The 2026 NFL free agency period is under way, and the Washington Commanders wasted no time in addressing their most pressing need: their defense. This space mentioned defensive end Trey Hendrickson as a key candidate to join the Commanders. As aggressive as the Commanders were in their pursuit of Hendrickson, he eventually signed a four year, $112 million dollar contract with the Baltimore Ravens.
Undeterred, the Commanders turned their focus towards other free agent defensive players. Washington signed former Detroit Lions’ cornerback Amik Robertson to a two year, $16 million dollar deal. It is unclear if Robertson was signed to be a starter or provide depth behind third year cornerback Mike Sainristil and second year cornerback Trey Amos. Robertson’s ability to play either outside or inside makes him a valuable addition to Washington’s secondary.
Another key addition to the secondary was the signing of former Indianapolis Colts’ safety Nick Cross. The Commanders sign Cross to a two year, $14 million dollar contract. Cross totaled 120 tackles for the Colts in 2025, and is a staunch tackler that can be brought into the box to defend the run. Speaking of defending the run, Washington turns to a familiar face to solidify their rush defense, signing former Houston Texans’ defensive tackle Tim Settle to a three year, $24 million dollar contract. Settle entered the NFL as a member of the Washington Redskins, playing with the franchise from 2018 until the end of the 2021 season. At six foot three inches and 313 pounds, Settle provides a solid presence in the middle to stop the opposing offense’s running game. He will either play as a nose tackle in a 3-4 defense (three defensive linemen, four linebackers) formation, or line up as a defensive tackle alongside veteran defensive tackle Daron Payne in a 4-3 defense (four defensive linemen, three linebackers).
Washington didn’t stop there. The Commanders signed former Kansas City Chiefs’ linebacker Leo Chenal to a three year, $24, 75 million dollar contract. Chenal was an instrumental part of Kansas City’s defense, recording 124 solo tackles during his four year career in Kansas City. Chenal is also considered proficient in blitzing opposing quarterbacks, which will serve the Commanders’ defense well. Further solidifying Washington’s pass rush is the signing of former Los Angeles Chargers’ edge rusher Odafe Oweh to a four year, $100 million dollar contract. Oweh recorded 7.5 sacks for the Chargers in 2025, indicative of the efficient pass rushing ability that he can provide the Commanders’ up front.
It appears that Washington general manager Adam Peters has adequately retooled his defense with the organization’s recent free agency signings. Robertson, Settle, Chenal, Cross and Oweh are all under the age of 30, and will continue to play at a high level. As of this writing, the Commanders have $68 million in salary cap funds to spend. While they were unable to land Hendrickson, it can be reasoned that Washington was able to address depth at various positions. Considering that the Commanders finished last in total yards allowed in 2025, there’s no where else to go but up.
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