https://www.espn.com/nfl/insider/story/ ... ft-outlook
Commanders 2025 free agency tracker: Offseason moves, signings
John Keim
Mar 12, 2025, 09:03 PM ET
NFL free agency has begun, and we're keeping track of every major signing, trade and release of the 2025 offseason, with analysis from our NFL Nation reporters and grades from our experts. The new league year began March 12 at 4 p.m. ET, when free agent signings could become official. The first round of the 2025 NFL draft begins April 24 on ESPN.
Here's a breakdown of every 2025 NFL free agent signing by the Washington Commanders and how each will impact the upcoming season:
Jeremy McNichols, RB
The Commanders are bringing back the veteran on a one-year deal.
What it means: McNichols served as a valuable third back behind Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler last season. Washington was his 10th franchise, but he stuck around because of his effort and contributions. It's hard to imagine Washington not looking for another back in the draft; the Commanders want more dynamic play. But McNichols provides them someone who can pick up blitzes as well as be an effective rusher (261 yards; 4.7 per carry). He was solid in the red zone as well (12 carries, 38 yards, three touchdowns).
What's the risk: None. McNichols provided good relief, and Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury showed he knew how to use him -- and when. The risk would be if Washington failed to select another running back in a draft deep with them. They need someone who can provide more dynamic play if possible. But they know what they have in McNichols, and he fits the mindset of this coaching staff.
Will Harris, S
Harris, who played primarily cornerback for the Saints in 2024, comes to Washington on a two-year deal.
What it means: Jeremy Chinn, who was a hybrid safety/linebacker for Washington last season, left via free agency for the Raiders. Harris provides an experienced and versatile player as a replacement. The Commanders also have Quan Martin and Percy Butler and also Tyler Owens, who was an undrafted free agent last spring. But they needed another experienced, versatile player. Harris has played safety, in the nickel and outside corner.
What's the risk: Washington's coaches praised Chinn quite often last season -- for his communication skills and physical play. Harris' deal (worth up to $10 million) is less than Chinn received (two years and up to $16 million) from Las Vegas. Harris has to play well enough not to regret allowing Chinn to walk.
Javon Kinlaw, DT
The former San Francisco 49ers and New York Jets lineman is joining Washington on a three-year deal worth $45 million, with $30 million guaranteed.
What it means: Washington needed someone to bolster the run defense inside, adding to a rotation that includes Daron Payne and Jer'Zhan Newton. Kinlaw can be an effective run defender on early downs. Washington ranked 28th in rushing yards per carry and 30th in rushing yards per game. The Commanders needed to bolster the inside after releasing veteran Jonathan Allen. Kinlaw is only 27, so just entering his prime.
What's the risk: The contract details always matter, so until those are known, it's hard to fully gauge the risk. It averages $15 million per year, which is a lot for what he's done -- but that perception can change after the true value is assessed. But he does fill a need to get bigger inside and general manager Adam Peters knows him from their four years together in San Francisco. He's betting that Kinlaw is ascending. He was considered inconsistent against the run in New York. That will have to change in Washington to make this signing worthwhile.
Bobby Wagner, LB
Wagner is returning to the Commanders on a one-year deal.
What it means: Wagner provided exactly what the Commanders needed last season: leadership and quality play in the middle of the defense. Wagner isn't what he used to be, but he remains effective because of his knowledge and quick thinking. He finished with more than 100 tackles for a 13th consecutive season and was named second-team All-Pro and earned a 10th Pro Bowl berth. He was a respected voice in the locker room and developed a strong bond with quarterback Jayden Daniels.
What's the risk: Wagner turns 35 in June and, at some point, age will catch up with every player -- even one considered a future Hall of Famer. He doesn't run like he used to but uses smarts to compensate. Does Washington have a backup plan? For now, the plan is to start Wagner and continue developing Jordan Magee, a fifth-round pick in 2024, as an eventual replacement. But, for now, the benefits outweigh any risk with Wagner.
Zach Ertz, TE
Ertz is returning to Washington on a one-year deal.
What it means: Daniels gets his security blanket back. After two seasons ended by injury in Arizona, Ertz played all 17 games and caught 66 passes for 654 yards and seven touchdowns. All of his scores came on 13 red zone receptions. He also caught a combined 17 passes on third and fourth down. Ertz developed a strong relationship with Daniels because of how often the two communicated throughout practice and beyond.
