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Grading the latest five Commanders signings including Deatrich Wise Jr. deal
Deatrich Wise Jr. Eric Canha-Imagn Images

Adam Peters is getting through a lot of work quickly. The Washington Commanders weren't especially active regarding incomings. There were a few notable additions, but the team's focus centered on keeping the large majority of Dan Quinn's squad together for another go-around.

This maintains a sense of continuity if nothing else. The Commanders are banking on experience steering them through. That wasn't Peters' original intent upon taking the general manager job, but Washington's window to win another Super Bowl opened much sooner than anyone anticipated.

Peters pivoted accordingly. The Commanders fortified the trenches and made two bombshell offseason trades for immediate difference-makers in Deebo Samuel Sr. and Laremy Tunsil. They are ready to win now, but complacency cannot become an issue for those around last season who have an extra bit of financial security for their troubles.

It's been a busy few days for all involved. More moves will be coming, and there's also the small matter of Washington's five NFL Draft selections to navigate before preparations for the new campaign gather pace.

Before looking too far ahead, we graded the latest five Commanders signings in 2025 free agency. We'll begin with rotational cornerback Kevon Seymour.

Grading the latest five Commanders signings in 2025 free agency

Commanders re-signed Kevon Seymour

It wasn't the best start to Kevon Seymour's season. In October, the cornerback received a six-game suspension for violating the NFL's performance-enhancing substances policy. This meant his impact on the Washington Commanders was minimal.

Seymour eventually came back onto the roster, featuring in three regular-season games. He wasn't seen on the defensive rotation, but the former seventh-round pick flashed on special teams when called upon.

This was enough for the Commanders to give him another one-year deal. Seymour gets a chance to fight for his roster spot with a full offseason in familiar surroundings. And if last season's major setback taught him anything, the defensive back will relish the prospect of competing.

Seymour probably won't move the needle all that much. The Commanders have Marshon Lattimore, Mike Sainristil, and new signing Jonathan Jones as their new projected starting trio. Noah Igbinoghene re-signed for another year, so this looks like a decent quartet capable of becoming impactful if everyone gets a clear run of luck on the health front.

  • Signing grade: B

Everyone else is fighting for the remaining depth chart places. Seymour has experience and urgency, so it'll be interesting to see how he fares when the time comes to resume organized team activities.

Commanders signed Deatrich Wise Jr.

Adam Peters made his intentions abundantly clear over the early stages of free agency. The Washington Commanders wanted to get bigger in the trenches.

They wanted to meet fire with fire against the NFL's heavyweights. These include the division rival Philadelphia Eagles, who steamrolled their way to another Super Bowl thanks in no small part to their dominance at the line of scrimmage.

Washington secured the services of Deatrich Wise Jr. on a one-year deal that could be worth up to $5 million. The defensive end enjoyed a prolific career with the New England Patriots, coming up the ranks under Bill Belichick and leaving his mark through an impressive eight-year stint in Foxborough.

Wise can generate pressure when the situation dictates. He's got 34 career sacks despite being a rotational presence over the last few years. However, the former fourth-round selection's real strength comes against the run.

He sets a clean edge and is powerful enough to shed blocks in pursuit of the ball carrier. Wise isn't as explosive these days at nearly 31 years old, but his savvy experience more than compensates.

  • Signing grade: B+

What the Commanders have planned for Wise remains to be seen. There's a possibility he occupies a similar role and becomes a core rotational piece on the defensive front. The player might also fancy his chances of taking over from Clelin Ferrell in the starting role.

Commanders re-signed K.J. Osborn

The Commanders had to think quickly last season when Noah Brown went down with a serious internal injury. They were presented with a chance and took advantage, scooping wide receiver K.J. Osborn off the waiver wire following his departure from the New England Patriots.

Osborn never reached the heights expected in New England after impressing for the Minnesota Vikings. His arrival in Washington brought intrigue, but it was too late in the campaign to make any real impact.

It was evident from a long way out that Osborn came in as an emergency option and nothing more. The Commanders were right to hedge their bets in the event another injury struck. Although disappointing from the wideout's perspective, being around a strong locker room and a winning mentality will serve him well after getting another one-year extension.

This was somewhat surprising, but Osborn's production during his time with the Vikings warrants another look at the very least. The Commanders have plenty of weapons in the wide receiver room after a busy offseason, so hitting the ground running when team activities begin is crucial.

  • Signing grade: B

The extension is unlikely to come with any roster guarantees from Osborn's perspective. However, he's got his foot back in the door and wants to carve out a bigger role for himself.

Commanders re-signed Michael Deiter

Keeping continuity was important for Adam Peters based on his moves throughout the offseason. There were some departures, but most of his 28 free agents seem to be sticking around in some capacity.

Some were expected. But in Michael Deiter's case, his one-year deal to remain with the Washington Commanders came with surprise and almost disbelief among the fanbase.

Deiter joined the Commanders last season. He was expected to be a key backup capable of manning every position on the offensive line interior. That's the role he assumed, but the production was nowhere near the required standard when tasked with starting responsibilities.

The production notably dropped off whenever Deiter was in the lineup. His pass-blocking was lackluster and quarterback Jayden Daniels wasn't nearly as comfortable. There wasn't much to like about his run-blocking either, so most fans thought the veteran would be moved on with little fanfare attached.

Peters had a different idea. Deiter gets another shot in Washington, but a huge effort is needed to enhance his claims for a roster spot again in 2025.

  • Signing grade: D

Deiter's retention is just keeping someone around for the sake of it. His production last season didn't justify another deal. If Peters can find an upgrade, he shouldn't hesitate.

Commanders re-signed Noah Brown

Noah Brown's season may have ended prematurely in 2024, but the Commanders believe he's still got something to offer.

The wide receiver was a late arrival to the Commanders after being cut by the Houston Texans. Brown gradually emerged as the No. 2 receiving option opposite Terry McLaurin, earning the trust of Jayden Daniels and producing some high-caliber catches in key moments.

Brown also conjured one of the NFL's most memorable moments in 2024. His Hail Mary miracle catch against the Chicago Bears sent shockwaves through the league. It propelled the Commanders to a different stratosphere and plunged the NFC North club into complete disarray.

Unfortunately for Brown, his momentum came screeching to an abrupt halt with a serious internal injury against the Tennessee Titans. This one-year extension that could be worth up to $4.5 million suggests he's on the road to a full recovery.

This is a shrewd move from the Commanders. Brown is the bigger receiver Kliff Kingsbury needed to go alongside Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel Sr. Having someone capable of stretching the field is also going to open up space underneath, which is only going to help.

  • Signing grade: A

Brown is a good player who has the complete trust of head coach Dan Quinn. There's a good chance he can be influential in 2025 with a full offseason with the team.

More Commanders news and analysis


This article first appeared on Riggo's Rag and was syndicated with permission.

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