Washington Commanders Make Big Moves in Free Agency

The Washington Commanders are coming off their best season since 1991, finishing with a 12-5 record, led by rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. After making the NFC Championship Game, Washington has a lot of pressure to replicate that same success in 2025, which all starts with a successful offseason. With free agency having started on March 12, the Commanders have already made some major transactions. Learn more about Washington’s most recent additions as we inch closer to the new NFL season.

Washington Commanders Free Agency Moves

Trade Acquisitions

WR Deebo Samuel
Grade: A

Deebo Samuel is extremely inconsistent. Last season with the 49ers, the South Carolina native had seven games where he accumulated under 25 receiving yards. Samuel started 15 games with San Francisco in 2024, where he had the 71st most receptions (51) and the 55th most receiving yards (670) of anyone throughout the entire league. Samuel finished the year with just four total touchdowns.

While Deebo Samuel has always served as an overall offensive threat, his best season easily came in 2021, where he had 1,770 scrimmage yards, to go along with 14 total touchdowns. Samuel is still searching for his second 900 receiving yard season.

However, this deal is still a big win for Washington, considering that they gave up just a 2025 5th-round pick. Terry McLaurin should highly benefit from having a true wide receiver two.

LT Laremy Tunsil
Grade: A

Laremy Tunsil is without a doubt one of the best left tackles in all of football. The Commanders gave up 2025 third and seventh round picks, as well as fourth-round picks in 2026. In return, they acquired both Tunsil and a fourth-rounder from the Houston Texans.

Tunsil is a five-time Pro Bowler, all of which have come since 2019. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Tunsil has a 91.7 Pass Blocking Grade since 2022, and allowed zero pressures in seven games last season; both of which are second among all offensive tackles in the league. Tunsil will help fill one of Washington’s biggest needs heading into the 2025 NFL season.

Washington Commanders Free Agency Acquisitions

DT Javon Kinlaw
Grade: C

Javon Kinlaw was the 14th overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft. Kinlaw spent his first four seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, before signing a one-year deal with the New York Jets. Kinlaw had a career-year with Jets in 2024, ranking 15th in DT pass-rush win-rate. He started all 17 games for New York, amassing career highs in both sacks (4.5) and tackles (40).

Kinlaw had a very slow start to his career. He dealt with many injuries on the 49ers, playing in just 10 combined games throughout his second and third seasons in the league. While Javon is just 27 years old, a three-year, $45 million contract is a lot of money for a player who’s yet to show breakout potential.

Kinlaw will reunite with Commanders GM Adam Peters after the two worked together in San Francisco.

S Will Harris
Grade: A

Will Harris was a third-round pick by the Detroit Lions in 2019. Harris spent five seasons in Detroit, as well as one year with the Saints. In New Orleans last season, Harris racked up 74 total tackles, including three tackles for loss. The 6-1, 206 pound safety also had five passes defended and one interception. Harris is an extremely versatile player, having experience at both strong and free safety.

The Commanders safety room has taken a big blow this offseason, losing Jeremy Chinn to the Raiders, as well as Darrick Forrest to the Bills. While Washington still lacks a lot of secondary depth, snagging Harris on a two-year, $8 million deal should make a big impact for the Commanders in 2025.

DT Eddie Goldman
Grade: B

It’s hard to imagine that Eddie Goldman gets too big of a role with Washington in 2025. Goldman, who was drafted by the Chicago Bears in 2015, is much older than both Kinlaw and Harris. Goldman retired after the 2021 season but returned in 2024 and started 10 games for the Falcons.

With Atlanta last season, Goldman had just 16 total tackles, three quarterback hits, and a single sack. Goldman’s 6-3, 325 pound frame is extremely intriguing, however, he’ll most likely just serve as a backup during his one year with the Commanders.

CB Jonathan Jones
Grade: A

Jonathan Jones was an undrafted free agent in 2016, and has spent his entire career with the New England Patriots. In nine NFL seasons, Jones has gathered a total of 436 tackles, 57 passes defended, 10 forced fumbles and 11 interceptions. Jones has started at least 14 games in each of his last three seasons, and most of his reps will probably be playing on the outside.

DT Deatrich Wise Jr.
Grade: B

Deatrich Wise Jr. has been a very reliable option for the Patriots throughout his eight seasons in the league. He’s never shown star potential, but has had five seasons with at least 4.5 sacks. Wise has a career total of 314 tackles, 34 sacks, five forced fumbles and 12 passes defended. While Wise has started just over 48 percent of games throughout his career, there’s a good chance he starts at left defensive end for the Commanders in 2025.