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Commanders reach one-year agreements with DL Deatrich Wise, Shy Tuttle
Wise, 31, signed a one-year, $3.25 million deal with the Commanders in the 2025 offseason. He made only four tackles in 51 defensive snaps and four on special teams, with his season ending in Week 2 with a quad injury.
He spent his first eight seasons with the Patriots after they made him a fourth-round pick in 2017. Wise has 318 tackles and 34 sacks in his career.
The Commanders claimed Tuttle off waivers from the Titans on Dec. 22, and he played 25 defensive snaps in two games. Tuttle totaled four tackles for the Commanders.
Commanders.com
2026 free agency preview | DT and DE
The opinions expressed in this article do not reflect those of the team.
Khyiris Tonga, New England Patriots
A former seventh-round pick, Tonga has already played for four teams in five seasons. He’s a pure rotational piece that can add depth in the interior and knows how to use his 335-pound frame to disrupt double teams. He also got 14 snaps as a fullback in short yardage situations.
Bradley Chubb, Miami Dolphins
Chubb is under contract with the Dolphins right now, but the team has made it clear that they will release him at some point. He put up respectable numbers in 2025, despite tearing his ACL prior to the start of the 2024 season. There’s certainly potential in Chubb’s game; he’s recorded at least seven sacks in every season he was a full-time starter. We’ll see what kind of market he has whenever he hits free agency.
ESPN
Expect Commanders to go big in free agency this offseason
[O]ne team source said, while they won’t spend recklessly, if there’s a player they want who commands top-of-the-market money and is considered a good fit, they will spend. After all, this is a pivotal year for the franchise after going 5-12 following a 12-5 season and trip to the NFC Championship Game.
In the first two offseasons under Peters, Washington signed 50 players in free agency, including 18 who re-signed with the franchise. Last offseason they signed 24 players — including 14 who re-signed — and 26 players in 2024, with 22 new to the franchise.
They have just five players from their first free agent class signed for this season and four from last season. That doesn’t mean a handful won’t return, but it does suggest Washington needs — and wants — to add more players on multi-year deals to prevent big roster turnover each season.
As one team source said, the first offseason was about trying to add players who could lay the foundation for the culture they wanted. So they signed veteran players such as linebacker Bobby Wagner, tight end Zach Ertz and running back Austin Ekeler. There’s a chance none of them are on the roster in 2026.
Last season, they re-signed a number of veterans; only two newcomers received multi-year deals via free agency: safety Will Harris and defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw. They wanted to run it back with their own vets while adding some more, considering it helped them the previous season. The Commanders did not saddle themselves with bad contracts, but they also left themselves needing to fill multiple holes once again this offseason.
The Commanders will rank in the top five for most cap space available this offseason. However, only nine teams have fewer players under contract than Washington’s 53. And the Commanders have multiple needs: They’re expected to be aggressive pursuing players at edge rusher, receiver and corner in particular. They’d like to add another tight end — Chig Okonkwo, among others, is a possibility — but they’ll invest more money in other areas. They only have one running back, Jacory Croskey-Merritt, currently signed and will need more help at linebacker.
NFL.com
Kenneth Walker III potential landing spots: Where will Super Bowl LX MVP play in 2026?
Washington Commanders
Washington has a ton of cap space ($72.3 million) entering 2026 and plenty of needs on both sides of the ball. After watching Austin Ekeler’s season end via a non-contact injury early in the campaign and leaning on rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Chris Rodriguez Jr. for a combined result of 1,305 rushing yards and 14 rushing scores, one might believe the Commanders are in a fine position. It’s not entirely inaccurate, but in the season of turning over every stone in order to improve the roster, Washington should at minimum explore a potential partnership with Walker. Jayden Daniels could undoubtedly use a threat like Walker lining up next to him, especially after Daniels’ health issues cost him 10 games in his sophomore season. Dan Quinn and Co. owe it to themselves and the Washington fan base to at least consider it, especially after they fell incredibly short of expectations in 2025.
Riggo’s Rag
Commanders could get their shot at acquiring Devin Lloyd in free agency
The Jacksonville Jaguars did not franchise tag stud linebacker Devin Lloyd. While the organization could work out a long-term commitment in the coming days, the chances of him testing the market now seem higher than ever.
This should put the Commanders on high alert.
They are in desperate need of an energy injection at their defensive second level. For all the positives around Bobby Wagner, speed is not his strong suit these days. And looking at the system Jones could run, it would be a surprise if the future Pro Football Hall of Famer got another deal in Washington.
Pairing Lloyd with Frankie Luvu would be a mouthwatering proposition. Even so, this will not be cheap, regardless of how much cash Washington has to throw around.
According to Spotrac, the second-team All-Pro is expected to get $20.14 million per season on a three-year, $60.43 million deal. This could even be a conservative estimate if a bidding war for his services begins. But to get the best, you have to pay.
