The Washington Commanders were the biggest surprise of the 2024 NFL season in large part thanks to rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. However, some savvy moves in NFL free agency also played an integral role in the Commanders reaching the Divisional Round. With Washington now looking to take another step forward next season, we’re identifying top Commanders free agent targets in 2025.
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Ronnie Stanley, offensive tackle
It’s remarkable what Jayden Daniels did this season, especially when you look at the Washington Commanders offensive line. In 2024, left tackle Brandon Coleman allowed the fourth-most sacks (nine) in the NFL and was rated as one of the league’s worst in pass protection. Washington simply needs to do better at protecting Daniels. Ronnie Stanley isn’t playing at an All-Pro level post-injuries, but he ranked 12th in ESPN Pass Block Win rate (92 percent) this season. Injuries might limit the guarantees and length of his deal, making him even more appealing for Washington.
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Dan Moore, offensive tackle
On the surface, an offensive tackle who led the NFL in sacks allowed (12) isn’t appealing. However, sacks can fall on the quarterback and Dan Moore Jr. was stuck with two of the most sack-prone QBs (Russell Wilson and Justin Fields) in the NFL. However, Moore did record an ESPN Pass Block Win Rate (93 percent) that rivaled All-Pro Jordan Mailata (92 percent) and Penei Sewell (91 percent). That’s not to say Moore is elite, but he can be an above-average starter heading into his age-27 season.
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Chris Godwin, wide receiver
Tee Higgins makes a lot of sense among potential Washington Commanders free agent targets, but the team is likely better off spreading its money around. Chris Goswin will be fully recovered from his broken ankle by the summer, giving him all of training camp to build chemistry with Daniels. With Godwin in the slot and Terry McLaurin on the outside, the Commanders’ passing game could be even better next season.
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Amari Cooper, wide receiver
The Washington Commanders need a true No. 2 receiver next season, While the 2025 NFL Draft offers one path to addressing that, a veteran in NFL free agency feels like the path Washington would take. Amari Cooper has proven in Buffalo that he’s willing to be a secondary option on a contender. The Commanders could offer him a solid payday and give him the chance to compete for a Super Bowl with a young MVP-caliber quarterback.
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Khalil Mack, edge rusher
Part of the focus with our Washington Commanders free agent targets centers on veterans who might be open to a short-term deal to compete for a Super Bowl. That’s the kind of situation Khalil Mack is in heading into NFL free agency. Washington needs someone dependable on the outside while Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne work the interior. Mack, who might be open to a one-year deal, would be an excellent short-term addition.
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DeMarcus Lawrence, edge rusher
After being named the Washington Commanders head coach in 2024, Dan Quinn dipped into NFL free agency to reunite with several of his former defenders from the Dallas Cowboys. It’s reasonable to think we could see that again. DeMarcus Lawrence missed the majority of the season with a foot injury, but he’s just a year removed from his second consecutive Pro Bowl selection.
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D.J. Reed Jr, cornerback
The Marshon Lattimore contract allows the Washington Commanders to clear $18 million in cap space by releasing him this offseason. It’s something to consider given his injury history. If the team wants to replace him, D.J. Reed Jr. is the best cornerback in NFL free agency. Just 28 years old, Reed has held opponents under a 59 percent completion rate and 87.2 QB rating when targeted in coverage over the last two seasons. He’s ready to be a No. 1 cornerback on a contender.
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Charvarius Ward, cornerback
Charvarius Ward struggled in 12 games this past season, but that’s easy to understand considering he and his girlfriend lost their 23-month-old daughter in October. Before that, he held opponents under an 80.0 QB rating and 6.6 yards per target with a sub-55 percent completion rate allowed from 2021-’23. A change of scenery is what he’s looking for and he would give Dan Quinn a high-end starter who he can play against No. 1 receivers.
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