Grading the Commanders’ first free agency wave: Washington overhauls the defense and gives Jayden Daniels support
The Commanders put together a strong foundation for the future of their roster, with a better supporting cast for Jayden Daniels.
The Washington Commanders had a clear goal of improving an aging roster by getting younger and faster, and Adam Peters built for the now and the future.
Both sides of the ball drastically improved, and every option is still on the table for the NFL Draft. Of course, they missed some bigger swings, but they pivoted and nailed their corresponding moves. They still have plenty of moves left to make before the NFL Draft, but the majority of their impact signings have become official.
Here’s a look at an overall grading for the Commanders’ 2026 free agency class, and where the roster stands today.
Commanders’ offensive free agency signings
The Commanders completely changed their running back room with Bill Croskey-Merritt as the only RB under contract for next season, but they actually got much better. After losing Chris Rodriguez Jr, the Commanders turned their attention to RB Rachaad White, who was linked to come to Washington for a while, and landed him on a one-year, $2 million steal of a contract.
They also added Jerome Ford for solid depth, and left the door open on drafting another RB if the opportunity presents itself. White will be the biggest steal of the offseason, and more productive than people think.
The TE room also received a massive boost by adding Chig Okonkwo, who will give the Commanders a vertical threat and yards after the catch, which has been missing. He fits what David Blough wants to do on offense, and will have the biggest opportunity of his young career on a three-year $30 million contract.
The WR room is where the biggest concerns lie for me after missing on Alec Pierce and Romeo Doubs. They added Dyami Brown and Van Jefferson as depth and players fighting for a roster spot, but they still need a WR2. The Commanders are still waiting on the San Francisco 49ers to release Brandon Aiyuk, but they’re set up to draft a top WR with the No. 7 overall pick regardless.
Grading the offensive free agency signings: A-
Commanders’ defensive free agency signings
The defense is where the majority of the focus was in free agency, and rightfully so. The Commanders’ biggest splash signing was also at its biggest weakness after signing Odafe Oweh to a four-year, $100 million contract. Oweh is a freak athlete with an arsenal of pass-rushing tools who is their franchise player on the EDGE.
They also added K’Lavon Chaisson and Charles Omenihu to one-year deals; both have unique skill sets and are younger, productive players. The defensive line is in a much healthier spot overall, but only Oweh and Javontae Jean-Baptiste are under contract after the season.
The Commanders also brought back Tim Settle, who will be a true nose tackle up front on defense, while bringing a missing pass rush from the middle.
The LB room got much younger and athletic after adding Leo Chenal, who was built for a Daronte Jones defense. Chenal is another guy I believe will be a key piece they build around for the future. The Commanders signed him to a three-year, $24.75 million deal, which is excellent value.
The secondary needed an overhaul as well, and the Commanders signed Amik Robertson to be their true nickel corner, which was a questionable position. Their biggest liability, however, was the safety room, which was one of the worst in the NFL. They brought in a massive addition with a very underrated 24-year-old Nick Cross, who can blossom into a top safety in the league, and finally fix the Commanders’ defense.
Grading the defensive free agency signings: A-
Overall free agency class grading for the Commanders
Overall, the Commanders got younger, way more athletic, and actually built a stable roster with more long-term deals, while still adding one-year prove-it deals for younger players instead of retiring veterans. There’s still work to do on offense at the WR position, but they have the draft picks to address it.
The defense was where I wanted to see the most changes, and I’m more than impressed with what the Commanders did. My biggest concerns that remain are another outside corner with Mike Sainristil struggling, and a true free safety who can play with range and coverage abilities on the back end. The roster looks much more stable, and there’s still plenty of depth signings to be made.
This will be Peters’ most impactful free agency group with the Commanders since he took over.
Commanders’ overall free agency grade: A-
Washington Commanders News
Commanders 2026 NFL Free Agency Tracker: Every free agent signing, in-house return, and release made by Washington
Every move the Commanders make during the 2026 NFL free agency period, including big-splash signings, in-house returns, and surprise releases.
