5 remaining players Commanders can target on Day 3 of NFL free agency

It's been a relatively quiet start to free agency for the Washington Commanders. With only 54 players under contract and five draft picks in 2025, general manager Adam Peters has a lot of hard work to get this roster up to the required standard.

The Commanders have signed just two free agents who plied their trade elsewhere in 2024. Defensive lineman Javon Kinlaw arrived on big money. Will Harris came in to replace Jeremy Chinn, who departed for the Las Vegas Raiders on a two-year deal. However, there was one major acquisition in the trade market after Washington gave up significant assets for prolific left tackle Laremy Tunsil.

Four players who made contributions last time around have signed for other teams. Six players have re-signed, and running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. got an exclusive rights tender to prevent him from speaking with other clubs. Given how well everything went in year one of this ambitious project, expect more extensions.

We are approaching the stage of free agency where Peters will be looking for value. The Commanders are an attractive destination dreaming of going deep into the postseason again. There should be more activity in the coming days before things settle down.

With this in mind, here are five remaining players the Commanders could sign as the official new league year begins.

Remaining players Commanders can target on Day 3 of NFL free agency

Commanders could sign Elijah Moore

The Washington Commanders traded for Deebo Samuel Sr. to solve their No. 2 wide receiver spot alongside Terry McLaurin. Luke McCaffrey is the only other wideout under contract, so Adam Peters needs to strike quickly before the well runs dry.

There's a good chance players like Noah Brown and Olamide Zaccheaus get extensions. Going down the college route is another possibility, although the Commanders only have five draft picks in 2025 after their blockbuster trade for Laremy Tunsil. One couldn't dismiss the possibility of a high-upside free agent looking for an opportunity either.

Elijah Moore fits the mold. The athletic pass-catcher might not have reached the heights expected of a high-end second-round selection just yet, but he's not had a stable quarterback to depend upon. That matters when examining his outlook moving forward.

Moore knows how to get open and is a threat to gain yards after the catch. He's also just about to turn 25 years old, so there's a good chance the Ole Miss product can improve further in a more stable environment.

Adding Moore, who's seen as a slot specialist capable of moving around to exploit mismatches, gives Kliff Kingsbury another capable performer within his schematic concepts. And with quarterback Jayden Daniels under center, this represents the best situation the receiver has had since entering the league.

Commanders could sign Asante Samuel Jr.

The Washington Commanders have not bitten with any cornerback acquisitions as yet. That should change given their lack of options to go alongside Mike Sainristil and Marshon Lattimore.

Noah Igbinoghene could be extended, but even that won't be enough. The Commanders have some options remaining in free agency who could help if the money is right. Asante Samuel Jr. is right at the top of the list still sitting on the market.

It's somewhat surprising to see Samuel on the proverbial free-agent scrap heap. Perhaps he's accumulating offers before deciding on the right fit. Perhaps the money hasn't worked with anybody yet. The longer this goes, the more leverage Adam Peters might have in negotiations.

Samuel is a highly capable performer. He can play outside on the boundary or even in the slot, which gives Joe Whitt Jr. versatility. Although the former second-round pick doesn't have the prototypical size associated with defensive backs in Dan Quinn's system, neither does Sainristil. And like the rookie, there is an elite-level, never-back-down mindset that's hard not to love.

Much will depend on what Samuel's representatives are seeking on his next deal. But looking at their available remaining options in free agency, there are far worse avenues they could go down.

Commanders could sign Azeez Ojulari

The Commanders need help on the edge. Generating pressure proved difficult in key moments last season, which became a glaring flaw against more formidable offensive lines around the league. With Dante Fowler Jr. likely taking his chances elsewhere, this need becomes even more urgent.

Fowler gained 10.5 sacks last season but feels disrespected for reasons unknown based on his recent social media post. The Commanders cannot go into the 2025 campaign with what they have on the roster currently. Looking at the possibilities remaining in free agency, taking a chance on Azeez Ojulari seems feasible.

Ojulari looked like an ascending edge rusher with the New York Giants last season. He was behind Brian Burns and Kayon Thibodeaux on the depth chart and injuries derailed his progress, but there is still plenty of scope for growth at just 24 years old.

The former Georgia standout is athletic enough to be a versatile chess piece for Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. He's capable of being a stand-up pass-rusher or operating with his hand in the dirt as a defensive end. The player is explosive with quick closing capabilities, although the Commanders could be looking for a genuine edge setter capable of becoming impactful against the run.

Commanders could sign Justin Simmons

The Washington Commanders surprisingly didn't bring back Jeremy Chinn in free agency. While the physically gifted safety played well overall last season, something prevented Adam Peters from making a longer-term commitment. He wasn't going to wait around, signing a two-year deal with the Las Vegas Raiders.

Washington signed Will Harris to fill the void. He's cheaper than Chinn with a lot of the same traits. Things didn't go well for the player in Detroit, but there was a lot to like about his production for the New Orleans Saints last season.

This isn't going to set the world alight, but it'll help. It also shouldn't prevent the Commanders from identifying another dependable veteran if the money works for all parties.

Justin Simmons is an intriguing option still on the market. The safety boasts Pro Bowl-caliber production and flashed outstanding qualities with the Atlanta Falcons in 2024. He's also reportedly keen on joining the Commanders based on his comments during a recent interview and is a former teammate of Harris at Boston College.

Perhaps the Commanders are content with what they have, especially if some of their young guys take another leap forward under the coaching staff. If not, then Simmons becomes a more realistic option that might not cost the earth.

Commanders could sign Amari Cooper

As previously mentioned, the Commanders need to find another productive wide receiver to ensure quarterback Jayden Daniels has the tools needed to thrive. Trading for Deebo Samuel Sr. helps enormously. Terry McLaurin is an All-Pro, but that won't suffice even if Luke McCaffrey does take a significant leap in 2025.

The Commanders have some possibilities to re-sign such as Noah Brown, Olamide Zaccheaus, and Jamison Crowder. Those don't include Dyami Brown, who cashed in on his playoff renaissance with a one-year, $10 million deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars that could rise to $12 million with incentives.

Adam Peters will probably find some complimentary pieces considering the money tied up in Samuel and McLaurin. But if he's willing to take a little less to join a contender, Amari Cooper enters the equation.

Cooper is familiar with Dan Quinn from their time together on the Dallas Cowboys. His high-profile trade to the Buffalo Bills didn't go according to plan last season, but he's a sharp route-runner with outstanding previous production that could give the Commanders a prolific trio for Daniels to utilize.

Peters might be more interested in re-signing players who proved their worth last season. But if Cooper can be had at a price that doesn't jeopardize his intent to strengthen other positions, it's something to consider.

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