5 Washington Commanders free agent targets to reach another level in 2025

Adam Peters is about to get busy. The Washington Commanders are embarking on one of the most important free agency periods in franchise history. Navigating it effectively will put this franchise in a strong position to contend once again in 2025.

Peters isn't one to sit on his hands and wait. He's an aggressive roster builder who strikes with conviction when chances to improve the playing personnel arrive. This was evident once again with the high-profile trade to acquire wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. from the San Francisco 49ers.

This represented another major statement of intent from the Commanders. They are ready to win now and will leave no stone unturned to find the upgrades needed. Peters has plenty of salary-cap space for more, which could be bolstered further with an early extension for Terry McLaurin and Jonathan Allen's departure via trade or release.

The Commanders have 28 free agents to get through. They'll keep some but not all. Considering there are only 47 players under contract right now, Peters and his staff have a huge amount of work ahead before attention turns to the 2025 NFL Draft.

Washington's time to strike is now. With this in mind, here are five free agents who could help the Commanders reach another level in 2025.

Commanders free agent targets to reach another level in 2025

Commanders could sign Milton Williams

As previously mentioned, Jonathan Allen's time with the Washington Commanders will conclude this offseason. The veteran defensive tackle wants out and had his trade request granted by Adam Peters. The general manager is looking for a quick resolution that will free up additional funds to spend — $16.47 million, to be precise.

Allen leaves a gaping void. More from a leadership than production standpoint these days, but the Commanders need to replace him effectively. If they could do this while also weakening the only team that stood between them and the Super Bowl in 2024, the better their chances would be.

Milton Williams made himself a ton of money during Philadelphia's run to another ring. He was the unsung hero of their vaunted 3-4 defensive front alongside Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter. That doesn't detract from how vital his contribution became, especially against the Kansas City Chiefs on the biggest stage of all.

If Williams tests the market, he can expect around $20 million per season or more on his next contract. That's expensive considering the Commanders already have a significant amount committed to Daron Payne, but they have to shoot their shot.

Commanders could sign Dre Greenlaw

Bobby Wagner was an integral force in the Washington Commanders' far exceeding expectations this seasonq. The veteran linebacker's decision to reunite with Dan Quinn and help the head coach mold a winning culture was mutually beneficial. This will be his lasting legacy if his time with the franchise ends up being short-lived.

There's nothing to suggest the Commanders won't extend Wagner. He more than earned another short-term agreement. Nothing is guaranteed, especially with Las Vegas Raiders head coach Pete Carroll lurking in the event he hits the open market.

Adam Peters will have a contingency plan for every eventuality. He'll have a price in mind for Wagner. If the future Pro Football Hall of Famer wants to reunite with Carroll in Las Vegas or take on another challenge, the general manager could do far worse than place a call to Dre Greenlaw's representatives.

Greenlaw and Peters have a previous relationship from their time together with the San Francisco 49ers. There are some injury concerns to alleviate that stemmed from a torn Achilles suffered in Super Bowl 58, but he's an exceptional second-level performer at the peak of his powers.

In an ideal world, Wagner will re-sign. If not, Greenlaw wouldn't be a bad consolation prize by any stretch of the imagination.

Commanders could sign Dayo Odeyingbo

Dayo Odeyingbo gained just three sacks for the Indianapolis Colts in 2024. That doesn't exactly scream major improvement, but further examination of the edge rusher highlights how impactful he could be for the Commanders in 2025.

There is more to football than stuffing the stat sheet. That helps, of course, but Odeyingbo's best work came in different ways.

He's a stout force to move off the block against the run. Odeyingbo sets the edge impressively and has the hand placement needed to shed blocks when required. This is an area the Commanders lacked last season, especially versus the better ground attacks across the league.

Odeyingbo can also cause havoc in opposing backfields. The sack numbers weren't there this season, but the former second-round selection managed 42 total pressures and 25 quarterback hurries. Linking up with two outstanding defensive minds — head coach Dan Quinn and coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. — will help take his game to new heights.

Although Odeyingbo is going overlooked compared to other high-profile edge rushers, there's growing speculation that significant interest will emerge in free agency if the Colts let him test the market as expected. That could also include the Commanders, who desperately need better edge options next time around.

And who knows, perhaps being in a stable franchise with big aspirations could light a fire under Odeyingbo we haven't yet seen.

Commanders could sign Aaron Banks

The Washington Commanders offensive line saw some growth during the 2024 season. However, general manager Adam Peters won't be settling in pursuit of solidifying the protection around quarterback Jayden Daniels.

Most of the attention centers on the two offensive tackle positions. While Peters will examine upgrades on the edge, there's also a complex issue on the interior that needs to be resolved effectively by the Commanders this offseason.

Sam Cosmi's presence was sorely missed in the NFC Championship game. The prolific right guard suffered a torn ACL in the divisional round versus the Detroit Lions and is expected to miss most if not all of 2025. Peters must pivot effectively, perhaps with a move for someone he knows well from a previous stop.

Peters was part of the San Francisco 49ers' brain trust that drafted Aaron Banks. The interior force boasts experience at either guard position, spending the entire 2024 campaign on the left-hand side. Washington could transition him to the right next season in Cosmi's absence before switching him to the left in 2026 at the expense of Nick Allegretti.

Banks won't be cheap. The former second-round pick out of Notre Dame is expected to have a robust market in free agency. Considering the money already tied to Cosmi and center Tyler Biadasz, Peters might look for a cheaper alternative when push comes to shove.

Commanders could sign D.J. Reed

The Commanders made one huge splash at cornerback last season when they traded for Marshon Lattimore. Reports suggest Adam Peters also put in a call to the New York Jets to see what it might take to acquire D.J. Reed.

Those talks didn't evolve into anything more. But with the gifted defensive back set to enter free agency, the Commanders have a free run to speak with the player should they wish.

Reed is arguably the best free-agent cornerback available this offseason. He's consistent, productive, and never backs down from a challenge. That not only makes him a good fit for Joe Whitt Jr.'s defense, but it should also ensure the former fifth-round pick fits well into the locker room for good measure.

Washington would have plenty of competition for Reed's services if they threw their hat into the ring. He's a fiery competitor who thrives in coverage and willingly assists against the run. The Kansas State product specializes in the slot, which would allow Mike Sainristil to continue on the boundary after transitioning seamlessly during the 2024 campaign.

After spending the last couple of years languishing on a struggling Jets squad, Reed should relish the prospect of joining a team primed for another bold playoff bid in 2025.

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