10 extremely early free agents the Commanders could target in 2025

Adam Peters' roster regeneration was necessary and dramatic in equal measure this offseason. The Washington Commanders turned over almost half their playing personnel under the new general manager. This was just the start of his grand plans to take the franchise from also-rans into legitimate contenders.

Peters knows the hard work is just getting started. He's improved matters without jeopardizing any future financial flexibility. If the Commanders show enough progress during the first season with head coach Dan Quinn leading the charge in 2024, it wouldn't be surprising to see this once-toxic organization become an attractive destination once again.

The Commanders have $87.44 million to spend next spring with 49 players under contract according to Spotrac. This could increase further through early releases and restructures. Peters looks well-placed to be a big player in free agency if he believes Washington can take the next step into the playoff picture.

With this in mind, here are 10 extremely early free agents the Commanders could target in 2025.

Commanders could target Nate Herbig

• Offensive Line | Pittsburgh Steelers

The Washington Commanders signed Tyler Biadasz and Nick Allegretti to bolster their offensive line. Sam Cosmi is a cornerstone piece who could get a lucrative new deal in the not-too-distant future. However, no successful team stands still in pursuit of enhancing competition or improving depth.

Someone like Nate Herbig could be an option for the Commanders. He joined the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2023 and is an accomplished pass protector. He's also got the position versatility to play anywhere along the interior to further raise intrigue.

If Herbig spends time as a key rotational piece once again next season, the promise of starting involvement elsewhere would be welcome. This is something the Commanders could provide depending on how Allegretti fares following his high-profile arrival from the Kansas City Chiefs.

Herbig has proven production and experience. This also wouldn't cost the earth, which is another positive Adam Peters might identify in pursuit of some much-needed stability along the protection.

Commanders could target Tee Higgins

• Wide Receiver | Cincinnati Bengals

Speculation remains about the Washington Commanders potentially making another play for wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk in the trade market. That does seem unlikely right now, but the need for those in power to find another capable pass-catcher to go alongside Terry McLaurin might be greater in 2025.

Jahan Dotson is entering a crossroads campaign that could go either way. Luke McCaffery looks like a decent prospect, but asking him to become a focal point is unfair during the early stages of his development.

If nobody else surges forward, the Commanders have no option other than to go bold. Jayden Daniels is an exceptional talent, but he cannot do it alone.

Tee Higgins seems set to play 2024 on the franchise tag before hitting free agency next spring. The Cincinnati Bengals need to extend Ja'Marr Chase and might not have enough for the Clemson product. He'll be among the most highly coveted free agents available, which could incite a bidding war for his services.

The Commanders would be foolish not to throw their hat into the ring. Pairing him with McLaurin is a mouth-watering proposition. However, the cost will be extortionate if the wideout puts together another 1,000-yard receiving campaign in 2024.

Commanders could target Cam Robinson

• Offensive Tackle | Jacksonville Jaguars

Brandon Coleman will get a chance to become the team's starting left tackle long-term. If everything goes better than anticipated over training camp, the Commanders might throw him into the fire in Week 1 at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers over veteran Cornelius Lucas.

Neither inspires much confidence in the short term. Coleman could be a productive player over time, but one doesn't have to look far around the league for examples of first-year offensive tackles who get a rude awakening during their rookie baptism of fire.

Most analysts believe Coleman's lack of length makes him better suited to the interior. If that proves correct, the Commanders must acquire a blindside enforcer either via the 2025 NFL Draft or from the veteran free-agent pool.

Someone like Cam Robinson could be the answer. The veteran has dealt with some injury issues in recent years, but his performance levels have been largely encouraging. If the Jacksonville Jaguars aren't willing to give him the financial security he's looking for beyond 2024, there should be a host of teams looking to secure the lineman's services with another impressive year under his belt.

Commanders could target Haason Reddick

• Edge Rusher | New York Jets

Trading Montez Sweat and Chase Young evaporated any consistent pass-rush for the Washington Commanders over the second half of 2023. Adam Peters looked to rectify this complication through free agency. The acquisitions should assist, but the unit might become an area of weakness once again.

This is something that cannot become a long-term complication. The Commanders need explosiveness off the edge in some capacity. If that doesn't happen in 2024, spending big to land a prolific free agent couldn't be completely dismissed.

Haason Reddick boasts more high-quality production than most set to hit the market. He's entering a contract year and was recently traded to the New York Jets as they go all in for a Super Bowl tilt next season. The former Temple star is the wrong side of 30 years old when the upcoming campaign commences, but his 50.5 sacks in four seasons indicate there is a lot of good football left in the tank.

Much will depend on how Reddick performs for the Jets next season. If the player thrives and continues his game-wrecking capabilities, it's someone the Commanders could potentially look to acquire next spring.

Commanders could target Charvarius Ward

• Cornerback | San Francisco 49ers

The Commanders could be on the lookout for outside cornerback assistance in 2025. Those in power are giving Benjamin St-Juste and Emmanuel Forbes Jr. another chance to prove themselves after subpar campaigns last time around. They could improve tremendously under Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr., but there's just no telling for sure.

