5 realistic free agents Commanders could sign before the 2025 NFL Draft

Adam Peters doesn't have much draft capital after more daring raids in the trade market. That means the Washington Commanders likely aren't done adding from the veteran pool in free agency.

Acquiring wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. and left tackle Laremy Tunsil confirmed the Commanders are ready to win now. Peters is doing whatever possible to surround quarterback Jayden Daniels with everything needed to capitalize on his rookie contract. Because if the signal-caller's meteoric rise continues, a barrier-breaking contract won't be too far behind.

The Commanders have five selections in the 2025 NFL Draft. Peters would like to increase that number by moving back for more picks at some stage. But if no legitimate offer comes forward, plugging holes with any remaining free agents might be the best way to go.

Peters has a type this offseason. He focused on re-signing most of Washington's free-agent class. The new signings are all around or over 30 years old and have proven production aside from defensive lineman Javon Kinlaw. They might not have any long-term prospects with the club, but the Commanders' sensational run to the NFC Championship game moved the goalposts.

Washington is an attractive destination again, so there could be some good deals available for those looking for a chance to contend. With this in mind, here are five realistic free agents the Commanders could acquire before the draft.

Realistic free agents Commanders could sign before the 2025 NFL Draft

Commanders could sign Rasul Douglas

The Washington Commanders re-signed Noah Igbinoghene and picked up Jonathan Jones in free agency. However, they need one more cornerback to complete the room along with Marshon Lattimore and Mike Sainristil.

There's a good chance the Commanders take a promising prospect from the college ranks depending on their assessments and who's available when they go on the clock. Washington's need to maximize its Super Bowl window could lead them down the veteran route, and there are few better remaining on the open market than Rasul Douglas.

Douglas is a solid professional who came of age with the Carolina Panthers in 2020. The defensive back took his game up a notch after joining the Green Bay Packers and Buffalo Bills, becoming a dependable presence and giving up an 88.2 passer rating when targeted over the last five years.

The former third-round pick boasts plenty of big-game experience and is an outstanding locker-room influence. Providing the money works for all parties, this could be the missing piece of Washington's cornerback puzzle.

Something that would also give Adam Peters an extra sense of freedom when the draft gets here.

Commanders could sign Stefon Diggs

Stefon Diggs is one of the biggest names on the proverbial free-agent scrap heap regardless of position. The decorated wide receiver was among the NFL's elite not too long ago. Unfortunately, a devastating torn ACL suffered after just eight games with the Houston Texans derailed his momentum significantly.

Recent reports surrounding Diggs' recovery are positive. He's ahead of schedule, running at full speed, and feeling more confident with quick changes in direction. No deal emerged after visiting the New England Patriots, which could lead another wide receiver-needy team to pounce.

The Washington Commanders tick those boxes. They have Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel Sr. Luke McCaffrey should improve with another offseason to develop. Noah Brown and K.J. Osborn were re-signed, but that won't be enough.

Diggs is no stranger to the region. The Gaithersburg native attended Our Lady of Good Counsel High School before going to the University of Maryland en route to being a fifth-round pick. Getting the chance to play closer to home on a contending team at this stage of his career is a tempting proposition.

There are concerns about how Diggs would fit into Washington's locker room culture. Coaches rave about his work ethic and commitment to excellence, so it might be worth the Commanders bringing him for a visit to get a deeper first-hand window into his personality.

Commanders could sign Isaiah Simmons

The Commanders tinkered with their defensive front seven over free agency. They re-signed some and let others go. But they are still looking for a versatile chess piece with the physical attributes Dan Quinn has thrived with previously.

One could argue that Jacob Martin could be that if he transitions smoothly, but there's just no telling for sure right now. If the Commanders want to hedge their bets with a low-risk, high-reward option to increase competition, Isaiah Simmons represents exactly that.

Simmons was a highly touted college recruit coming out of Clemson en route to becoming the No. 8 overall selection in the 2020 NFL Draft. He spent time at the safety position, edge rusher, and linebacker over his career with the Arizona Cardinals. Aside from a few flashes, he never reached his billing.

The New York Giants saw something in Simmons to trade for the athletic force. But again, this came with nothing more than flashes as their season spiraled into irrelevancy.

There's a chance Simmons is past the point of no return career-wise. There's also a chance a stable environment within a winning culture — something he's yet to experience in the NFL — could inspire him enough to finally realize his potential.

He's got the physical profile Dan Quinn typically looks for. And this move wouldn't cost the Commanders much to find out what untapped promise remains.

Commanders could sign Marcus Williams

Letting Jeremy Chinn walk in free agency was a calculated risk by the Washington Commanders. The standout safety galvanized his career under head coach Dan Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. in 2024. Unfortunately, general manager Adam Peters didn't believe he was worthy of a loftier financial commitment.

Chinn signed a two-year deal with the Las Vegas Raiders. The Commanders picked up Will Harris, who has a lot of the same physical traits and is cheaper. It's a gamble, but one Peters thought was the right thing to do.

With Percy Butler, Tyler Owens, and special teams ace Jeremy Reaves the only other safeties behind Harris and Quan Martin on the depth chart, another option or two is essential. The Commanders could address this early in the draft. But looking at the way Peters has gone about his business this season, another veteran with accomplished credentials couldn't be dismissed if the price is right.

Marcus Williams is a possibility. He recently visited with the Carolina Panthers, but no information regarding a deal emerged after. There have been some slight injury worries over the last three years, but the former second-round pick is a top-level performer when fit and firing on all cylinders.

Williams has the mentality that should slot seamlessly into Washington's locker room. His ability against the run is something else that could be of use on the defensive rotation.

Commanders could sign De'Vondre Campbell

The Commanders brought back Bobby Wagner to continue his blossoming partnership with Frankie Luvu at the defensive second level. Washington benefitted greatly from this duo, who provided a spark and purpose that was sorely lacking with the linebacking corps throughout Ron Rivera's failed head coaching tenure.

Washington has high hopes for Jordan Magee. His rookie campaign was blighted by injury despite generating positive momentum over early offseason workouts. He'll be looking to establish himself as a core rotational piece with better luck on the health front.

Adam Peters cannot leave anything to chance. The front-office leader could address this via the draft with one of his five selections. There's also the possibility of another established veteran if the Commanders decide on a more reliable contingency plan.

De'Vondre Campbell might be heading into his career twilight, but the linebacker remains productive. He was an All-Pro-caliber performer at the peak of his powers. While those days are behind him, the Minnesota graduate would be a secondary figure behind Wagner and Luvu. This would him to stay fresh and the coaching staff to pick their spots effectively.

No draft pick is a sure thing. The Commanders need someone reliable as they aim to go one better next time around. Campbell fits the mold and might be available for a bargain price at this stage of free agency.

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