5 UDFAs nobody saw coming who could steal Commanders' roster spots

The Washington Commanders finally confirmed their undrafted free-agent class of 2025. Now, the onus is on each hopeful to stake a claim as preparations for the upcoming campaign gather pace.

Undrafted free agents start from the bottom. They have to work their way up and face a stiff test of their credentials. The margin for error is slim, so nothing but maximum effort and seizing every opportunity will do.

It isn't easy, but it can be done. Two undrafted free agents made the Commanders' 53-man roster last year. Safety Tyler Owens became one of the biggest surprises to secure his place deservedly. Tight end Colson Yankoff was also rewarded for his outstanding commitment to the cause. Neither played much, but this experience of being part of a memorable campaign will serve them well.

Some won't make the grade and will be moved on with little fanfare attached. Others will showcase enough to secure places on the practice squad, which represents an achievement in itself. And perhaps one or two can surge into consideration much sooner than anticipated.

With this in mind, here are five undrafted free agents nobody saw coming who could steal roster spots on the Commanders in 2025.

UDFAs nobody saw coming who could steal Commanders roster spots

Ricky Barber - Commanders DL

The Washington Commanders made a concerted effort to fortify the trenches on both sides of the football this offseason. There was one big gamble on the defensive line, which centered on general manager Adam Peters releasing Pro Bowler Jonathan Allen and replacing him with Javon Kinlaw.

It'll be interesting to see if Kinlaw can meet loftier expectations on a legitimate contender. Washington brought back most of last season's linemen, which retains continuity if nothing else. There doesn't appear to be much room for a surprise package, but that doesn't mean Ricky Barber cannot make his presence felt with a smooth transition.

Barber was a solid if not spectacular player throughout his six-year college career. He spent the first two years at Western Kentucky before transferring to UCF, where he shone as a run stopper en route to 24 tackles for loss in four seasons.

Getting off to a good start is crucial. Barber has a lot of likable traits but lacks the explosiveness needed to become a genuine game-wrecker in the pros. His primary objective will be to compete for a depth chart spot in favor of someone like Sheldon Day or Jayln Holmes. After that, everything else is out of his hands.

Timothy McKay - Commanders OL

The Washington Commanders' offensive line looks much stronger heading into the 2025 campaign. Adam Peters recognized the need to fortify the protection in front of star quarterback Jayden Daniels. Five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil was acquired via trade from the Houston Texans. The front-office leader also spent the No. 29 overall selection on edge force Josh Conerly Jr., who could start immediately at the right tackle spot.

This will involve alternative roles for others. Washington's depth looks a lot better following the new arrivals. However, the guaranteed money attached to undrafted free agent Timothy McKay suggests the Commanders see a spot for him on the 53-man roster.

McKay reportedly got $275,000 guaranteed on his rookie deal. This is more than he would have received as a sixth-round pick, which shows how eager the Commanders were to secure his services.

With extensive experience across multiple positions along the offensive line in college, McKay's versatility represents a solid foundation from which to build. He's being listed as a guard by the Commanders, which could be his smoothest route to making the squad when push comes to shove.

The former North Carolina State standout will be a prospect to watch in the coming months. If McKay shows enough, don't be surprised to see his name on Washington's roster heading into Week 1.

Fentrell Cypress II - Commanders CB

Washington has five dependable cornerbacks heading into the 2025 campaign. That'll be a big boost if everything gets a clear run of luck on the health front, especially considering the NFC East just got stronger after the Dallas Cowboys acquired George Pickens via trade from the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Jonathan Jones signed in free agency. The Commanders got a potential steal when Trey Amos fell to No. 61 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. Hopes are high that Marshon Lattimore can improve with some extended recovery from his hamstring complication. Mike Sainristil is a superstar in waiting, and Noah Igbinoghene received a one-year deal after flashing promise in 2024.

That makes it tough for anyone else to enter consideration. However, the fact that many were surprised when Fentrell Cypress II went undrafted could indicate he's got something to offer if problem areas of his game are removed.

The former Florida State standout is a fluid mover. Cypress has the athleticism to react well, anticipating things developing quickly and adjusting accordingly. But to make an impact in the pros, improving play strength and his ability to assist against the run are vital.

It'll be a tall order for Cypress; there's no getting away from that. But everything changes with some impressive reps against the Commanders' top pass-catchers.

Ja'Corey Brookes - Commanders WR

The Washington Commanders' wide receiver room got upgraded significantly this offseason. Adam Peters had no option after quarterback Jayden Daniels surged into elite-level status much quicker than even the brightest optimist envisaged.

Making Daniels the priority with Washington's window for another Super Bowl open was key. The Commanders traded for versatile pass-catcher Deebo Samuel Sr. They spent the No. 128 overall pick on Jaylin Lane, who many respected analysts believe will be a steal when it's all said and done.

Noah Brown and K.J. Osborn both got one-year deals. The Commanders are confident Luke McCaffrey can increase his influence in Year 2. Of course, Terry McLaurin remains the undisputed alpha on and off the field.

One couldn't dismiss the possibility of a surprise emerging from proverbial obscurity and into roster contention. Ja'Corey Brooks might not have the elite top-end speed typically associated with productive NFL wide receivers, but his size, wingspan, and shrewd route-running make him an intriguing addition nonetheless.

Brooks' body control is first-class. He looked like a potential star once upon a time at Alabama before injury halted his momentum considerably. Transferring to Louisville and going over 1,000 receiving yards built back confidence. Hopefully, he can put that to good use in Washington.

Car'lin Vigers - Commanders DB

Some potential concerns around the Commanders' roster could hold them back. Much has been made about the lack of explosive pass-rushers at Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr.'s disposal. There's still time to rectify that, but another overlooked need must also be addressed before competitive action commences.

Washington's safety room isn't especially great. Quan Martin looks the part and could thrive further in Year 3. Will Harris was signed in free agency after Adam Peters let Jeremy Chinn walk, which represents a huge gamble that could go either way.

Percy Butler and Jeremy Reaves are seen as special-teams players rather than dependable rotational pieces. Tyler Owens remains an unknown quantity, but he's got the size and physical profile to be more impactful with another offseason to develop.

The cupboard is relatively bare aside from that. Although Car'lin Vigers is listed as a cornerback, he's got experience at the safety position. The Commanders would be wise to tap into that and see if it ignites a spark within the undrafted free agent.

Vigers was a shutdown corner at Louisiana-Monroe who rarely got targeted in 2024. His production against Texas, which had Matthew Golden and Isaiah Bond, was pleasing. Not having high-level competition in college hurt the player's draft stock, but he could be a surprise that most don't see coming this summer.

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