The Washington Commanders remain a major player in free agency, considering their abundant needs on defense. General manager Adam Peters addressed those needs, signing seven defensive players via free agency. The Commanders’ offensive unit wasn’t is as much of an overhaul mode as their 32nd ranked defense was. Still, Peters believed there was room for improvement. Washington had $90 million in salary cap space before the free agency period began, so it can be reasoned that they could adopt an aggressive approach to free agency.
The Commanders hope they have solidified their backfield by signing running backs Rachaad White and Jerome Ford. However, it’s Washington’s other offensive skill positions that have provided the most intrigue. To start, they signed former Tennessee Titans’ tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo. Okonkwo compiled a solid four year career in Tennessee, catching 194 passes for 2,017 yards and eight touchdowns. Okonkwo’s 10.4 yards per catch suggests that he can stretch the field and provide big play ability when given the chance.
Washington’s wide receiver corps was inconsistent in 2025. Wide receiver Deebo Samuel played well filling in for wide receiver Terry McLaurin due to injuries. Unfortunately, Samuel became a free agent because Washington is either unable or unwilling to give him the lucrative contract extension he wants. Instead, Washington signed former Tennessee Titans’ wide receiver Van Jefferson, as well as former Jacksonville Jaguars’ wide receiver Dyami Brown. Brown began his NFL career with the Commanders (then known as the Washington Football Team) in 2021 and remained with the team before signing a one year, $10 million dollar contract with the Jaguars before the 2025 season. Brown emerged as a go to receiver for rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels in 2024, catching 30 passes for 308 yards and one touchdown. Commanders’ fans hope Brown and Daniels can recapture the on field chemistry that allowed Washington to reach the NFC Championship game in 2024.
Washington also resigned free agent wide receiver Treylon Burks. Burks, a former first round draft choice of the Tennessee Titans’ in 2022, dazzled fans in 2025 with a one handed touchdown catch against the Denver Broncos. Whether or not that one highlight alone is enough to resign a player is anyone’s guess. But Burks has done enough to warrant a chance to continue his career in Washington.
Most of the offensive skill players signed were signed to one year contracts. Each will need to prove they’re worthy of contract extensions. That means each will have to make the most of their opportunities. For White and Ford, that means getting tough yardage on the ground, exhibiting good pass protection for Daniels, being a viable pass receiving target, and keeping fumbles to a bare minimum. Jefferson will be 30 years old when the season begins. He will need to continue running crisp routes and make timely catches. Brown needs to use his speed to stretch the field and become the deep threat that will keep opposing defenses off balance.
Okonkwo was signed to a three year, $30 million deal. He will also need to prove his mettle as well. Washington is a power running team. Much of their success running the ball focuses not only on their offensive line’s run blocking efficiency, but the efficient blocking of their tight ends. Tight ends John Bates and Ben Sinnott are known more for their blocking than their pass catching ability. Okonkwo’s 238 pound frame suggests his game leans more towards pass catching than blocking. He will need to improve on his blocking to become an asset on every down. Tight end Zach Ertz can also be considered in the mix as well. While his credentials are not up for debate, he is coming off a season ending ACL tear in 2025. And at 35 years old, it’s unclear where Ertz fits in Washington’s plans.
Washington has used free agency to solidify its depth on offense and defense in their hopes on improving on a dismal 5-12 season in 2025. It’ll be interesting to see how the Commanders’ offensive additions will help improve the offense, as well as the overall fortunes of the franchise.
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