“We would never shut the door on him,” Commanders head coach Quinn said Saturday, via John Keim of ESPN. However, the staff is comfortable with their alternatives: “We do feel like there’s some players that are about to take off at [his] position.”

Wagner not only achieved a Super Bowl championship with the Seattle Seahawks, but has also earned First-Team All-Pro honors six times and Second-Team All-Pro honors five times. A stellar career that could see him once again chasing a title alongside Jayden Daniels with this team.

Wagner’s impact on the Commanders

In 2025, Bobby Wagner remained a defensive powerhouse for the Commanders, recording 79 solo tackles, 4.5 sacks, and 2 interceptions without forcing a single fumble. If Washington fails to bring the future Hall of Famer back for the 2026 season, it would lose more than just elite production; it would miss his veteran leadership and quarterback of the defense mentality, which are crucial for Dan Quinn‘s rebuilding process.

Wagner’s situation in this free agency

A re-signing of Bobby Wagner for the 2026 season would involve a significant shift in both pay and playtime compared to 2025. While he earned nearly $9 million last year, his current market value is projected at $7.7 million for a one-year deal.

Furthermore, Washington no longer views him as a 1,000-snap starter, as his potential return would likely focus on a situational rotation role and providing mentorship for the team’s younger linebackers.

What alternatives does Quinn have for Wagner’s position?

Ahead of next season, the Washington Commanders are transitioning to a more aggressive 3-4 defensive scheme. The linebacker unit is currently anchored by Leo Chenal and Frankie Luvu, who provide the versatility needed for this new system.

Additionally, the potential selection of Sonny Styles in the upcoming draft could give the Burgundy & Gold the elite hybrid playmaker they need to solidify the second level of their defense.

Washington eyes the upcoming Draft

Like the vast majority of the 32 NFL franchises, the Washington Commanders are keeping an eye on the upcoming draft. Here are the six picks that Dan Quinn will need to use wisely:

• Round 1, pick 7
• Round 3, pick 71
• Round 5, pick 147
• Round 6, pick 187
• Round 6, pick 209
• Round 7, pick 223

The former quarterback of the Washington Commanders has made the cut and appears on the official roster for the tryouts ahead of the World Championship that will be held in Düsseldorf. Out of the 24 players who were named, the list will be reduced to 12 to go to Germany in August.

This was his reaction on social media upon hearing the news. “God’s plan. The work is just getting started. Excited to work with my new teammates. USA! USA! USA!”

Will NFL players participate in 2028 Olympics?

The plan is for NFL stars to play in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles as part of Team USA. However, after what happened at the 2026 Fanatics Flag Football Classic, that is no longer a guarantee.

Specialists like Darrell Doucette at the QB position in flag football showed they are more prepared than names like Tom Brady and Joe Burrow. That’s why rumors about Patrick Mahomes as an alternative will have to wait.

Because of that, if they want a spot, the path appears to be very similar to the one RGIII has taken: seeking an opportunity by following the selection process through different tryouts. At the moment, there are no reserved spots for anyone.

“I just love their plan for me, honestly. Before I signed, I had a conversation with the entire staff, the defense, and coach (Dan) Quinn. They illustrated a plan for me that I feel like is going to get me back exactly where I was at two seasons ago, the success that I had,” Omenihu said during his introductory press conference with the Commanders.

When Omenihu talks about the level he showed two seasons ago, he refers to his first year with Reid and the Chiefs. Not even a six-game suspension to start the campaign prevented him from a career-best season.

Omenihu’s impactful 2023 season with Reid, Chiefs

In 2023, Omenihu recorded a career-high 7.0 sacks and 28 combined tackles with 11 quarterback hits, playing a key role in the campaign that led to Kansas City’s Super Bowl LVIII win.

A torn ACL in the 2024 AFC Championship Game against the Baltimore Ravens prevented Omenihu from playing Super Bowl LVIII against the San Francisco 49ers, but his contribution throughout the season was still instrumental.

