Commanders eye free agent targets to boost offense, defense

Washington has plenty of cap space to add speed, playmakers around QB Jayden Daniels and rebuild lagging defense

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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The Washington Commanders enter free agency with over $80 million in cap space, the fourth-most in the NFL. They are looking to add speed, playmakers and youth to their roster, especially on offense around quarterback Jayden Daniels and on defense. Five potential free agent targets include edge rusher Bradley Chubb, tight end Isaiah Likely, wide receiver Rashid Shaheed, center Tyler Linderbaum, and running back Tyler Allgeier.

Why it matters

The Commanders are in a critical offseason as they look to build a contender around Daniels after missing the playoffs the last two seasons. Adding impact players in free agency is vital to accelerating their rebuild and providing Daniels with the supporting cast he needs to take the next step.

The details

The Commanders need to add speed and playmaking ability across the board. On offense, they lost veteran tight end Zach Ertz to free agency and have a thin receiving corps behind Terry McLaurin. On defense, they have struggled to generate consistent pass rush and need to rebuild a unit that has lagged in recent years. The five free agents they are targeting could help address those needs - Chubb is a disruptive edge rusher, Likely is a versatile tight end with upside, Shaheed is a speedy receiver and return specialist, Linderbaum is one of the top young centers in the game, and Allgeier is a productive running back who can provide a change of pace.

  • The NFL's legal tampering window begins on Monday, March 11, 2026 at 12 p.m. ET.
  • New free agent deals can be officially signed starting on Wednesday, March 13, 2026 at 4 p.m. ET.

The players

Bradley Chubb

A 26-year-old edge rusher who has been a disruptive force when healthy, recording 73 quarterback pressures and 23 run stops last season.

Isaiah Likely

A 25-year-old tight end who has the size, versatility and potential to be a reliable pass-catching option for the Commanders.

Rashid Shaheed

A 25-year-old wide receiver and return specialist who made the Pro Bowl the last two seasons and won a Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks.

Tyler Linderbaum

A 25-year-old center who was a first-round pick in 2022 and is considered one of the top young centers in the NFL.

Tyler Allgeier

A 25-year-old running back who has averaged over 3.25 yards after contact per carry and forced 38 missed tackles per season the last two years.

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What they’re saying

“We must add speed and playmakers this offseason to build around Jayden. These free agents could be difference-makers for us.”

— Adam Peters, General Manager, Washington Commanders (Washington Post)

What’s next

The Commanders will look to sign several of these free agents when the new league year begins on March 13th, with the goal of providing more talent and support around quarterback Jayden Daniels.

The takeaway

The Commanders have the resources to be aggressive in free agency this offseason, and they need to capitalize on the opportunity to add impact players that can help accelerate their rebuild and put them in position to compete for a playoff spot in 2026.