10 Free Agent Targets for the Washington Commanders

As the legal tampering period for free agents begins tomorrow at 12pm EST, the Washington Commanders are sitting pretty with nearly $81 million in effective cap space, the most in the NFL. 

However, new GM Adam Peters has repeatedly stated that the plan is to build through the draft, with free agency as a way to address some immediate needs. This could mean that a number of solid, mid-tier signings are made rather than the big, splashy acquisitions that some are expecting.

Here’s a look at 10 potential signings for the Commanders. Some may be slightly higher value than others, but all could provide upgrades in their positions as Peters and new Head Coach, Dan Quinn seek to re-make the roster for 2024.

1. Jonathan Greenard, Edge, Houston Texans. Age 27

Greenard tallied 12.5 sacks, 15 tackles for loss and 22 QB hits for the Texans last year in tandem with rookie Will Anderson and is right in the middle of his prime years at 27 years of age. Equally as productive as a run stopper (his 2023 run stop rate of 9.3% ranks 8th in qualifying edge rushers per Pro Football Focus), Greenard is highly regarded by The Athletic’s Randy Mueller with “natural bend to squeeze the pocket and turn the corner as a rusher”. Possessing an explosive first step and the ability to read and react, Greenard will be in demand but will likely not be quite as pricey as Danielle Hunter.

2. Bryce Huff, Edge, New York Jets. Age 26

Huff played fewer than 43% of the Jets defensive snaps last year as a rotational pass rusher and will need to develop his game against the run to become and all-round player and full-time starter. Possessing phenomenal initial burst and the best pressure rate of any comparable free agent edges, Huff’s per snap pass rush numbers “make him look like a cross between Lawrence Taylor and God” according to NFL Network’s Greg Rosenthal. His 10 sacks, 10 tackles for loss and 21 QB hits are slightly below Greenard’s numbers, but the Huff played 12% fewer snaps. The Commanders desperately need edge rushers and Huff may fit into a rotation. However, given the strength of the Jets defensive line, it’s possible that he’d get more opportunity to be a 3 down player.

3. Dorance Armstrong, Edge, Dallas Cowboys. Age 27

Armstrong has largely flown under the radar in Dallas with Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence hogging the limelight. However, two people who understand his value better than most others happen to be now the Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator of the Commanders! With 8.5 sacks in 2022 and 7.5 in 2023, his production is solid for a rotational player (42% of snaps in 2023), and an expanded role may yield even more production. Capable of lining up in multiple positions, Armstrong has according to PFF, “played snaps inside the tackles, as a wide nine technique primarily on the right side and as a standup player in the box spying on opposing QB’s or mugging the A gap”, and his bend and long arms pose considerable problems for opposition linemen.

4. Mike Onwenu, T/G, New England Patriots. Age 26.

Onwenu has been shuffled around from guard to tackle at various points of his career so far but returned to right tackle for the majority of the 2023 season with great success. With more than 1,300 snaps at both right tackle and right guard, and nearly 400 at left guard, he could be an excellent addition to a Commanders offensive line with multiple vacancies. A strong pass blocker with good footwork and the ability to get to the second level when run blocking, Onwenu is likely to command a sizeable contract. He fits the profile for the kind of free agent that the Commanders may target to provide some experience on an offensive line that may contain at least one rookie.

5. Lloyd Cushenberry III, C, Denver Broncos. Age 26

Given that the Commanders will be most likely taking a QB at two in the draft, it makes sense to pair him with an experienced center. Cushenberry has started since his rookie year in 2020, and although he struggled initially, he has gone on to become an above average center and according to PFF “has grown as a run blocker while consistently showing up as one of the better pass blocking centers in the NFL”.

Center has been a problem spot for the Commanders since Chase Roullier’s injuries, and with Nick Gates now released, and last years draft pick Ricky Stromberg unlikely to be ready to step up, a new center is a key priority. Cushenberry’s stats compare favourably to recently released Bills center Mitch Morse and he is a full five years younger.

6. John Simpson, G, Baltimore Ravens. Age 27

Simpson stepped in for the departed Ben Powers in Baltimore in 2023 and enjoyed a solid season, particularly in the run game, where according to PFF he “has some pulling reps where he launches linebackers/defensive backs to Neptune”. NFL Network’s Greg Rosenthal added that Simpson “had the type of gasp inducing blocks to make other front offices take notice”. Consistency with pass blocking appears to be an area for improvement but he has the ability to “move defenders in the run and pass game” in the view of The Athletic’s Randy Mueller. Left guard is another spot on the offensive line that the Commanders need to strengthen and Simpson could be a relatively economical acquisition.

7. Jordyn Brooks, LB, Seattle Seahawks. Age 26

Brooks was a 1st round pick of the Seahawks in 2020 and has shown flashes of outstanding play in amongst some overall inconsistency. A three-down linebacker, he enjoyed career highs in pass rush and coverage grades in 2023 after recovering from an ACL tear at the end of 2022.

A smart player with a strong motor, Brooks has steadily grown despite not quite living up to his 1st round status. A change of scenery, continued good health and the ability to play in a fast, aggressive defense could see him fulfill his potential and become an elite linebacker. The Commanders could certainly use a 3 down off the ball linebacker, particularly if Jamin Davis is going to be used as more of a pass rusher in the Quinn/Whitt defense.

8. Frankie Luvu, LB, Carolina Panthers. Age 27

Luvu has been a name linked with the Commanders in several publications having excelled in difficult circumstances in Carolina. Ron has gone now, so Commanders fans needn’t panic about the return of the Commanthers! Luvu was all over the field in 2023, playing sideline to sideline, hitting everything that moved, and showed real ability rushing the passer, which is an added bonus for an off the ball linebacker. His 43 pressures since 2022 rank 4th at the position and his 9.5 sacks ranks 1st. Not considered to be as strong in coverage, Luvu is better going forward, wreaking havoc and shooting gaps and is the sort of violent, physical player that both Quinn and Whitt have spoken about. He could add some real nastiness and aggression to a Commanders defense sadly lacking in that regard last season.

9. Stephon Gilmore, CB, Dallas Cowboys. Age 33

Gilmore is 33 now and is not the dominant player he once was but is still an above-average starter. The signing of Zach Ertz has shown that the front office is prepared to bring in veterans on short term deals who will play a role not only on the field but also off it, in the locker room and meeting rooms, setting high standards for younger players to follow.

He uses his experience and physicality to match up in man coverage with most receivers, and his ability to recognize and react is still top level.

Quinn and Whitt may see some value in bringing in such a talismanic figure to improve what was a generally woeful secondary in 2023.

10. Noah Fant, TE, Seattle Seahwaks. Age 26

A 1st round pick of the Broncos in 2019, Fant was part of the Russell Wilson trade and landed in Seattle where he wasn’t best suited scheme wise. The Commanders signing of Zach Ertz certainly doesn’t solve the tight end position, and Fant’s freaky athleticism (4.5 speed at 250lbs) is an intriguing skill set. A serviceable blocker he has the ability to separate and use his speed when called upon to get downfield. His numbers haven’t stood out but his pedigree and the physical toolbox that he can call upon might be worth taking a flyer on.