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The Washington Commanders entered free agency flush with cash and plenty of cap space. GM Adam Peters had plenty of holes to fill, and everyone expected the Commanders to be aggressive.
They were. Peters swung big for Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce before he decided to stay with Indianapolis. Washington also made a play for Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum until the Raiders completely reset the center market, giving him a deal averaging $27 million per season.
Peters kept swinging, though, quickly landing cornerback Amik Robertson and edge rusher Odafe Oweh. The Commanders remained busy throughout the first week of free agency, signing 12 players from outside the organization and re-signing others, such as quarterback Marcus Mariota. Washington also extended five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil.
Peters completely revamped the defense, adding three edge rushers, an interior defensive lineman, a linebacker, a cornerback, and a safety. While he didn't fill every hole through the first week of free agency, Peters put the Commanders in an excellent position ahead of next month's 2026 NFL Draft.
You'd think after signing so many players, re-signing and extending others, that Washington would have little cap room remaining. Instead, the Commanders still have over $52 million in cap space remaining, per Over the Cap. That ranks third in the NFL behind only the Chargers and Titans. Washington's number is close to accurate, as the only veteran contract not figured into the equation is wide receiver Van Jefferson, who likely signed for closer to the veteran's minimum.
Peters did a masterful job with these contracts. After extending Tunsil, he cut his number in half, as the left tackle is only set to count $11.9 million against the salary cap in 2026.
The Commanders were never going to spend everything. They still need cap space for their draft picks and for the season. The good news is they still have plenty of space to make another big move or two if the opportunity presents itself.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders have plenty of cap space 1 week into free agency
Continue reading...
They were. Peters swung big for Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce before he decided to stay with Indianapolis. Washington also made a play for Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum until the Raiders completely reset the center market, giving him a deal averaging $27 million per season.
Peters kept swinging, though, quickly landing cornerback Amik Robertson and edge rusher Odafe Oweh. The Commanders remained busy throughout the first week of free agency, signing 12 players from outside the organization and re-signing others, such as quarterback Marcus Mariota. Washington also extended five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil.
Peters completely revamped the defense, adding three edge rushers, an interior defensive lineman, a linebacker, a cornerback, and a safety. While he didn't fill every hole through the first week of free agency, Peters put the Commanders in an excellent position ahead of next month's 2026 NFL Draft.
You'd think after signing so many players, re-signing and extending others, that Washington would have little cap room remaining. Instead, the Commanders still have over $52 million in cap space remaining, per Over the Cap. That ranks third in the NFL behind only the Chargers and Titans. Washington's number is close to accurate, as the only veteran contract not figured into the equation is wide receiver Van Jefferson, who likely signed for closer to the veteran's minimum.
Peters did a masterful job with these contracts. After extending Tunsil, he cut his number in half, as the left tackle is only set to count $11.9 million against the salary cap in 2026.
The Commanders were never going to spend everything. They still need cap space for their draft picks and for the season. The good news is they still have plenty of space to make another big move or two if the opportunity presents itself.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders have plenty of cap space 1 week into free agency
Continue reading...
