Grading the latest five Commanders free-agent signings including Nate Herbig deal

Although general manager Adam Peters didn't go after some of the more prominent names in the free-agent market, he's done a good job of fortifying problem positions and maintaining continuity. He's also continued with the same trend that proved so successful during his first offseason at the helm.

Very few players got lengthy commitments. One-year deals for veterans looking for a new challenge were preferred once again. It was a recipe for success last time around. Peters is hoping for similar returns from his 2025 free agency class.

Aside from the bombshell splash for prolific left tackle Laremy Tunsil and the three-year, $45 million deal given to Javon Kinlaw, the Commanders adopted a methodical approach to their roster construction with Peters leading the charge. He's counting on experience to spearhead another potential playoff bid in 2025. That might have an impact on the development of younger players on the squad, but it's a reflection of the team's current status.

The Commanders are no longer tagged as a rebuilding team. Their Super Bowl window is open and Peters is under pressure to capitalize on Jayden Daniels' rookie contract before things get much more expensive. That's led to a slight pivot, which was necessary in the circumstances.

With that being said, we graded Washington's latest five free-agent signings in 2025. We'll begin with intriguing offensive lineman Nate Herbig.

Grading the latest five Commanders free-agent signings in 2025

Commanders signed Nate Herbig

The Washington Commanders seem comfortable with what they have on the offensive line after making another blockbuster trade. Laremy Tunsil was brought in at great expense to provide quarterback Jayden Daniels with an elite blindside protector. This will involve some shuffling around for others, but that's the price of progress.

Solidifying depth was the next objective for Adam Peters. There were a few eyebrows raised when Michael Deiter got another one-year deal. Another move brought far more intrigue.

The Commanders reportedly signed Nate Herbig to a one-year deal. He missed the entire 2024 campaign through injury but wants to continue his playing career. If the former undrafted free agent out of Stanford can get back to anything like his old self, he's well worth bringing into the fold.

Herbig is no stranger to the NFC East after spending the first three years of his playing career with the Philadelphia Eagles. He's versatile enough to play anywhere along the offensive line interior, although his best production came at the right guard spot. That could be where the Commanders need help considering Sam Cosmi is set to miss most if not all of the 2025 campaign with a torn ACL.

• Signing grade: B+

It's not costing the Commanders much to find out if Herbig still has something left in the tank. He's got a clean bill of health following his torn rotator cuff, so it'll be interesting to see if he can establish himself.

Commanders re-signed Noah Igbinoghene

The Washington Commanders have a decent cornerback quartet to build around in 2025 after two notable moves during Adam Peters' second free agency. Hopefully, they can reach expectations and get a clear run on the injury front when competitive action commences.

Marshon Lattimore and Mike Sainristil are the focal points. The Commanders signed two-time Super Bowl winner Jonathan Jones after his nine-year stint with the New England Patriots ended. Washington also brought back an improving performer who caught the eye in flashes last season.

The Commanders re-signed Noah Igbinoghene to a one-year deal. His production last season more than warranted another financial commitment. There could be even more to come considering he's 25 years old with a lot of athletic upside attached.

Igbinoghene moved into the slot after Benjamin St-Juste struggled on the boundary. Sainristil switched to the outside and the Commanders' secondary showed signs of life. Just what sort of role he'll play next season is anyone's guess, but the former first-round pick is not a bad No. 4 option that's for sure.

• Signing grade: A

Unlike most of Washington's re-signings this offseason, Igbinoghene still has long-term promise. If he builds on the best campaign of his professional career and continues to develop, the Commanders could keep him around beyond 2025.

Commanders re-signed Nick Bellore

Nick Bellore is a glue guy. He's not going to impact the defensive rotation much — not at this stage of his NFL career. However, the popular figure remains highly impactful on special teams despite his advancing years.

Bellore is a leader and plays every snap as if it's his last. There's an infectious enthusiasm that's hard not to love. He also slotted into Washington's new culture shift under head coach Dan Quinn seamlessly.

Fans were wondering if Bellore's time in Washington would be short-lived. He's played 14 seasons and will be 36 years old by the time Week 1 rolls around. Even so, the player and the Commanders believe there is still something left before walking away entirely.

The Commanders re-signed Bellore to a two-year deal. This was a popular move among the fanbase and the playing personnel alike. There's a good chance this is the former undrafted free agent out of Central Michigan's final contract, so he'll be eager to go out with a bang.

• Signing grade: A+

Bellore and Jeremy Reaves are two of the best special teams performers around. This is an overlooked yet integral part of any team, so having two polished players in this key discipline leading the charge is only going to help Washington's cause.

Commanders signed Jacob Martin

Adding to the defensive front seven was among Adam Peters' top priorities during the first wave of free agency. The Washington Commanders were found wanting in the trenches when it counted. They've left no stone unturned in pursuit of going one better next time around.

The Commanders added to their pass-rushing options with the signing of Jacob Martin on a one-year deal that could be worth up to $3 million with incentives. This might not move the needle all that much, but his particular set of skills is something head coach Dan Quinn had plenty of success with during his previous stops.

Martin is a little undersized to be a defensive end. He's a decent stand-up rusher, but his strength lies in being physical and versatile. Expect Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. to move him around depending on the situation if he does enough to carve out a decent role for himself.

Quinn knows how to deploy athletic defensive players who might not have the physical stature of others. Martin has the chance to become impactful as a replacement for Dante Fowler Jr., who returned to the Dallas Cowboys on a one-year deal.

• Signing grade: B

While Martin might not enter the double-digit sack category Fowler accomplished in 2024, he could be a useful rotational piece with a smooth transition.

Commanders re-signed Trent Scott

Not many would have had Trent Scott making the roster or getting another deal from the Commanders on their bingo card this time last year. That wasn't an opinion shared by those in power, who are giving the versatile offensive lineman another opportunity to cement his depth chart status in 2025.

Scott is one of the few holdovers from Ron Rivera's tenure who stuck around last season. While he didn't see much action throughout the regular season, he was thrust into the fire during Washington's divisional-round game against the Detroit Lions when Sam Cosmi went down with a torn ACL.

The Commanders slotted Scott into the starting lineup and he played well. That wasn't the case versus the Philadelphia Eagles in the final four, but it's hard to counteract the supreme threat posed by Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, and Milton Williams, who recently got a bumper deal from the New England Patriots.

With Cornelius Lucas signing a two-year deal with the Cleveland Browns, Scott could be the team's new swing tackle. He could be a backup guard, so this versatility could be beneficial for the Commanders if they suffer injuries along the protection in 2025.

• Signing grade: B-

This shouldn't prevent Adam Peters from finding a long-term edge protector via the college ranks if the right situation presents itself. But Scott's extension takes the pressure off.

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