5 Commanders players on the hot seat after enthralling 2025 free agency

The Washington Commanders went from an afterthought to among the league's leading contenders in the blink of an eye. That put general manager Adam Peters in a strong position heading into his second recruitment period at the helm.

Peters had a lot going for him this spring. The Commanders boasted plenty of salary cap space and draft picks to spend as they wished. They were also an attractive destination in a big market for the first time in decades. That brought an extra sense of expectancy from the fanbase to capitalize on this significant opportunity.

There were a few bold acquisitions, but these mostly came in the trade market. Peters made one big splash in free agency. Aside from that, he re-signed the large majority of his free agents and brought veteran players looking to contend into the franchise on short-term deals.

This strategy proved effective in 2024. Running it back comes with some risk, but Peters wasn't particularly impressed with this year's free-agent crop. And after achieving so much in such a short timeframe, his decisions should be trusted until further notice.

With that being said, here are five Commanders players on the hot seat after a frantic start to 2025 free agency.

Commanders players on the hot seat after 2025 free agency

Ben Sinnott - Commanders TE

The Washington Commanders have high hopes for Ben Sinnott. He was a second-round pick in 2024 and holds long-term potential as a complete package at the tight-end position. But after extremely limited involvement as a rookie, how long it'll take to reach this goal is undetermined.

Sinnott will have familiarity around him after Zach Ertz and John Bates both penned new deals. Washington is running it back with the same trio, which helps keep continuity and retains contingencies if progress is slower than expected from the Kansas State product.

Ertz will be the go-to passing game option after galvanizing his career. Bates got decent money to prevent the blocking specialist from taking his chances elsewhere. Sinnott's skill set lies somewhere in the middle, so it'll be interesting to see what role he can carve out for himself with another year of development under the same coaches.

The Commanders hedged their bets, which is in keeping with Adam Peters' mindset. He leaves nothing to chance. If Sinnott takes a significant surge forward, great. But the front-office leader won't be caught short-handed at any position group.

What comes next is down to Sinnott. Flashing when called upon was fine in Year 1. That might not be the case this time around.

Noah Igbinoghene - Commanders CB

The Washington Commanders gave Noah Igbinoghene a vote of confidence this offseason. Dan Quinn and Adam Peters liked what they saw from the cornerback. He was rewarded for his efforts with a new one-year deal.

Igbinoghene isn't the typical aging veteran Washington typically covets. It feels like he's been around the league forever, but the defensive back is only 25 years old with plenty of room for improvement. Another offseason with the same coaches in the same scheme is only going to help his cause.

Just what role the former first-round pick out of Auburn will have remains to be seen. Igbinoghene manned the nickel role after Mike Sainristil moved to the outside early in the campaign. This proved fruitful, but the signing of Jonathan Jones added another level of intrigue to Washington's cornerback equation.

Jones ended his prolific tenure with the New England Patriots by joining the Commanders. The money attached to his contract suggests a solid role could be in the offing. If Washington spends a high-end draft pick on another cornerback, Igbinoghene could be reduced to limited involvement without the right growth.

One could make a case for Igbinoghene having more momentum than at any stage in his professional career. But the Commanders have no room for sentiment in their quest to get over the hump.

Brandon Coleman - Commanders OT

The Commanders' offensive line improved last season. Even so, the bar wasn't exactly high in that sense considering how woeful the protection became in 2023.

Adam Peters wasn't satisfied. The general manager knew more was required to mix it with the NFL's heavyweights. He struck with conviction to secure the services of prolific left tackle Laremy Tunsil via trade from the Houston Texans.

Tunsil is a game-changer in every sense of the term. He's one of the league's most reliable blindside forces, excelling in both passing and run-blocking protection. This is going to make Jayden Daniels' life easier, but it leaves Brandon Coleman facing an uncertain future.

Speculation is rising about where the Commanders will deploy Coleman moving forward. The former third-round pick coped well with some significant responsibilities at left tackle as a rookie. Many wondered if he'd be better suited to the interior. After Tunsil's arrival, he'll be moving somewhere that's for sure.

Whether it's at right guard filling in for the injured Sam Cosmi or occupying the right tackle spot with Andrew Wylie going inside, Coleman has an important offseason of adjustment ahead of him. Responding positively to different challenges and adopting a professional approach should serve him well, but it's something to watch over the summer.

Luke McCaffrey - Commanders WR

Luke McCaffrey was almost an innocent bystander during the Washington Commanders' incredible run to the NFC Championship game last season.

The wide receiver didn't get many targets within Kliff Kingsbury's scheme. There was a lot to like about McCaffrey's contribution in the return game down the stretch, but the former third-round pick remains an unknown quantity regarding his role on the offensive rotation.

Washington wasn't going to wait around and see if McCaffrey developed accordingly. Not when they went into win-now mode much sooner than expected.

The Commanders went out and traded for Deebo Samuel Sr., giving Jayden Daniels a legitimate, versatile weapon to go alongside Terry McLaurin. K.J. Osborn and Noah Brown were re-signed. There's also the presence of Michael Gallup to factor into the equation after one year out of the NFL through retirement.

There is extra competition in the wideout room for McCaffrey. The Rice product has a chance if the necessary development arrives. He flashed brief promise when rookie opportunities came his way. More is needed to firmly establish himself around so many productive veterans.

Peters believed enough in McCaffrey to make him the No. 100 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. However, a massive effort is needed from the pass-catcher to carve out a bigger role for himself.

Daron Payne - Commanders DT

The Commanders and Jonathan Allen went their separate ways this offseason. Adam Peters did right by the veteran defensive tackle by releasing him after a trade partner couldn't be found. He landed on his feet quickly, signing a bumper two-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings to reunite with ex-Washington coach Kevin O'Connell.

Peters moved swiftly to find a replacement. The Commanders gave Javon Kinlaw a three-year, $45 million contract with $30 million guaranteed. This was seen as an overpay by most, but the general manager believes his size and power can help counteract some of the league's most imposing offensive lines more effectively.

There are very few remaining pieces from Washington's bygone era. That's the price of progress. Peters has proven time and time again that anyone failing to justify their financial commitment will be shown the door.

That brings Daron Payne firmly under the microscope. There was no way Washington could get off his contract this offseason. He's still a big part of the team's defensive strategy and flashed dominance on occasion in 2024. But consistency can sometimes be an issue where the former first-round pick out of Alabama is concerned.

With Kinlaw and Johnny Newton also on the books, Payne needs to step up and remind the world why Washington gave him such a hefty contract extension. Otherwise, he'll be a prime salary-cap casualty next spring.

More Commanders news and analysis