His return from injured reserve came in November, and even though the Chiefs suffered a blowout loss in Super Bowl LIX against the Philadelphia Eagles, the team brought him back on a one-year deal worth up to $7 million for 2025.

Omenihu no longer believes Chiefs are the best situation for him

Last season saw the Chiefs miss the playoffs for the first time since 2014, and their poor 6-11 record proved that Reid and company would have plenty of work to do this offseason in order to bounce back.

Omenihu, however, shows that he no longer sees Arrowhead as the best place for him. Set to turn 29 in August, he’s moving to Washington for less money than he made in 2025, having agreed to a one-year, $4 million deal with the Commanders.

“I don’t think it’s far-fetched or far-gone at all,” Omenihu said about the Commanders helping him rediscover his 2023 form with the Chiefs. “I feel great body-wise. I just think the plan that they have for me is just really going to expose my strengths and put me in positions to rush, put me in positions to play the run at a high level. And I love that.”

Of course, these kinds of decisions are always personal and other players might still believe in the game plan proposed by Reid in Kansas City. Even so, Omenihu’s explanation could be something the Chiefs want to take into account.

According to Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic, the Commanders would have “no reason to hesitate in grabbing” Love, if he falls to them. However, a recent update on Love claims the Tennessee Titans could take him at No. 4.

Love has been a story to follow. He was the best running back in the class, but that stock elevated even further after his NFL Combine outing. Hence, his draft projections are all over the place now, with some thinking he could be a top five pick, or others thinking he could slide a bit, because of being a running back.

Jacory Croskey-Merritt seems to be the Commanders RB1

Croskey-Merritt was a seventh-round pick last season but is expected to be the primary running back of the team. As a rookie, he had 175 rush attempts for 805 yards and eight touchdowns. However, he shared the backfield with Chris Rodriguez Jr., Jeremy McNichols.

Having said that, the Commanders signed Rachaad White, presumably to take all the pass-catching plays. They also re-signed McNichols Hence, Love is not exactly the biggest need, though he would immediately become the best running back on the roster.

Washington’s offense is likely to look very different from last year

Kliff Kingsbury left the team so now the offense will be ran by David Blough, the new offensive coordinator. Blough was the Commanders assistant quarterbacks coach for the last two years.

Blough is a former quarterback who played four years in the NFL, starting just seven games and losing all seven. Now, his task is to make the Commanders offense a unit to fear and very productive in all areas.

The Commanders have been active on the running back market, including Rachaad White. However, according to John Keim of ESPN, the Commanders are eager to add a solid wide receiver to their roster. And while that can complement Terry McLaurin, it could also mean other things.

McLaurin was paid handsomely last year, and he still missed seven games last year and only made 582 yards. McLaurin is also north of 30 years, so the confidence might not be as high on him.

Who is WR2 right now?

As of now, Luke McCaffrey is the second wideout in the Commanders. McCaffrey did have some good outings in the NFL last season, but he had just 203 yards and three touchdowns. While he showed glimpses, it’s a big ask to put him as a WR2 all of a sudden.

McCaffrey is also a slot receiver. Hence, there is a big hole on one of the sides of the fields. That space is now task of Treylon Burks, who hasn’t lived up to his high draft pick in the first round back in 2022.

The Commanders need to bounce back

The Commanders appeared in the NFC Championship game back in 2024. In 2025, they just got five wins. Now, the team has two new coordinators and has done plenty of moves this season.

Adam Schefter reported the signing, and it’s a very good signing for the running back, who saw his snaps decrease heavily on the Buccaneers. Jayden Daniels and White spent two years together. In 2020, White led the Pac-12 in yards per attempt with 10.0. However, Daniels was not as prominent that year.

In 2021, Daniels became the starter of the team, throwing for 2,380 yards on 65.4 completion percentage, along with 10 TDs and 10 INTs. That season, Rachaad White had 1,462 scrimmage yards with 16 total TDs. During their college days together, White was more prominent. Now, the roles have reversed.

