Commanders announce first free agency decision regarding key Pro Bowler ahead of critical offseason
The Commanders make their first roster move of the offseason by extending pending free agent Tress Way with a new contract.
The Washington Commanders are full speed ahead with a critical 2026 offseason with free agency quickly approaching in just one month.
The Commanders have 33 pending free agents, which is the most in the NFL, and general manager Adam Peters will have some difficult decisions to make. Peters has made a decision on one pending free agent, as Pro Bowl punter Tress Way will be back with the Commanders next season with a new contract.
Commanders extend Pro Bowl Tress Way to avoid him hitting free agency
Peters will have to add new talent to the team this offseason, but they also need to retain some of their own. The first player staying is honestly the perfect player to get a new contract extension, with fan favorite Way staying in Washington.
Way was set to be a free agent this offseason, but his playing for another team wouldn’t seem right after playing for Washington since 2014. He was also just representing the team at the Pro Bowl games for the third time in his career, and was also a second-team All-Pro in 2022.
Way has been a staple of the team on and off the field, and deserves everything he’s earned, including a new contract. There were questions regarding Way returning to the team since he’s turning 36 before the season, but there’s no doubt he’s still playing at a high level. Way’s contract is a one-year deal, and hopefully enough to keep him in Washington until he retires.
The Commanders have many more difficult decisions to make in free agency
The Commanders now have 32 pending free agents, which means 32 more decisions to make that will impact the team’s success in 2026. Luckily, the NFL’s salary cap boost will help keep some of their own players around, and Peters can swing on some notable names in free agency as well.
The offense will be a focal point with the Commanders reportedly looking to add a pass-catching tight end this offseason, but the defense will be loaded with talent like Devin Lloyd as well. This offseason will be a true test to see if Peters learned from his conservative approach last offseason or not. Way has his new contract at least, and we now wait around for a Laremy Tunsil extension and other re-signings.
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