Commanders free-agency tracker: A look at Washington’s signings, trades and cuts

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The Washington Commanders enter free agency with 24 players hitting the market. That does not include the release of defensive tackle Jonathan Allen nor re-signings such as Bobby Wagner and Zach Ertz. Trading for Deebo Samuel is another category.

Additional moves may occur before the league’s legal tampering period begins Monday or when official signings kick off Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET. We’ll be here to document the comings and goings.

Additions

TE John Bates (re-signed): Three-year extension
LB Nick Bellore (re-signed): Two-year deal
WR Noah Brown (re-signed): One-year deal worth up to $4.5 million
DL Sheldon Day (re-signed): One-year deal
OL Michael Deiter (re-signed)
TE Zach Ertz (re-signed): One-year, $6.25 million deal (up to $9.5 million with incentives)
DT Eddie Goldman (free agent): One-year deal
K Zane Gonzalez (re-signed): One-year, $1.17 million deal
S Will Harris (free agent): Two-year, $8 million deal with max of $10 million
CB Noah Igbinoghene (re-signed): One-year deal
CB Jonathan Jones (free agent): One-year deal
DT Javon Kinlaw (free agent): Three-year, $45 million deal ($30 million guaranteed)
QB Marcus Mariota (re-signed): One-year, $8 million deal
OLB Jacob Martin (free agent): One-year deal worth up to $3 million
RB Jeremy McNichols (re-signed): One-year deal
WR K.J. Osborn (re-signed): One-year deal
RB Chris Rodriguez Jr. (tendered)
WR Deebo Samuel (trade): From 49ers for fifth-round pick
CB Kevon Seymour (re-signed): One-year deal
OT Trent Scott (re-signed): One-year deal
LT Laremy Tunsil (trade): Tunsil and fourth-round pick from Texans for 2025 third- and seventh-round picks and 2026 second- and fourth-rounders
LB Bobby Wagner (re-signed): One-year, $9.5 million deal ($8 million guaranteed)
P Tress Way (re-signed): One-year deal
DE Deatrich Wise (free agent): One-year deal worth up to $5 million

DE Dante Fowler Jr. 

March 13

Commanders re-sign special teams ace Nick Bellore, add DE Jacob Martin

The Commanders’ flurry of activity continued into Thursday evening as they re-signed Bellore and signed former Chicago Bears edge rusher Jacob Martin, according to league and team sources.

Bellore turns 36 in May and is back on a two-year deal. He led the league in special teams tackles last season despite not joining Washington’s roster until Week 2. The two-time Pro Bowler with Seattle nearly added a third with the Commanders.

Martin, 29, is an additional depth piece along the line. Washington will be his seventh team in eight seasons. The 6-foot-2, 242-pound edge rusher had three sacks with the Bears in 2024 and has averaged three per season over his career.

WR Olamide Zaccheaus signing with Bears

In one of the bigger surprises in local free agency, Zaccheaus is moving on and signing with the Bears, a league source tells The Athletic.

Zaccheaus impressed last season as a receiver (career-high 45 receptions) and returner, and for his toughness from the wideout position. Trading for Deebo Samuel affected the Commanders’ choice to pass on Zaccheaus, though it’s unclear who would step in should the ex-49er suffer an injury. Samuel has missed at least two games in three consecutive seasons.

The Commanders have four roster locks after re-signing Noah Brown. At least one of the remaining slots may be reserved for a punt returner since Zaccheaus and free-agent Jamison Crowder handled those duties last season.

Commanders retain DT Sheldon Day, OT Trent Scott, CB Noah Igbinoghene

Washington continues bringing back members of the 2024 squad with Day and Scott staying on one-year deals, according to league sources.

Day, 30, became a steady member of the interior rotation after being signed from the practice squad in October. The 294-pound lineman finished with 24 tackles in 12 games.

Scott, a tackle by trade, filled in at right guard following starter Sam Cosmi’s ACL tear in the postseason win at Detroit. He maintains his fourth tackle role behind Laremy Tunsil, Brandon Coleman and Andrew Wylie.