How has White fared in the NFL?

In four years in the NFL, White has established himself as a very good dual-threat back. In fact, he’s surpassed the 1,000-scrimmage-yard treshold twice in his career and has never had less than 771 scrimmage yards. However, he lost his starting job on the Buccaneers to the electric Bucky Irving, and hence he needed a change.

The Commanders only had second-year Jacory Croskey-Merritt and veteran Chase Edmonds on their RB depth chart. So for Rachaad White, this is a place where he can actually thrive and earn big-time snaps, instead of getting relegated in the pecking order.

The Commanders need a great running game to function

The Commanders had a 5-12 record last season just one year after going to the NFC Championship Game. There are two main reasons for that. Firstly, Jayden Daniels was injured for plenty of 2025.

Secondly, the Commanders ranked 22nd in total offense, while in 2024, they ranked seventh. That decline will take a huge toll on any team. Now, with hopes of revamping their stock, the Commanders and Daniels hope White can bring a new dynamic to the offense.

The news was reported by journalist Tom Pelissero via his X account, where he revealed the agreement reached by the veteran quarterback with Dan Quinn’s team. The deal is for one year, worth $7 million.

This way, the Commanders depth chart is now composed of Jayden Daniels, Marcus Mariota, and Sam Hartman. It’s worth noting that both Josh Johnson and Jeff Driskel are free agents, and their futures remain uncertain.

Mariota’s last season in Washington

In his final season with the Washington Commanders, Marcus Mariota filled a vital role as a reliable veteran presence. Across 11 games (8 starts) in 2025, he completed 61.2% of his passes for 1,695 yards, 10 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions, finishing with an 86.1 passer rating.

True to his dual-threat nature, he remained effective on the ground, adding 297 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown on 50 carries. His ability to step in and lead the offense provided much-needed stability, particularly in high-scoring efforts against the Raiders and Giants.

Another familiar face is back

The Commanders didn’t stay idle during this free agency and also moved to strengthen other areas of the team. According to Mike Garafolo on X, Tim Settle joins Washington on a three-year, $24 million deal, potentially worth up to $25.5 million.

In a recent appearance on The Rich Eisen Show, the two-time Super Bowl champion made it clear that, while many are starting to consider his retirement, he still has a lot to contribute in this sport.

“I’m definitely not at the beginning, but they’re still falling for the same tricks,” the experienced linebacker said when asked if he was nearing the end. “I can’t leave. They’re still falling for this stuff. I gotta roll the dice again.

“I had nine sacks last year, and I only played 35, 37 percent, so they’re still falling for it. They’re still falling for the same tricks I’ve been doing my whole career. I’m going to keep rolling the dice until they figure it out.”

Will Von Miller remain a Commander?

While Von Miller made it clear that he intends to continue playing at a professional level in the NFL, many are now wondering whether his journey will keep him in the Washington Commanders’ colors.

“I’m a loyal guy. I would love to stay with the Washington Commanders,” he said. “I fell in love with my teammates there. I love the way they run the organization. (General manager) Adam Peters is great. Coach (Dan) Quinn is great. I would love to be a Washington Commander.

“If something were to happen and I’m not a Washington Commander, then I would love to go to the Denver Broncos. I didn’t get that chance — I got traded whenever I was there — I didn’t get that chance to have closure. I didn’t get to walk into the stadium and be like, ‘OK, this is my last game’ or ‘I’m gonna do this with the fans.’ I didn’t get that closure. So, I would love to have closure with the Denver Broncos.”

Daniels has played twice in Philadelphia. Both times, he lost in the City of Brotherly Love. However, in an interview with Sports Illustrated, said some comments that could be hurtful to his team’s fandom:

“I love Eagles fans. I love Eagles fans. They just embody what Philly brings. To be able to go out there and play against them, it’s kind of just that thing. Their environment is kind of like the closest thing you can get to a college environment.”

