Happy NFL legal tampering day. While NFL free agency doesn’t officially begin until Wednesday at 4:00 p.m. ET when the new league year begins, teams from across the NFL can begin negotiating with free agents from other teams at 12:00 (Noon) p.m. ET.
The Washington Commanders are expected to be busy. The Commanders have holes all over the roster and money to spend. Washington has been linked to some of the top available players, such as wide receiver Alec Pierce, center Tyler Linderbaum, running back Kenneth Walker III and EDGE Jaelan Phillips.
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The Commanders aren’t going to sign the top players at every position. They will be involved. While the team needs impact players, they also need depth, with only two other teams having fewer players under contract for 2026.
Which moves will Washington make? Here are eight predictions for the Commanders this week.
Re-sign QB Marcus Mariota
It’s doubtful that Washington locks up Marcus Mariota before free agency begins. It will allow him a chance to speak to other teams about potential starting opportunities. However, instead of going to a place like the New York Jets or Cleveland Browns with a chance to start, Mariota chooses to return as Jayden Daniels’ backup for one more season.
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Sign WR Rashid Shaheed
The Commanders will be in on Alec Pierce. He makes a lot of sense for 2026 and beyond. If the Commanders truly think that 2026 may be Terry McLaurin’s last season in the burgundy and gold, then Pierce could be Washington’s WR1 moving forward. In the end, Pierce gets even more than expected, and Washington, badly wanting and needing speed, signs Rashid Shaheed. Shaheed can also double as a kickoff returner. His speed and big-play ability open up all sorts of possibilities for the Commanders. And he’ll be a lot cheaper than Pierce. Something else to consider: Brandon Aiyuk to Washington feels almost like a foregone conclusion once the 49ers release him. Adding Shaheed and Aiyuk on a prove-it deal could pay off big for the Commanders in 2026.
Sign RB Tyler Allgeier
There is no consensus on which running back Washington will target. We’ve heard Kenneth Walker III, Rico Dowdle, Rachaad White and Tyler Allgeier all mentioned. Allgeier makes the most sense. He’s the perfect fit for the type of zone running scheme Washington will run in David Blough’s new offense. Allgeier is a terrific player who has been stuck behind the NFL’s best running back, Bijan Robinson, for the last two seasons. He has more than earned a full-time starting opportunity, and the Commanders provide it. While he’s not a home-run threat, Allgeier gets what is blocked for him and more. He’s tough to bring down and runs with great patience and vision. He will also cost much less than Walker.
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Sign TE Chig Okonkwo
We’ve heard mixed things about how much Washington will pursue a tight end. Ben Sinnott will be more involved under Blough. But Sinnott could serve in a hybrid role, meaning the Commanders need a pass-catching tight end. Isaiah Likely receives more attention, but Okonkwo is the better player. Both are young and athletic. Okonkwo is a terrific threat in the middle of the field and has the speed to break long plays, which gives Washington an offensive element it lacked. Also, Okonkwo, despite his size, is a more than willing run blocker. That will endear him to this staff.
Sign EDGE Boye Mafe
The Commanders will be involved heavily with all pass rushers. I’m not sure they will get into the Trey Hendrickson sweepstakes, and they shouldn’t. Mafe provides size, scheme versatility and upside. Mafe’s sack totals in 2025 will not blow anyone away, but advanced analytics prove his worth. He had over 40 quarterback pressures in 2025 and his pass-rush win rate was among the best in the NFC. Mafe will not break the bank; he can also defend the run and Washington can build around him for the next few seasons.
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Sign EDGE Arnold Ebiketie
You can never have too many pass rushers. So, Washington double-dips, signing a pair of edge rushers coming off their rookie contracts. Ebiketie spent the past four seasons with the Falcons. He had six sacks in both 2023 and 2024. He took a backseat in 2025, as the Falcons drafted two edge rushers, but remained productive in a limited role. This is a good buy-low candidate. Remember, Dorance Armstrong is coming off a torn ACL, so the Commanders do not feel the need to rush him back. Adding Mafe and Ebiketie also does not eliminate the possibility of an edge rusher in the NFL draft. Remember, you can never have too many pass rushers.
Sign LB Leo Chenal
The Commanders need to add youth and speed at linebacker. Welcome, Leo Chenal. Chenal will have a strong market this week. He has started 44 regular-season games for the Chiefs over the past four seasons. The two-time Super Bowl champion looks like an ideal fit inside if Washington employs a base 3-4 scheme. He can run. He’s also solid in pass coverage, earning a career-high 72.6 grade from Pro Football Focus in 2025.
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Sign CB Jamel Dean
Dean is different than some of the other free agents on this list. This isn’t his second contract, and he’ll turn 30 during the season. He’s also missed time with injuries. Those things should help bring his market down a bit and help the Commanders land a high-quality starting cornerback. Dean has been a good NFL cornerback for seven seasons, and he proved last year that he has a lot left to give. Dean gives the Commanders a consistent cornerback and allows them to move Mike Sainristil back inside to play the slot.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders free agency: Predicting 8 moves this week
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