Igbinoghene turned into one of those surprising additions last season, starting 10 games at slot cornerback despite being a low-key depth signing. His return makes for an interesting scenario since Mike Sainristil and free-agent addition Jonathan Jones can also play inside.

Commanders agree to re-sign WR Noah Brown 

The Commanders and Brown agreed to a one-year deal worth up to $4.5 million, a league source told The Athletic. 

Brown turned into Washington’s No. 2 receiver in 2024 before suffering a season-ending kidney injury in the Week 13 win over Tennessee. He finished with 35 receptions for 453 yards and one of the most famous touchdowns in franchise history, catching a Hail Mary from Jayden Daniels on the final play to beat Chicago in Week 8.

Beyond Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel, the Commanders’ wide receiver depth chart remained unclear. Brown’s return offers significant clarification. The 6-foot-2 target provides needed size and a physical presence on the outside, where he lined up across from McLaurin.

Commanders restructure contract of RT Andrew Wylie

Acquiring left tackle Laremy Tunsil reshaped Washington’s offense — and Wylie’s contract. The Commanders and Wylie agreed to a restructured deal that will ensure the veteran remains on the 2025 roster, a league source told The Athletic.

This week’s trade for Tunsil moves last year’s starting left tackle, Brandon Coleman, elsewhere on the line — with right tackle the expected outcome.

Wylie, Washington’s starting right tackle since 2023, was entering the final year of his contract without any financial guarantees. His previous 2025 figures included a $6.5 million base salary plus a $1 million roster bonus. The new terms provide Wylie some guaranteed money and new incentives — thus a financial safety net entering training camp — and Washington salary-cap savings.

Over the Cap had Wylie’s cap charge at $10.4 million. Recent transactional activity dropped the Commanders from among the league leaders in available cap space to the middle of the pack with roughly $32.6 million.

Wylie, who turns 31 in August, is coming off a solid year. He did not allow a sack, according to Pro Football Focus. However, the athletic Coleman offers more upside entering his second season.

Having played guard during his previous stints with the Kansas City Chiefs, Wylie is a logical candidate at right guard while starter Sam Cosmi recovers from ACL surgery following an injury in Washington’s playoff divisional-round win at Detroit.

Washington also announced the re-signing of offensive lineman Michael Deiter. This move is a bit surprising since Washington passed over Deiter, a six-year veteran, for tackle Trent Scott as Cosmi’s replacement in the playoffs. But the Commanders needed interior line depth regardless.

Commanders agree to re-sign WR K.J. Osborn to 1-year deal

The Commanders finally brought back one of their free-agent receivers. Just not the one imagined.

Washington is re-signing Osborn to a one-year contract, a league source confirms to The Athletic.

Osborn, a productive player with the Vikings from 2020 to 2023, was claimed off waivers last season after being released by the Patriots. He only appeared in one game with Washington.

Consider this little more than a depth addition. The Commanders had only Terry McLaurin, Deebo Samuel and Luke McCaffrey under contract. Three rotation targets from last season — Noah Brown, Olamide Zaccheaus and Jamison Crowder — remain free agents. Expect one or more from that group to return at some point. Osborn beat them to the punch.

March 12

Commanders get more D-line help, sign DE Deatrich Wise

It’s not surprising that the Commanders have targeted defensive linemen in free agency, as they entered the week with only four expected to stay. The newest one provides some pass-rush punch off the edge.

Wise, the former Patriots defensive end, is headed to Washington on a one-year deal worth as much as $5 million, according to a team source.

Like ex-Patriots cornerback Jonathan Jones, Wise has spent his entire eight-year career in New England. The 6-foot-5, 280-pounder has 34 career sacks, with half coming since 2022. More similarities to Jones include position versatility and a positive locker room presence. Wise isn’t an automatic starter — five last year in 15 games — but he gives the Commanders a hedge ahead of the draft.

Commanders sign CB Jonathan Jones; CB Benjamin St-Juste agrees to deal with Chargers

The Commanders are signing Jones, the former Patriots cornerback, while St-Juste will head west to join the Los Angeles Chargers.