Now, Daniels then said that those fans fuel him. However, given that he has lost both trips to Philadelphia, Daniels needs to start getting road wins. This is especially harder to hear by Commanders fans due to the fact that the Eagles fandom mocked the Commanders on their own home turf.

Commanding the East

Eagles fans went to Maryland on December 20 and made a sign that said “Commanding the East, 10-5.” That was the record the Eagles had after winning that game against the Commanders by double digits. Daniels praising the Eagles fans is not a good look.

Washington hasn’t won the NFC East since 2020, when it still ended up with a 7-9 record. In the 2020s, the Commanders have gone to the NFL Playoffs twice. The franchise has struggled to keep success on a regular basis.

Daniels is in the eye of the storm

No one denies Jayden Daniels’ talent. He won a Heisman during his College Football days, he won Offensive Rookie of the Year, and he is seen as a franchise quarterback. However, he also has some doubts regarding his durability. In the end, the best ability is availability, and Daniels lost 10 games due to injuries this season, and when he played, his numbers weren’t better than his backup’s.

Daniels completed 60.6% of his passes for 1,262 yards and eight touchdowns to three interceptions. Mariota had a better completion than Daniels (61.2%), had more yards (1,695), more touchdowns (10), and a very similar passer rating. So, Daniels needs to prove he is the better and that he can stay healthy trhoughout the season.

It’s non other than Deebo Samuel, who had an All-Pro season with the 49ers in the 2021 season, where he was used not only as a receiver, but as an elite swiss-army knife. Samuel is now entering free agency.

With his contract voided, the Commanders will swallow a $12.3 million cap hit in 2026. Samuel will officially be a free agent on March 11. At 30 years old, Samuel could still provide a very good production under a proficient playcaller.

Will the 49ers really look for Samuel?

The 49ers have a couple of wideouts going into free agency. Hence, the team could perfectly be in the market and a known entity could be the perfect option. This is especially tempting when Samuel had an All-Pro season under coach Kyle Shanahan. While the team and Samuel separated in 2024 under tense circumstances, money talks, and Samuel knows the 49ers is where he can shine the best.

With the Commanders, he had 727 yards and five touchdowns and led the team in both categories. However, Samuel did average a career-low 10.1 yards per catch. Given that Shanahan has the best knowledge on how to exploit Samuel, this could become a win-win situation.

The Commanders now need a new WR2

Samuel played second-fiddle to Terry McLaurin on the Commanders. However, given McLaurin’s injuries, he ended up with more games, yards, and touchdowns. Still, McLaurin averaged 12.8 more yards per game than Samuel. Given McLaurin’s age and injury history, the Commanders are now urged to bring a new weapon, and hopefully a young one.

The Commanders have the seventh pick in the NFL Draft, though they might need to address other needs with that pick. Still, they could select a guy like Carnell Tate to bring a downfield menace to play alongside Jayden Daniels on offense.

While high-profile names like Deebo Samuel and Bobby Wagner draw the most headlines, their potential exit represents a broader strategy. The front office must decide if these veterans are still the right fit for a team seeking a younger identity.

Beyond the stars, some futures highlight a looming void in veteran leadership. With significant cap space available but few players under contract, every decision made this winter will reshape the NFL team’s long-term foundation.

Washington Commanders free agents in 2026

The current roster construction reflects a calculated gamble by Adam Peters, who filled critical gaps with seasoned veterans on short-term deals. While this approach provided immediate stability for a developing squad, the sheer volume of expiring contracts creates a massive logistical challenge.

With over 22 players potentially hitting the open market, the Commanders must now decide which of these mentors have outlived their utility and which remain essential for the locker room culture.

Financial flexibility remains the team’s greatest asset, as Washington enters the offseason with one of the most significant salary cap surpluses in the league. This “clean slate” allows the front office to move away from stopgap solutions like Austin Ekeler or Von Miller, who provided veteran presence at a high cost.