Written By Adam Aniba
Washington heads into free agency armed with $91.5M in available cap space (per overthecap.com). Although that number will decrease as they attempt to get to the minimum roster requirement, they still currently lead the league with available cap.
Washington has multiple positions of need starting with QB, LT, interior O-Line, Defensive End, Linebacker, Tight End and safety, if Curl is in-fact moving on.
Peters will not be able to address every need in free agency, but should be able to fill a few holes prior to the draft in FA.
A big name signing like safety Justin Simmons is probably not likely for Washington who has a lot of holes to fill, but that doesn't mean some cap friendlier free agents can't be immediate difference makers.
Azeez Al-Shaair
6'2" 228 lbs | LB | TEN
Al-Shaair has primarily lined up at strong linebacker during his 5 year career (4 with SF and 1 season TEN), but has also seen time at MIKE linebacker.
The former Florida Atlantic linebacker has been active in 73 games, playing in a career high 17 games in 2023. In his first and only year with the Titans in '23, Al-Shaair recorded a career high and set a team record with 163 total tackles (83 solo), 2 sacks, 4 passes defended, 9 tackles for a loss, 6 QB hits and 1 fumble recovery.
The linebacker was an undrafted free agent in 2019, spending 4 seasons with the 49ers. Adam Peters was the asst GM at the time, so that's a connection of note, but would also fill a significant need for the Commanders.
As mentioned Al-Shaair has experience at middle linebacker and relaying the defensive signals, which is exactly what is needed for Whitt Jr.'s defense.
Although Washington will undoubtedly draft linebackers, it would be a big ask for a day 2-3 rookie linebacker to start immediately.
Al-Shaair doesn't have an anticipated market value listed, but it's believed a bump from his 2023 salary of $5M to about $7M annually could get it done.
Jeremy Chinn
6'3" 220 lbs | S/LB | CAR
Chinn is an intriguing free agent prospect with the skill-set to play safety and hybrid linebacker.
Although he only played in only 8 games last season due to injury, he's a chess piece that can be used in a variety of ways and is heading into only his 5th season in the league.
In his short time in the NFL, Chinn has lined up a at linebacker, free safety and strong safety. The former 2023 2nd round pick is just scratching the ceiling of his talent level, but Whitt Jr. and Quinn could be the mentor Chinn has been missing.
Chinn could lineup at linebacker and safety for the Commanders defense. Considering the frequent 3-safety looks deployed with the Dallas defense, Chinn would come at a reasonable price tag of around $3M-$4.5M adding valuable snaps in sub-packages.
Mitch Morse
6'6" 305 lbs | C | BUF
It's no secret that Washington is likely to go quarterback with their first pick of the draft, so starting a rookie center wouldn't be wise.
In a cap saving move the Bills released center Mitch Morse and although Morse is 31, he offers the type of experience that would help the incoming rookie QB, while a rookie center is developed.
Morse earned $6.6M in '23 and with a limited market at the position, the former Bills center should have an approximate market value of $8M annually.
Second year center Ricky Stromberg is viewed more as a backup and Tyler Larsen is a free agent, so adding a high end center such as Morse makes sense for the rebuilding Commanders offense.
Mike Onwenu
6'3" 350 lbs | T/G | NE
Patriots free agent Mike Onwenu will certainly have suitors on the free agent market. His ability to line up at either tackle spot and guard would make him a valuable addition to any team.
Washington needs multiple starters along the offensive line and Onwenu could immediately start at right guard, but slide to tackle when needed.
Onwenu might be cost prohibited if the Commanders aren't looking to spend more than $10M at the position with spotrac.com having his market value at around $13.5M annually.
It's been discussed that Washington could front-load contracts and offer 2-year deals, while they build through the draft.
Onwenu is young and only heading into his 5th season, but he could end up being one of the better offensive lineman in the league if he puts it all together.
Jonah Williams
6'5" 312 lbs | OT | CIN
Williams heads into his 5th season after being drafted by the Bengals 11th overall in 2019. Williams lined up at left tackle his entire career, until being moved to right tackle in 2023 full time and played well.
After the release of Leno Jr. Washington will undoubtedly draft a left tackle, but a 2-year deal in the realm of $20.5M seems feasiblele ($10.8 annual per spotrac.com). If the draft pick is ready to start at left tackle in '25, Williams has show moving to right tackle isn't an issue.
Jonathan Greenard
6'3" 263 lbs | DE | HOU
Texans free agent defensive end Jonathan Greenard finished '23 with 12.5 sacks and and was ranked 6th among edge rushers in pass-rush win rate per PFF.
It's not out of the question for a return to Houston, but Greenard is a name that has quietly garnered interest and will make more in the open market.
After making a little over $1M in 2023, his market value is expected to be in the $13.5M range per spotrac.com.
Greenard heads into his 5th season out of Florida University playing LB, DT and DE for the Texans. Washington will not only have to dip into free agency for a DE, they'll need to draft at least one.
Greenard is a young prospect who is just starting turn it up and would be a wise investment for Peters and the Commander's defense.
Bryce Huff
6'3" 255 lbs | DE | NYJ
Huff is another free agent that hits the open market after an expiring rookie contract. He was a rotational edge rusher who blew up last season with 10 sacks (only 7.5 sacks first three seasons).
The current market value for Huff per spotrac.com is $9.2M annually. Signing Huff to anything close to that number would indicate enough faith to put him in a full-time starting role.
After Carolina franchised Brian Burns and the Jaguars did the same with their edge rusher Josh Allen, Huff has become one of the hotter names on the free agent market and Washington should have competition if they're interested.
Dorrance Armstrong
6'4" 255 lbs | DE | DAL
The former Cowboy defensive end enters his 7th season and has been extremely durable during his career (93 games). The last two seasons have been productive for Armstrong with 17 tackles for a loss and 16 total sacks with 7.5 of those sacks coming in '23.
The connection to new DC Joe Whitt Jr. and HC Dan Quinn is obvious, but his familiarity with the system is key.
Armstrong carried a $5M cap figure in 2023 and many believe he'll be seeking a multi-year deal in the realm of $7M-$8M per season.
Washington needs two starting defenisve ends and signing Armstrong would be a good start at a reasonable price.