Jones, 31, agreed to a one-year deal, a team source told The Athletic. His deal is worth up to $6.5 million, according to a league source. Washington needed additional bodies and a potential starter beyond Marshon Lattimore and Mike Sainristil.

The 5-foot-9 Jones has spent his nine-year career in New England, winning two Super Bowls. Primarily a reserve early in his career, Jones started 44 games over the last three seasons. He set a career high with four interceptions in 2022, though he’s failed to grab one since.

St-Juste, a third-round pick in 2021, was something of a tease during his four seasons in Washington. The 6-foot-3 cornerback has excellent size. Often around the ball, St-Juste was credited with 17 pass deflections in 2023. Part of the reason is opponents threw his way frequently. Pro Football Focus shows St-Juste allowed the second-most yards among corners that same year.

The often-penalized defender had only one interception with Washington. St-Juste fell out of the starting lineup following the midseason trade for Lattimore and the decision to leave Sainristil on the outside.

Jones has slot capabilities but overwhelmingly played on the perimeter in recent seasons. His presence could lead Sainristil to his more natural inside role. Washington signed versatile defensive back Will Harris this week, too.

The Commanders also lost linebacker and special teams contributor Mykal Walker, who is signing with the Arizona Cardinals. Washington is re-signing cornerback Kevon Seymour, per team sources. The 2024 in-season signing is a strong special teams contributor.

Commanders agree to sign DT Eddie Goldman

With Goldman, don’t let the age fool you. Washington acquired defensive line depth by agreeing to terms with the longtime Bears defensive tackle on a one-year deal, team and league sources confirmed with The Athletic.

Goldman, 31, entered the NFL as a second-round pick in 2015 and is known as a run-stopper. After five years in the starting lineup, the 325-pounder opted out of the 2020 COVID-19 season but returned to play 14 games in 2021. However, Goldman decided to retire and missed the next two years, only to return in 2024 with the Atlanta Falcons.

That downtime should mean less wear and tear on his frame compared to other linemen of the same age. Goldman played 17 games — 10 starts — with the Falcons, finishing with one sack and 16 tackles while playing 30 percent of Atlanta’s snaps.

After Jonathan Allen’s release, Washington lacked defensive tackle depth behind Daron Payne and Johnny Newton. The Commanders agreed to a deal with defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw earlier this week.

Commanders agree to re-sign QB Marcus Mariota to 1-year deal

Mariota loved playing for the Commanders last season. After bouncing around — Washington was his fourth team in four years — this new stop provided the former Heisman winner with a comfort level not felt in some time. The feeling was mutual.

Coach Dan Quinn constantly praised the quarterback room. Daniels rarely showed overt emotions but did when Mariota led Washington past Dallas in Week 18 with a late touchdown pass to McLaurin. The offense didn’t flicker in Mariota’s appearances.

Could Mariota have been tempted to sign elsewhere? You would think so. The timing of this re-signing comes one day after Daniel Jones agreed to terms with the Indianapolis Colts as competition for Anthony Richardson. That doesn’t seem coincidental. Other bridge quarterback situations closed. Washington kept the door open for Mariota’s return.

Safety Darrick Forrest agrees to terms with Bills

Forrest will get a chance to restore his career with a Super Bowl contender.

He agreed to a one-year contract with the Bills, a league source confirmed to The Athletic. The four-year safety had a breakout year with Washington in 2022 but played sparingly last season.

The 2021 fifth-round thumper added a physical element to the secondary over 11 starts in 2022. Forrest started slowly the following year before a shoulder injury limited him to five games. The new staff kept the strong safety around in 2024, but the signing of Jeremy Chinn knocked Forrest out of the rotation.

The irony is both Chinn, now headed to the Raiders, and Forrest are leaving. Washington agreed to terms with versatile defensive back Will Harris on Tuesday, but it’s unclear if he will replace Chinn as a starter.

March 11

Commanders agree to re-sign RB Jeremy McNichols

Like the tight end room, it appears the Commanders are running it back with last season’s running back group. McNichols is re-signing with Washington on a one-year deal, a league source shared with The Athletic.

