It is officially the start of the new NFL year, and many teams have made tons of acquisitions via free agent signing or trade. The Washington Commanders have obviously made some major moves, like bringing in Laremy Tunsil and re-signing Bobby Wagner. With the first week of free agency almost over, what will Commanders general manager Adam Peters’ NFL Draft plans be? Let’s take a look.
How the Washington Commanders Free Agency Shakes Up the NFL Draft
Washington Commanders Free Agency Moves
Adam Peters has been very aggressive during free agency as expected. The biggest move so far is acquiring left tackle Laremy Tunsil via trade with the Houston Texans, giving up third and seventh-round picks. Tunsil is arguably one of the best left tackles in the NFL today. Tackle was a weak spot for Washington heading into free agency, but Peters answered with a blockbuster trade. Tunsil will play a major role in protecting quarterback Jayden Daniels’ blindside this season.
The Commanders have also addressed the need for a quality WR2 to Terry McLaurin, which has already been settled. Earlier this month, Washington acquired wideout Deebo Samuel from the San Francisco 49ers. Samuel has proven himself to be versatile both out of the backfield and as a pass catcher. Daniels and Samuel should be an exciting quarterback-wide receiver duo in 2025.
The Commanders also made some free-agency moves on the defensive side of things. This week, Washington signed nose tackle Javon Kinlaw, safety Will Harris, and cornerback Jonathan Jones. Although the Kinlaw signing received question marks, Peters knew him well from their time in San Francisco. Perhaps head coach Dan Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. could make him useful on the defensive line. The team also gave 13-year veteran linebacker Bobby Wagner a new deal to remain in the Nation’s Capital.
Washington Commanders Draft Needs
With the No. 29 pick in the NFL Draft, a few positions the Commanders could seek after are offensive tackle, defensive lineman, and defensive back. Peters will have plenty of time to think about Washington’s first round pick in April.
With the acquisition of the veteran left tackle Tunsil, the Commanders could use the No. 29 pick to bolster their offensive line with a right tackle. There are plenty of options, including Ohio State’s Josh Simmons. Washington could also use their first-round pick to upgrade the defensive line. With the departures of Jonathan Allen and Dante Fowler Jr., the team could really use an edge rusher to fill those voids. Maybe Boston College’s Donovan Ezeiruaku could be the one to improve the Commanders’ defense. The team did draft edge rushers like Montez Sweat and Chase Young, but both were traded away in 2023.
Washington also needs someone young to step up in the secondary, which hasn’t exactly worked in the draft lately. Two years ago, the Commanders drafted cornerback Emmanuel Forbes who was a huge disappointment against quality receivers. Forbes was cut by Washington midway through the 2024 season. Safety Jeremy Chinn was a highlight for the Commanders’ defense last season, but now he’s left for the Las Vegas Raiders. Two possible defensive back options for Washington include Georgia’s Malaki Starks and South Carolina’s Nick Emmanwori. Either one of these safeties has the potential a be a quality replacement for Chinn.
Main Photo: Tina MacIntyre – Imagn Images
