Jason Burgos
With the Washington Commanders set to have a boatload of cash this offseason, a new report claims they are willing to spend every bit of it and go after some of the top names on the open market.
According to ESPN’s John Keim, “while the Commanders won’t spend recklessly, if there’s a player they want who commands top-of-the-market money and is considered a good fit, they will spend” to bring them in this offseason.
The Commanders are among the five teams with the most cap space this offseason. However, they also have a lot of roster spots to fill, so they can’t throw all their cash at top-of-the-market talent. But they can bring in a lot of high-impact veterans starting next week.
With that in mind, let’s look at six big-name or impact players the Washington Commanders could pursue in NFL free agency.
Alontae Taylor, CB
One area Keim claims the organization will “aggressively” look to upgrade in the weeks ahead is at cornerback. One intriguing option is former New Orleans Saints second-rounder Alontae Taylor. The 27-year-old was a starter the last season and showed his versatility to cover both outside and slot receivers. He should come at a reasonable rate and is right in his prime. In Dan Quinn’s system, he has Pro Bowler potential.
Stefon Diggs, WR
Are Stefon Diggs’ best days behind him? Yes, but in Washington, the player viewed as a leader for the AFC Champion New England Patriots doesn’t need to be the WR1. In his first season back after tearing his ACL, he posted over 1,000 receiving yards. A case can be made that he will be even better another year removed from the injury. Which means the Commanders could get him at a fair rate — after being cut by the Pats this week — and get a ton of bang for the buck.
Chig Okonkwo, TE
While it won’t be a primary focus of the offseason, the Commanders will have sniffing around the tight end market this offseason, and according to Keim, Tennessee Titans veteran Chig Okonkwo is a possibility.
The fourth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft has shown solid promise over his first four seasons in the NFL. While his stats don’t jump off the page, with a larger role and star receivers drawing more attention, his speed and ability to make plays after the catch could make him a big addition to the Commanders’ offense in 2026.
Trey Hendrickson, DE
Cincinnati Bengals pass rusher Trey Hendrickson is the biggest fish on the NFL free agent market this month. Furthermore, EDGE is another position the Commanders are reportedly willing to spend big to improve. When healthy, there are few better pass rushers in the NFL than Hendrickson since 2020.
There is certainly risk in giving the player with two 17.5 sack seasons on his resume a huge deal at 31 and after only playing in seven games last season. However, he immediately makes what was one of the worst defenses in the league last year far better.
Kenneth Walker, RB
Another area the Commanders are expected to target this offseason is the running back spot. There is a good chance Austin Ekeler is cut, leaving Jacory Croskey-Merritt as the only RB on the roster. Washington could certainly look to add a back in the draft. However, another option would be Super Bowl MVP, Kenneth Walker.
He has been an above-average player in the backfield since entering the league in 2022 and played a key role in the Seattle Seahawks’ championship run in 2025. He is a very reliable runner but is also a threat in the pass game. With running backs getting far lower paydays right now, they can add him for a reasonable number compared to the going rate for top NFL free agents.
Jaelan Phillips, EDGE
If the cost to sign Hendrickson is too high for the Washington Commanders, a backup option would be six-year veteran Jaelan Phillips. He is a talented player who can be both an edge setter and a pocket disruptor from the linebacker spot. He will be a top target this offseason, and the only thing that could hurt Washington’s chances is if a bidding war is created by the teams that miss out on Hendrickson.
