The Washington Commanders were one of the most aggressive teams in free agency last season, as no less than 10 new players walked through the doors to begin the new era under Dan Quinn.
After a superb first season with Jayden Daniels, the Commanders won 12 regular-season games and two playoff games en route to the NFC Championship—which they lost.
Now, many expect the Commanders to reload, and armed with roughly $78 million in cap space, it seems a foregone conclusion that the NFC East franchise will again go shopping in free agency.
But as ESPN points out, there might be a snag in that thought.
"After unexpectedly reaching the NFC Championship Game, and with a young rising star at quarterback in Jayden Daniels, the Commanders have a chance to take a big leap," ESPN writes. "They do have the third-most salary cap space available and seven draft picks. But they have 28 unrestricted free agents and the second-fewest players under contract for 2025.
"Washington has only two receivers under contract for 2025. It needs to fortify both lines, as well as corner and running back. How much the Commanders accomplish this offseason -- in addition to Daniels' growth -- will determine whether they can surpass the Eagles."
So, while the Commanders have the cap space, much of it could be tied to re-signing the free agents from last year and getting others improved deals.
That $78 million could dwindle down rather quickly, and this is where the question is asked: Can the Commanders make enough moves and draft well enough to close the gap on the Philadelphia Eagles?
Washington had a superb season under Daniels and Quinn, now is the time to double down this offseason...if they can afford it.