The Commanders signed McNichols last year in a low-cost move for depth behind Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler. Having previously played under Washington running backs coach Anthony Lynn in San Francisco helped bring the veteran to the NFC East squad.

Capable in pass protection and as an interior and perimeter runner, McNichols produced efficiently when called upon. He scored four rushing touchdowns and averaged 4.7 yards per carry last season. With Ekeler sidelined in Week 4, McNichols rushed for 68 yards and two touchdowns on eight carries in a blowout road win at Arizona.

His return may signal that Washington is not focused on acquiring a potential frontline option. New receiver Deebo Samuel’s skill set includes working out of the backfield.

Commanders agree to 2-year deal with safety Will Harris

Washington dipped into assistant general manager Lance Newmark for a potential replacement at two positions.

A team source confirms to The Athletic that Harris has agreed to a two-year contract with the Commanders. NFL Network reported the financial terms are $8 million, potentially reaching $10 million.

The 2019 third-round pick by a Lions front office that included Newmark spent his first five seasons with Detroit before landing in New Orleans last year. Harris, 29, had one interception, three tackles for loss and 74 tackles in 13 games — all starts — for the Saints.

Versatility is Harris’ hallmark. With the Saints, he split 861 defensive snaps between free safety, strong safety, slot cornerback and linebacker.

Former safety starter Jeremy Chinn agreed to join the Raiders on Monday. Another starter, slot cornerback Noah Igbinoghene, remains a free agent. Coaches may prefer that 2024 second-rounder Mike Sainristil opens the 2025 campaign inside rather than playing outside opposite Marshon Lattimore. Harris and Lattimore were teammates last season before New Orleans traded the four-time Pro Bowler to Washington.

DT Jonathan Allen agrees to 3-year, $60 million deal with Vikings

The two-time Pro Bowler has a new home. The ex-Commander is heading to Minnesota on a three-year, $60 million contract, The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported. Washington released Allen ahead of free agency, following his eighth season with the organization.

While the Commanders created significant salary-cap space, the Vikings added a powerful interior presence, though Allen’s sack totals have declined since setting a career high with nine in 2021.

Part of Washington’s post-Allen plan came into shape Monday by agreeing to terms with defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw.

OT Cornelius Lucas agrees to 2-year deal with Browns

Lucas’ time in Washington ran out during the wee hours of the night. Washington’s swing tackle since 2020 agreed to a two-year deal with the Browns, according to a league source. He could earn up to $10 million with Cleveland.

Though a steady presence regardless of playing on the left or right side, Lucas rarely cracked the starting lineup outside of injuries. That wasn’t about to change following Monday’s blockbuster trade for Laremy Tunsil. The Commanders could move Andrew Wylie or Brandon Coleman to guard. For now, they are tackles. Washington could re-sign Trent Scott for additional depth.

March 10

Safety Jeremy Chinn agrees to 2-year deal with Raiders

The 27-year-old Chinn reportedly joins the Raiders on a two-year deal worth over $16 million, with three-fourths of the contract fully guaranteed at the time of the signing, according to NFL Network.

Chinn, who Washington signed to a one-year deal last year, started in all 17 games for the Commanders in 2024 and was a bruising hitter in the secondary. The 2020 second-round pick of the Carolina Panthers recorded 117 tackles, matching a career high, had an interception, two sacks, a forced fumble, two fumble recoveries and five pass breakups last season.

Commanders reportedly acquire LT Laremy Tunsil from Texans

Washington has traded for the star left tackle, adding a five-time Pro Bowler to protect Jayden Daniels’ blindside. The Commanders will get Tunsil and a 2025 fourth-round pick in the deal and will send Houston 2025 third- and seventh-round picks, as well as 2026 second- and fourth-rounders.

Tunsil was the 13th overall pick by the Dolphins in the 2016 NFL Draft. He spent three years in Miami before landing in Houston in 2019 and making the Pro Bowl in five of six seasons with the team. The 30-year-old, whose contract runs through the 2026 season, has started in all 125 games he’s appeared in throughout his career.