Lloyd is undoubtedly the best second-level enforcer set to go on the market. There is still a chance Jacksonville won’t let things get that far, but they are leaving things extremely late to get something done. Maybe the AFC South club wants to gauge his offers before deciding whether to match them. Some NFL teams don’t like bidding against themselves, so it’ll be interesting to see how things go.
Commanders Roundtable
Opinion: Why Veteran Mike Evans Doesn’t Make Sense for Commanders
Injuries have, at times, limited Evans during his 12 year NFL career after playing in just eight games in 2025 due to a broken collarbone and hamstring injury, amassing just 368 yards for three touchdowns on 30 catches. But maybe more impressive is it marked the first time in his career that he didn’t record at least 1,000 receiving yards, while Evans has notched at least ten touchdowns in six seasons.
But with a contract that pays at least $20 million, whether it makes sense for Washington to have over $50 million in cap space tied to a pair of receivers older than 30 in Evans and Terry McLaurin is its own debate.
Add in the fact that Washington is expected to make McLaurin a focal point of the passing attack, whether Evans views Washington as the best fit in a WR2 role makes it complex. Of course, whether Evans ultimately signs with a team not named the Tampa Bay Buccaneers may be the biggest storyline for the future Hall of Fame receiver with all eyes on whether a divorce will actually materialize.
Jauan Jennings, Rashid Shaheed and Christian Kirk could be among the free agents who fit the profile Washington is looking for, while Brandon Aiyuk could shape up as the obvious free agent target after months of speculation and news that he could end up being released by the 49ers to end what has proven to be a messy divorce over the last year.
A to Z Sports
The Commanders can try to sign WR Alec Pierce, who is now testing the free agent market
The Indianapolis Colts placed the transition tag worth $37.8 million on QB Daniel Jones, who just tore his Achilles last season, and that complicated Pierce’s situation a ton.
Pierce was expected to stay with the Colts on a massive long-term deal, but now the uncertainty at QB, his surging market, and contract talks with the team have him ready to see his full market in free agency. He was on the “Up and Adams Show” with Kay Adams when he said he’s earned that right, and he’s ready to explore the possibilities outside of Indianapolis.
General manager Adam Peters said he wants to get younger and faster, and Pierce would be an excellent option to do just that. The WR room fell apart for the Commanders last season with the injuries to Terry McLaurin and Noah Brown, and the room needs to prepare for the future.
2026 could very well be McLaurin’s last season, according to Matthew Berry, and his contract says so as well. It was always a two-year deal with an out after 2026, and McLaurin has a cap hit of $34 million in 2027 and $39.5 million in 2028, which the team absolutely won’t do. McLaurin will be a prime trade candidate after the season, and they need a new WR1 of the future.
Pierce is just turning 26 in a few months, and he’s entering his prime. 2025 was a career year for Pierce whp finished with a career-high 1,003 yards and six touchdowns to go with it. He’s a true deep threat as he led the league in average depth of target at 20 yards, and yards per reception at 21.3.
Podcasts & videos
BIG Free Agent Signings + Blue Chip Combine BALLERS! | Podcast | Washington Commanders | NFL
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NFL.com
Eagles searching for “Quinnen Williams-type” compensation from an A.J. Brown trade
Garafolo noted that Philly is looking for a “Quinnen Williams-type deal” in exchange for Brown — a first-round pick and a second-round sweetener. At the trade deadline last November, the New York Jets traded Williams to Dallas for a 2026 second-round pick, a 2027 first-rounder and defensive tackle Mazi Smith.
The asking price for Brown is high in part because general manager Howie Roseman doesn’t feel pressed to move on from the wideout. If Philly doesn’t get to a Williams-level deal, or close to it, the Eagles could ride things out for another season with the perennial 1,000-yard wideout.
Garafolo added that the Brown situation is affecting how the Eagles are budgeting for free agency. A trade now would trigger significant dead money for Roseman to deal with (more than $40 million). Waiting until after June 1 would lessen the issue — of course, waiting wouldn’t bring them draft capital to use now.
If nothing materializes before free agency, that doesn’t mean the chatter about the receiver will dissipate as we head toward the 2026 NFL Draft in late April.
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ESPN
Source: Patriots to release WR Stefon Diggs after one season
The New England Patriots informed veteran wide receiver Stefon Diggs that he will be released at the start of the 2026 league year next week, according to a league source.
Diggs’ salary cap charge was set to rise from $10.5 million to $26.5 million, which was the catalyst for the move. If he was on the roster by the end of next week, he would have had an additional $6 million of his contract guaranteed.
Diggs posted a message on his Instagram story: “Thank you for a hell of a year. We family forever.”
Diggs, 32, had signed a three-year, $69 million deal with the Patriots last March and quickly became one of the team’s inspirational leaders, as well as their top-producing receiver. He totaled a team-high 85 receptions for 1,013 yards with four touchdowns in the regular season. During the Patriots’ postseason run to Super Bowl LX, Diggs had 14 receptions for 110 yards and a touchdown in four playoff games.