Finding more capable performers would be critical in this scenario. Some intriguing prospects are emerging via the 2025 NFL Draft which warrant first-round consideration. If Adam Peters wants experience, a veteran option he's already familiar with might be available next spring.

Charvarius Ward has the size and physical profile Quinn looks for in his cornerbacks. He's still in his prime and is coming off another outstanding season with the San Francisco 49ers. Peters was part of the front office that brought the Middle Tennessee State product from the Kansas City Chiefs in 2021, so he has a high opinion of the player.

Ward would instantly become Washington's best cornerback in this scenario. The Niners might not have enough money to keep him around given quarterback Brock Purdy is extension-eligible next year. That said, signing the gifted corner wouldn't be cheap.

Commanders could target Budda Baker

• Safety | Arizona Cardinals

The Washington Commanders have a decent safety room in 2024. Adam Peters let Kamren Curl leave for the Los Angeles Rams without offering him a new deal. That said, there's a lot to like about this unit becoming one of strength if everyone responds positively to improved coaching.

Darrick Forrest and Jeremy Chinn look like a decent starting tandem. Former second-round pick Quan Martin should improve after catching the eye as a rookie. Depth also looks fine thanks to the presence of Jeremy Reaves, Percy Butler, and rookie Dominique Hampton.

Things look less certain after the season. Forrest and Chinn are free agents. Peters might decide the money could be better spent elsewhere. Someone like Budda Baker ticks the boxes in this scenario.

Baker's one of the league's most prolific safeties. He's got two All-Pro honors and six Pro Bowl selections under his belt. There's nothing he doesn't excel at, but whether the Commanders would be willing to pay the former second-round pick accordingly is another matter.

Teams around the league have overlooked the safety spot this offseason. If this trend continues, the Commanders might see acquiring someone like Baker as a step too far.

Commanders could target Ronnie Stanley

• Offensive Tackle | Baltimore Ravens

There are some real concerns about the Commanders' offensive tackle options heading into the 2024 season. Andrew Wylie is getting another chance at right tackle despite underperforming in 2023. Things are even more uncertain on the blindside, although those in power hope rookie third-rounder Brandon Coleman can become a long-term option if his early development goes as anticipated.

Adam Peters cannot allow this to become a weak link if he wants quarterback Jayden Daniels to become a franchise-changing presence under center. If those currently around don't meet improved standards, expect the new general manager to be aggressive in pursuit of improvements during next year's recruitment period.

There are some significant injury questions to alleviate, but Ronnie Stanley is someone who the Commanders should monitor closely in 2024. The veteran is a high-caliber performer when on the field. It's been a frustrating couple of seasons for the player, but he appears rejuvenated this offseason in pursuit of better luck on the health front.

If Stanley puts a consistent run of games together and excels, interest in the pending free agent would be high. The Baltimore Ravens won't want to lose the former first-round pick out of Notre Dame, but the Commanders have enough spare financial assets to make him a lucrative offer in this scenario.

Commanders could target Tyrel Dodson

• Linebacker | Seattle Seahawks

Tyrel Dodson benefitted more than most from veteran Tremaine Edmunds leaving the Buffalo Bills for the Chicago Bears in 2023 free agency. The linebacker was given more responsibilities and thrived, proving to be a dynamic force in all phases en route to a phenomenal 89.5 grade from Pro Football Focus.

This wasn't enough for Dodson to get another deal in Buffalo. He signed a one-year agreement from the Seattle Seahawks, where he's expected to replace new Washington Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner at the defensive second level. Could the same happen again in 2025?

Wagner can make a huge difference on and off the field during this pivotal transition season for the Commanders. But he's rapidly approaching the end of his first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Fame career - something the Commanders must prepare for to ensure no momentum is lost.

Hopes are high that rookie prospect Jordan Magee could potentially become a long-term option next to Frankie Luvu. However, if Dodson takes his game up another notch next season, he's someone who might be the perfect partner if the price is right.

Commanders could target Derek Barnett

• Edge Rusher | Houston Texans

As previously mentioned, the Commanders have concerns surrounding their edge rushing options heading into the season. They made several notable additions - two of which boast familiarity with Dan Quinn's schematic demands. Whether this squad has enough to fill the gaping void left by Montez Sweat and Chase Young is another matter.

If the likes of Dorance Armstrong Jr., Clelin Ferrell, Dante Fowler Jr., and K.J. Henry cannot meet the required standards, this becomes arguably their biggest need during the 2025 offseason. Going down the draft route is an option, but finding a dependable presence from the veteran pool is something else Adam Peters must consider.

Derek Barnett's progress with the Houston Texans is worth monitoring. The player shone when reps came his way last time out and has some intriguing experience to call upon. He's no stranger to the NFC East having played for the Philadelphia Eagles, although he never quite reached the heights expected of a high-end first-round selection.

The Commanders could use someone like Barnett next season if things don't work out with their recent acquisitions. He should excel with the Texans under DeMeco Ryans after joining the organization midway through the 2023 campaign. That will see interest in his services soar around the league.