The Washington Commanders are gearing up for free agency after appointing Daronte Jones as their new defensive coordinator. This decision follows a three-week search for a replacement after the dismissal of Joe Whitt Jr. on January 6. With both coordinators now in place, the Commanders’ focus shifts to enhancing their roster ahead of the upcoming free agency period in March.
General Manager Adam Peters is currently attending the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama, as he prepares for the 2026 NFL Draft. Washington’s financial position allows them to make significant moves in free agency. The team has the option to create more salary cap space by releasing cornerback Marshon Lattimore and extending contracts for left tackle Laremy Tunsil and center Tyler Biadasz. With over 30 free agents on the roster, the Commanders are expected to be active when free agency opens.
As Jones implements a new defensive scheme, he may seek to bring in familiar players from his time with the Minnesota Vikings. Among the Vikings’ free agents, two names stand out: defensive lineman Jalen Redmond and safety Harrison Smith. Redmond, an exclusive rights free agent, is likely to remain with Minnesota after a breakout 2025 season where he outperformed high-profile players like Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave. Consequently, he may not be available for Washington.
Smith, a veteran safety with 14 seasons under his belt, is contemplating retirement. While he demonstrated last season that he still possesses the ability to perform at a high level, it appears unlikely that the Commanders will pursue him, opting instead to focus on younger free agents.
Potential Free Agent Targets for the Commanders
With Redmond likely off the table, the Commanders will need to consider alternative options. Here are three realistic free-agent targets that could enhance their defensive lineup in 2026.
Eric Wilson is a linebacker who may fit the Commanders’ needs. At 31 years old, Wilson is entering his tenth NFL season. He began his career with the Vikings and has since played for the Texans, Eagles, Saints, and Packers before returning to Minnesota in 2025. His 2025 season was particularly impressive, as he participated in every game and started 12, achieving career highs with 6.5 sacks, 17 tackles for loss, and 10 quarterback hits. Given Washington’s potential shift away from Bobby Wagner, Wilson could serve as an experienced stopgap, providing leadership and stability in the middle of the defense at a lower cost compared to Wagner’s previous salary of $2.6 million.
Another option is Ivan Pace Jr., a promising linebacker who is six years younger than Wilson. In his three seasons in the NFL, Pace has played 45 games and made 27 starts. After losing his starting position to Wilson in 2025, his availability will depend on the tender the Vikings apply. If he is not given a high-level tender, he could be a valuable addition for the Commanders, offering depth and versatility as both an inside and outside linebacker.
The final name on the list is Jeff Okudah, a cornerback whose career has been marred by injuries. Drafted by the Detroit Lions as the third overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Okudah has struggled to find his footing, playing for four teams in four seasons. Despite these setbacks, he is still only 26 years old. With a background in the defensive scheme that Jones may implement, Okudah could provide needed depth to the Commanders’ secondary. If Washington does not pursue Okudah, it might indicate a lack of interest in bolstering their defensive backfield, particularly considering their limited draft capital.
As the March 2026 free agency period approaches, the Washington Commanders are poised to make strategic decisions that could reshape their roster. With Daronte Jones at the helm of the defense, the focus will be on acquiring players who can effectively execute his vision and contribute to the team’s success.