Diggs, however, also is facing felony strangulation and other criminal charges stemming from an alleged dispute with his personal chef. Diggs has pleaded not guilty to the charges. He is next scheduled to appear for a pretrial hearing April 1.
NFL.com
Falcons planning to release WR Darnell Mooney
The Atlanta Falcons are planning to release WR Darnell Mooney, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported, per sources informed of the situation.
Mooney was set to count $18.4 million against the salary cap, but had no guaranteed money left on his deal. The Falcons will save $7.42 million on the cap with $11 million in dead money by releasing the wideout.
The 28-year-old Mooney signed a three-year, $39 million contract in Atlanta after being a field-stretching weapon for four seasons in Chicago. In his first year in ATL, Mooney generated 992 yards and five touchdowns in 16 games. However, his play fell off last season. He didn’t generate a single game with more than 74 receiving yards and had nine tilts with 25 yards or fewer. He finished with 443 yards on 32 catches with 1 score.
Mooney joins an interesting WR group in free agency, headlined by Colts field stretcher Alec Pierce, Seahawks speedster Rashid Shaheed and future Hall of Famer Mike Evans. There is also depth at the position with the likes of Romeo Doubs, Jauan Jennings, Jalen Nailor, Deebo Samuel and, most recently, Stefon Diggs, heading to the open market.
Mooney won’t see a payday as he did two years ago, but there is always room on a team for a field-stretching talent who averaged 13.0 yards per catch over his first six seasons. In the right offense, he could play a key role on a winner.
The Athletic (paywall)
Aaron Rodgers praises, defends Mike McCarthy — but doesn’t say whether he’ll play in 2026
[I]f you were hoping to find out if (or where) the 42-year-old QB will be playing football next season, he offered only a few hints.
“I’ve talked to Mike (McCarthy). I’ve talked to (general manager) Omar (Khan). There’s been no deadline that’s been put in front of me,” Rodgers said a week before NFL free agency officially begins. “There’s no contract offer or anything. So there’s nothing that I’m having to debate between. I’m a free agent.
“I think there’s conversations to be had down the line. But right now, there haven’t been any progressive conversations. I love Mike, and Mike and I have kept in contact over the years. I’ve had conversations with Omar. I think Omar really enjoyed having me there. I think the guys had a positive response to our time together. But again, there hasn’t been any deadline set on me. There hasn’t been any contract floated in front of me, like ‘Well, we’re giving you ’til, you know, March the 8th to make a decision on this contract.’”
Last year, the Rodgers indecision lingered until mandatory minicamp in June. Last week at the NFL Scouting Combine, Khan said there’s no deadline for Rodgers to make a decision, but the GM also added: “I don’t foresee this going like it did last year.”
The NFL’s negotiating window (when outside free agents can make verbal agreements) begins Monday. Players can begin formally signing with teams Wednesday. Because Rodgers played for the Steelers last season, he doesn’t hit free agency until next week, and the team can sign him at any point.
Front Office Sports
Brady-Fanatics Saudi Flag Football Event Likely Moving to U.S.
The flag football event planned by Tom Brady and Fanatics for Saudi Arabia later this month is likely moving to the United States amid the growing regional war
The flag football event planned by Tom Brady and Fanatics for Saudi Arabia later this month is likely moving to the United States amid the growing regional war, sources familiar with the situation tell Front Office Sports.
The Fanatics Flag Football Classic was scheduled for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on March 21, but is trending toward moving because of airstrikes and travel restrictions in the region. A specific location is unclear at this point, but an official announcement about the move could come as soon as this week.
Brady, whose Shadow Lion studio is assisting with the event’s production, is set to be joined by NFL stars, with the announced lineup including Jayden Daniels, Saquon Barkley, CeeDee Lamb, Christian McCaffrey, Sauce Gardner, Myles Garrett, Brock Bowers, Maxx Crosby, Tyreek Hill, Odell Beckham Jr., and Rob Gronkowski.
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Pro Football Talk
Athletics GM: We’re always open to Kyler Murray exploring a return to baseball
Kyler Murray was the ninth overall pick in the Major League Baseball draft in 2018, signed a contract with the Athletics that year, and planned to pursue a professional baseball career after one final season of college football. Then Murray won the Heisman Trophy in his final season, was the first overall pick in the 2019 NFL draft, and decided to pursue football instead.
Now Murray has been told the Cardinals plan to cut him, and the Athletics have let him know he’d be welcome to play baseball again.
“Kyler is an elite NFL quarterback and I’m sure there are plenty of opportunities for him to continue his football career,” Athletics General Manager David Forst told MLB.com. “That said, he and his baseball representatives know that we’re always open to him exploring a return to baseball with the A’s if that time ever comes.”