Along with winning games and building a sustainable contender, the Commanders have one goal: Help Daniels. Daniels wowed in his first campaign, which resulted in Washington reaching the NFC championship for the first time since the 1991 season and the quarterback earning Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. This occurred within an offense that had plenty of grit among the players and creativity from coordinator Kliff Kingsbury but lacked overt talent beyond Daniels and wide receiver Terry McLaurin. Enter Tunsil.

The nine-year veteran is among the best tackles in the league, though Houston’s line play struggled in 2024. Tunsil’s two years remaining included salary-cap hits of $21.35 million each season and $41.9 million in base salary. The two sides could restructure or extend the contract to lessen the cap hit and keep Tunsil around beyond 2026.

WR Dyami Brown agrees to 1-year deal with Jaguars

The Commanders already had a need for speed entering free agency. That deficiency intensified now that Brown is heading to Jacksonville on a one-year deal, according to a team source.

The 2021 third-round pick will reportedly receive $10 million in salary this coming season with a maximum upside of $12 million. That’s a shocking amount for anyone who watched Brown fail to produce over his first three seasons. However, he became a favorite of new coach Dan Quinn for his energy and hustle. Brown became a viable rotation receiver as the season progressed, especially following Noah Brown’s season-ending injury, finishing with a career-high 30 receptions for 308 yards and one touchdown.

Then, Dyami Brown used the playoff platform for his real breakout by catching 11 passes for 187 yards and one touchdown in wins over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The timing could not have been better. Not only was he entering free agency, but the market lacked depth at receiver, specifically with younger, fast targets. His price jumped when the Los Angeles Rams kept wideout Tutu Atwell, a comparable player to Brown, on a one-year, $10 million deal.

Despite Brown’s positives, the Commanders didn’t chase him. That’s fine, even though Washington now must find a speedy replacement. Re-signing Noah Brown and Olamide Zaccheaus would be sound choices, for sure, but they do not offer the take-the-top-off skill set.

The positive is that the coaching staff helped develop a player who languished under the prior regime. Dyami Brown acknowledged that he matured with his preparation and mentality going into the 2024 season.

Commanders agree to terms with DT Javon Kinlaw

Washington has agreed to terms with Kinlaw, a team source confirmed to The Athletic. According to ESPN, it’s a three-year, $45 million deal with $30 million guaranteed.

Kinlaw, the 14th selection in the 2020 NFL Draft, played his first four seasons with the San Francisco 49ers with Washington general manager Adam Peters in the front office. He joined the New York Jets in 2024.

Injuries, including a torn ACL, limited him to 41 games — 28 starts — with the 49ers. Kinlaw, who spent part of his childhood in the Washington area, did start 17 games with the Jets last season. He played 61 percent of New York’s defensive snaps and registered a career-high 4 1/2 sacks.

Washington needed options behind projected starters Daron Payne and Johnny Newton. More big bodies are required to fill out the rotation. Free agents Sheldon Day and Jalyn Holmes could be re-signed.

Commanders agree to re-sign punter Tress Way to 1-year deal

There are no-brainer transactions, then there are no-brainer transactions. Re-signing Way, Washington’s longest-tenured player, is the latter.

Way, 35 in April, agreed to a one-year contract, team sources confirmed to The Athletic. He averaged 46.9 yards on 50 punts last season, his 11th with Washington. The offense’s high efficiency kept Way off the field for games at a time, but he still contributed as a flawless holder amid a constant revolving door of place kickers.

There was seemingly no reason to think the fan favorite and highly popular teammate would sign elsewhere. Now we know that’s the case before the free-agency legal tampering period opens at noon Monday.

March 9

Commanders agree to re-sign TE John Bates to 3-year extension

Washington is keeping its tight end room together.

The NFC runner-up is re-signing Bates to a three-year extension, according to multiple sources. It comes one day after Ertz re-upped for one year. Financial terms were not made available.

Bates, 27, is the definition of a low-key but important contributor. He only caught eight passes last season but made his mark as a forceful blocker. The three years is an indicator of the perceived interest in the 2021 fourth-round pick should he have hit the market.

Ben Sinnott, a 2024 second-round pick, rounds out the main pieces of the tight end room. He remains promising but didn’t necessarily show enough as a rookie to take on a larger role.

