but he’s also a speed demon on special teams. Shaheed can stretch the field from the slot and out wide, and I’m predicting the Commanders sign him to a three-year, $43 million deal.
Chigoziem Okonkwo, TE
Another veteran that needs to be replaced is Zach Ertz, who is also a free agent and coming off an ACL injury. The Commanders need a true passing threat, and that’s what Chigoziem Okonkwo is at tight end. He’s also just 26 years old, and his full potential hasn’t been reached yet. Okonkwo can play in-line or out in the slot, and has the juice with 6.2 yards after the catch, which was seventh in 2025. I see Okonkwo making a three-year, $28 million contract in free agency.
Commanders’ under-the-radar predictions
Cor’Dale Flott, CB
Cor’Dale Flott is more underrated than he should be, but 2025 was a massive season for him, and now he has a strong market as a free agent. He played a career-high 800 snaps, and it was his best season yet with a targeted EPA of -12.7, which is close to A.J. Terrell and Derek Stingley Jr. Flott has a connection to Daronte Jones, who was his defensive coordinator at LSU. He’s just 24 years old and likely to get a three-year, $30 million deal this offseason.
Jalen Thompson, Safety
Jalen Thompson has been one of my favorite under-the-radar free agents this offseason that I’d love to see in Washington. He’s 27 years old and still getting better every season. The Commanders’ safety room is as bad as it gets, and Thompson had the fifth-lowest missed tackle rate among all safeties in 2025. He’s versatile as well, with over 2,000 snaps in the box and at free safety, and over 1,000 snaps at nickel. Thompson is very affordable with a two-year, $19 million projection.
Commanders’ free agency thoughts
I believe Brandon Aiyuk is a clear favorite to land in Washington once the San Fransico 49ers actually release him, which I would say should be around March 11th. I expect the Commanders to sign Lloyd Cushenberry III at center, or wait for Elgton Jenkins to be released by the Packers if they can’t land Linderbaum. My prediction is that Alec Pierce chooses the Patriots over the Commanders, and the Commanders pivot.
Watch for EDGE Arnold Ebiketie and WR Jalen Nailor as backup options as well. Romeo Doubs is on their list as well, but the 49ers have been my team for him for the last two weeks. If they miss on Walker III, Rico Dowdle is my next guess and fits the offensive scheme well. Tevin Jenkins makes sense as a LG replacement if the Commanders lose Chris Paul. Buckle up, and be prepared for a new Commanders free agency approach.
Washington Commanders News
Sources tell NFL analyst to prepare for grim scenario regarding Terry McLaurin’s future with Commanders
NFL analyst hints that Terry McLaurin’s future after this season is pretty obvious, and his contract agrees with the outcomes.
