5 Commanders' offseason additions who can outperform their pay grade in 2025

Adam Peters went about his business aggressively and methodically this offseason. The Washington Commanders were in a strong position after reaching the NFC Championship game. Taking advantage of this newfound prosperity was crucial.

The Commanders opted to make their two biggest splashes in the trade market. Peters spent significant draft capital to acquire wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. and left tackle Laremy Tunsil. This represents a huge statement, one that left no doubt Washington is aiming for another bold Super Bowl bid following its sensational playoff run.

As for the free agents? It was a more conservative approach.

Peters didn't think too much of this crop of veterans looking for alternative employment. The Commanders re-signed a lot of their free agents who contributed so much to the cause in 2024. Most of the signings (aside from Javon Kinlaw) were older players with proven production, who all signed one-year deals.

This was a strategy that bore fruit last time around. Peters is hoping for similar good fortune, so it'll be interesting to see if the same strategy brings the same success when competitive action arrives once again.

And who knows, perhaps the Commanders will receive plenty of bang for their buck. With this in mind, here are five offseason additions who can outperform their pay grade in 2025.

Commanders' offseason additions who can outperform their pay grade

Nate Herbig - Commanders OL

• 2025 salary-cap hit: $1.19 million

The Washington Commanders made one landmark addition to their offensive line with five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil. This is a game-changer that provides quarterback Jayden Daniels with an elite blindside presence to help him thrive further in Year 2 of his professional career.

Nate Herbig's arrival went unnoticed in comparison. The interior presence missed the entire 2024 campaign through injury, but all signs point to the player getting a full offseason of work under his belt this summer. If he's fully healthy and re-energized, he'll be pushing for starting involvement in some capacity.

That could be a competition with Nick Allegretti for the left guard spot. The Super Bowl winner was solid if not spectacular last season. Keeping urgency high could see improvements arrive from the veteran, but Herbig might fancy his chances of prominent involvement with a smooth transition.

It's cost the Commanders almost nothing to find out for sure about Herbig. But don't be surprised if the former undrafted free agent out of Stanford forces his way into a key backup role at the very least.

Will Harris - Commanders S

• 2025 salary-cap hit: $2.88 million

The Washington Commanders were widely expected to keep Jeremy Chinn around on a long-term deal. After an outstanding contribution from the standout safety to galvanize his career, most fans were hoping the former second-round pick would be rewarded accordingly by general manager Adam Peters.

That didn't happen. The Commanders let Chinn test the market and decided not to match the offer he received from the Las Vegas Raiders. That represents a calculated risk from Peters, who thought he found a similar option for cheaper on the open market.

The Commanders acted swiftly when Chinn departed. They signed Will Harris to a two-year contract, who looks set to start alongside Quan Martin on the backend after spending last season with the New Orleans Saints.

Harris has the same playing style as Chinn. He came highly recommended by assistant general manager Lance Newmark, who knows the player well from their time together with the Detroit Lions. This looks like another solid scheme fit for Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr.'s system, but the Boston College graduate might not have the same dynamism Chinn brought to the table.

What comes next is down to Harris. There's a chance to start and contribute to a leading Super Bowl hopeful. If he transitions well this offseason, it could be another shrewd piece of business by Peters.

Jacob Martin - Commanders OLB

• 2025 salary-cap hit: $2.4 million

It seemed like Dante Fowler Jr. would be taking his chances elsewhere from a long way out. The edge rusher voiced his displeasure about being disrespected on social media just before the legal tampering period opened. Why he became so disgruntled wasn't revealed, but it didn't exactly paint a promising picture regarding an extended stay in Washington.

These fears proved accurate. Fowler didn't get an acceptable offer from the Commanders despite gaining 10.5 sacks last season. The Dallas Cowboys were only too happy to bring him back after one season away from the franchise.

Adam Peters had a contingency plan lined up. Jacob Martin signed a one-year deal. He's a versatile pass-rusher capable of being moved around to exploit mismatches. His production is nowhere near what Fowler's accomplished throughout his career, but hopes are high that this system and locker-room environment can bring out more.

Martin's been a journeyman throughout his career. He's never achieved more than four sacks in any campaign and featured on 32 percent of the Chicago Bears' defensive snaps in 2024. Asking him to attain double-digit sacks is unrealistic, but if he can do his part on the rotation and also feature prominently on special teams, his signing will be money well spent.

Deatrich Wise Jr. - Commanders DE

• 2025 salary-cap hit: $3.16 million

Increasing the pass-rushing options was essential for the Washington Commanders this offseason. Adam Peters made some additions and re-signed a couple of veteran contributors, but the jury is still out as to whether the Washington Commanders have enough to go one better next time around.

There's a good chance Peters will bolster the ranks during the 2025 NFL Draft. One couldn't completely dismiss another bold trade, especially considering the situation between Trey Hendrickson and the Cincinnati Bengals remains under a cloud.

Moving forward with the options available is not an option. That said, there's a lot to like about Deatrich Wise Jr.'s outlook after he joined from the New England Patriots.

Wise spent the first eight seasons of his career in New England, emerging as a dependable defensive end and outstanding leadership presence within the locker room. Depending on what other options are acquired between now and Week 1, there's a good chance he could start opposite Dorance Armstrong Jr. if there are no major complications throughout the preparation period.

The former fourth-round pick out of Arkansas saw his role diminish in 2024. New England is going through a youth movement, and Wise went to the fringes. Even so, he's exactly the sort of player that's galvanized their career in Washington under the current regime.

Laremy Tunsil - Commanders OT

• 2025 salary-cap hit: $21.35 million

It might seem strange to see someone counting $21.35 million against the salary cap on this list. However, one cannot put a price on the potential impact Laremy Tunsil could have on the Commanders next season.

The Commanders seized an opportunity to acquire Tunsil via trade from the Houston Texans this offseason. They paid a premium for his services, but the rewards will be astronomical if the former first-round pick reaches his billing.

Tunsil is one of the league's premier left tackles and has been for a long time. He's a five-time Pro Bowler and an elite pass protector. The veteran is also a crushing force on running plays, which represents a substantial upgrade on anything Washington's had on the blindside since Trent Williams.

There is supreme confidence in Tunsil. Adam Peters and Dan Quinn lauded his potential during their media availability at the annual league meetings. He's a proven performer with a lot of good football left. The number of penalties conceded last season must come down, but having a mobile weapon like Jayden Daniels to protect should help enhance this problem area.

The Commanders had to give up plenty of draft capital for Tunsil. They are also paying him a decent amount as the fifth-highest-paid offensive tackle league-wide. But if the Ole Miss product reaches or even exceeds expectations, it'll be nothing short of priceless.

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