What's the risk: None. It's a one-year deal and Ertz produced last season. But he will turn 35 this season and it's hard to maintain a certain level of performance. The risk, though, was greater if they didn't re-sign him, as Ben Sinnott, a second-round pick last season, did not yet show enough signs of growth to replace him. Washington needed Ertz back.
John Bates, TE
Bates is returning to the Commanders on a three-year deal.
What it means: Bates is not a dynamic tight end and won't wow anyone with his pass-catching. He caught 61 passes in his first four seasons, with only two scores. And he's coming off an eight-catch season in 2024. But he was a priority for Washington because of his unique skillset. The Commanders consider him one of the best true blocking tight ends in the NFL, someone who can handle a defensive end in a pass rush. He was necessary to retain.
What's the risk: None. Washington needed Bates back, but what they also need is another young tight end who develops -- whether it's Sinnott or someone else. Sinnott could become a quality blocker especially out of the backfield. But the risk with Bates would have been letting him leave with no true replacement.
Tress Way, P
Way is returning to the Commanders on a one-year deal.
What it means: Washington won't have to worry about this position for at least another year. Way has solidified the position since joining the organization in 2014. Way averaged 46.9 yards per punt last season, which is also his career average. He punted only 50 times -- and went two games in a row without one. That marked the second fewest in his career; his low is 49 set in 2016 when they played 16 games.
What's the risk: None. Way turns 35 next month so it's uncertain how long he'll want to continue playing. But there's no need to find a successor now. He's still a very good punter.
Marcus Mariota, QB
Mariota is returning to the Commanders on a one-year deal.
What it means: Daniels gets back a valuable mentor. It also means Mariota could not find another place where he could compete for the starting job. That was his stated desire. But, short of that, a return was at or near the top of his list. Mariota was terrific in two games replacing an injured Daniels. In wins over Carolina and Dallas -- which covered five quarters -- Mariota was a combined 33-for-41 for 366 yards and four touchdowns and scored another one rushing.
What's the risk: None. Mariota proved his worth on and off the field. He liked Kliff Kingsbury's offense and handled the role of mentoring Daniels quite well. It helps how much Daniels likes learning from veterans, but they meshed well. Breaking up that group would have been the risk. It's a good quarterback room.
Eddie Goldman, DT
The veteran comes over from the Atlanta Falcons on a one-year deal.
What it means: Washington needed size inside and added more by landing Goldman. The Commanders released tackle Jonathan Allen so needed more depth to rotate with Daron Payne and Jer'Zhan Newton. Goldman was a terrific run stopper early in his Bears career; Washington ranked 28th in rushing yards allowed per carry so it needs help. The Commanders also signed defensive lineman Javon Kinlaw.
What's the risk: Minimal. Washington needed help inside, and it's only a one-year deal. The Commanders need more youth along the front, and that quest should not be abandoned after this signing. They need Goldman to be the run stopper he was earlier in his career. If they want to beat Philadelphia, the run defense must improve.
Jonathan Jones, CB
The former Patriot comes over from New England on a one-year deal.
What it means: Washington needed more corner help to pair with Marshon Lattimore and Mike Sainristil. Dan Quinn typically valued bigger corners in the past but both Jones and Sainristil are 5-foot-9. However, both offer versatility as each has played inside and outside. Both are considered best in the slot, but this does provide more options. Jones also dropped to safety in some sets for New England.
What's the risk: None. It's a one-year deal so Washington is not tied long-term and Jones was considered a strong leader with the Patriots. Washington needed another leader in the secondary. The risk would be if the Commanders stopped looking for corner help. They lack depth and could use another big, young corner from the draft.
Deatrich Wise, DE
Wise joins from New England on a one-year deal worth $5 million.
What it means: Washington needed defensive end depth and someone who can play the run. Wise has some pass-rush ability, but his ability to play with power should help a group that ranked 30th vs. the run in 2024. Wise offers some pass-rush ability, with 34 career sacks in eight seasons with New England. But he also was a three-time captain in New England and can add strong leadership to his group as well as the entire defense.
What's the risk: Minimal. The deal is only for $5 million, so he's not being paid like a starter. He also offers enough to help. The risk would be if Washington does not draft someone at this position. They have no young ends who project as starters. Washington needs young defensive talent to develop, but Wise won't get in the way of that and can provide help along the way.