March 8

Commanders agree to re-sign Zach Ertz to 1-year deal

The veteran tight end is returning to the Commanders on a one-year, $6.25 million deal, league sources said. Ertz can earn up to $9.5 million with incentives, according to the sources.

In 2024, Ertz had his healthiest season in years while playing all 17 regular-season games and recording 66 receptions for 654 yards and seven touchdowns. His success continued into the Commanders’ stunning playoff run, during which he logged 18 catches for 155 yards and one touchdown.

March 7

Commanders release DT Jonathan Allen

The Commanders announced Friday that they are releasing the two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle. The move, which frees up $16.5 million in cap space for Washington, comes after the team failed to find a trade partner for the 30-year-old veteran.

Drafted 17th overall in 2017, Allen is one of the last remaining pieces from the old Commanders regime. After an injury-shortened rookie campaign, he started all 96 regular-season games for Washington from 2018 to 2023. Allen was also willing to convert from defensive end to defensive tackle midway through his rookie contract.

March 6

Bobby Wagner agrees to one-year deal to return to Washington

Ultimately, Wagner’s intangibles outweighed finding a younger replacement. Injuries limited promising fifth-round linebacker Jordan Magee last season. History says Wagner will play every game, compile another 100-tackle season and remain a positive presence in the building and the stadium on game days.

Not going anywhere 😤@Bwagz is BACK pic.twitter.com/tZoi25BRuo

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) March 7, 2025

Commanders agree to re-sign kicker Zane Gonzalez

The Commanders got on the re-signing scoreboard by retaining Gonzalez. The team announced on Thursday that he would return following a successful postseason, making 7 of 8 field goals in three games. He also made 5 of 7 field goals and all 19 extra point attempts in six regular-season games as one of four kickers used following the summer release of Brandon McManus.

Gonzalez received a one-year deal for $1.17 million, per a league source. He gained additional attention when his OCD became a national story in the playoffs, but he also earned trust from the staff and teammates. Expect some form of competition ahead of the 2025 season, whether from Austin Seibert (27-of-30 in 2024) or another kicker.

March 1

Commanders acquire WR Deebo Samuel from 49ers for fifth-rounder

General manager Adam Peters couldn’t wait for free agency before making a transactional splash. Trading for Samuel wasn’t a surprise regarding the target. Peters was in San Francisco when the 49ers selected the physical playmaker in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft. The mystery is what version of Samuel is coming to town.

The 2021 and 2023 iterations are the dream. Samuel’s competitive streak and yards-after-the-catch prowess helped carry the 49ers’ offense at times. The 2022 and especially the 2024 Samuel helps explain why San Francisco was willing to trade the receiver for a fifth-round pick and take on a massive salary-cap charge.

Last season’s 8.7 yards per touch was the lowest of his six-year career, and his 806 yards from scrimmage represented a career low among the five seasons he played at least 13 games. Still, the trade compensation, including a $17.5 million cap hit, is low risk with significant upside if Washington gets an in-shape and focused Samuel. The skill set fit in the up-tempo offense is sublime, and the Commanders needed more playmaking beyond quarterback Jayden Daniels and wide receiver Terry McLaurin.

In his goodbye message to 49ers fans and the organization published in The Players’ Tribune, Samuel also enthusiastically turned the page toward his new home. He credited former teammate Brandon Aiyuk with hyping up Daniels in college.

“We off to a new start now. D.C., we coming,” he wrote. “I think this is one of the best possible fits for me, where I can go in and help a team. Honestly, when my agent asked me where I wanted to go, this was one of the teams at the top of my list. I started watching Jayden because of Aiyuk, that’s like his best friend. We used to chill, watch LSU games, and I knew he was going to be a stud. I’ve got some connections already with the coaching staff. Definitely ready to work with Terry for sure, because we came in the league at the same time. I’ve heard how hard he grinds. I’m just ready to match the energy and get to it. S—, I got a feeling this season is about to be one of them ones.”

(Photo of Jonathan Jones: Eric Canha / Imagn Images)