After last season’s 5-12 finish, one thing is abundantly clear for Washington football fans. The team needs to add a significant amount of talent during the offseason. While Adam Peters will continue to use the draft, the Commanders GM will also have an estimated $82 million in cap space at his disposal after various projected restructures, releases, and dead cap hits. Jayden Daniels is entering his third year, and the clock is ticking on the franchise quarterback’s rookie contract, making this arguably
the most critical free agency of the new millennium for Washington. With free agency set to open on March 11th, Hogs Haven will be working to bring you articles on potential targets to fill various positions of need:
Top Needs:
- Edge
- Safety
- Linebacker
- Wide Receiver
- Cornerback
- Tight end
Secondary Needs:
- Running Back
- Defensive Tackle
In each article, we will briefly summarize the team’s current situation at the position, traits the coaching staff will prioritize, along with a list of the top free agents and a detailed look at a few players that fit the team at different projected average annual values (AAV), typically one high-, one moderate-, and one low-cost contract.
Today, we continue our series with the linebackers.
Position Summary
Currently Under Contract:
- Frankie Luvu: On last year of 3-year deal.
- Jordan Magee: On year 3 of his rookie deal.
- Kain Medrano: On year 2 of his rookie deal.
- Ale Kaho: On year 2 of 3-year deal
- Nick Bellore: On last year of 2-year deal.
Significant Free Agents:
- Bobby Wagner
This position group has a little more talent than some of the others we have profiled. Frankie Luvu regressed in his second season with the Commanders but is not far removed from an All-Pro season. New defensive coordinator Daronte Jones seems to understand what needs to be done to get the best out of Frankie. While Jordan Magee didn’t get as much playing time as some wanted last season, he showed enough on the field to be penciled in as a linebacker in a rotational role. Sixth-round pick Kain Medrano barely saw the field in 2025, but he has plenty of potential to develop, much like his teammate Ale Kaho. Special teams ace Nick Bellore may or may not make the team’s final roster.
The elephant in the room is the expected departure of Bobby Wagner. The future Hall of Fame linebacker gave the Commanders a couple of good years, but as the team looks to get younger and faster on defense, Bobby’s time looks to be at an end. This leaves a large hole in the middle that will need to be filled. Jones is expected to prioritize fast, athletic, sideline-to-sideline linebackers that can tackle, cover, and blitz.
Top 2026 Linebacker Free Agents:
Devin Lloyd
Demario Davis
Quincy Williams
Kaden Elliss
Devin Bush
Quay Walker
Nakobe Dean
Bobby Wagner
Lavontae David
Alex Anzalone
Kenneth Murray
E.J. Speed
Alex Singleton
Leo Chenal
Matt Milano
Eric Wilson
Devin Lloyd, 27, Jaguars
Height/Weight: 6’3”, 235 lbs
Career Stats:
| Def Interceptions | Fumbles | Tackles | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Age | Team | Lg | Pos | G | GS | Int | Yds | IntTD | Lng | PD | FF | Fmb | FR | Yds | FRTD | Sk | Comb | Solo | Ast | TFL | QBHits | Sfty | AV | Awards |
| 2022 | 24 | JAX | NFL | RILB | 17 | 15 | 3 | 42 | 0 | 19 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 28 | 0 | 0.0 | 115 | 59 | 56 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 8 | |
| 2023 | 25 | JAX | NFL | LB | 15 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 13 | 0 | 0.0 | 127 | 75 | 52 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 7 | |
| 2024 | 26 | JAX | NFL | RLB | 16 | 16 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2.0 | 113 | 61 | 52 | 7 | 5 | 0 | 6 | |
| 2025 | 27 | JAX | NFL | LB | 15 | 15 | 5 | 135 | 1 | 99 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1.5 | 81 | 35 | 46 | 6 | 10 | 0 | 16 | PB,AP-2 |
| 4 Yrs | 63 | 61 | 9 | 180 | 1 | 99 | 26 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 43 | 0 | 3.5 | 436 | 230 | 206 | 15 | 18 | 0 | 37 | |||||
| 17 Game Avg | 17 | 16 | 2 | 49 | 0 | 99 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 12 | 0 | 0.9 | 118 | 62 | 56 | 4 | 5 | 0 | 9 | |||||
Spotrac Projection: 3 years, $60,432,399
AAV: $20.1M
The Jaguars opted to not exercise Lloyd’s fifth-year option last offseason, and he responded with a breakout campaign, logging 15 starts, 81 tackles, 10 QB hits, 1.5 sacks, 5 interceptions, 7 batted passes, 15 pressures, 5 hurries, 8 knockdowns, 6 tackles for a loss, 0 forced fumbles, and 1 fumble recovery. Devin was a complete player, ranking in the top positional rankings for pass rush, coverage, and run defense while earning a second-team All-Pro nod.
A safety in high school, his athleticism (9.55 RAS) and length are readily apparent on the field. The Jaguars aligned him as an off-ball backer, walked him up as an edge, and used him as a disruptor out of the nickel position. Lloyd functions best in a Will role, where he shows great range, instincts, burst off the snap, and quick decision-making. You can see his skills in this film review from last season:
Lloyd has two big weaknesses. One is his aggressiveness, as he tends to overrun plays on occasion; however his speed and athleticism help prevent missed tackles. He is also somewhat scheme dependent. Lloyd’s production over his first three years in Jacksonville was sporadic, but that changed with Anthony Campanile’s arrival. The Jaguars’ new defensive coordinator altered how Devin was deployed within a scheme that is aggressive, mobile, and built to cause chaos. It demands defenders do more than one job, allowing pressure packages and post-snap rotations to disguise intent. This aligns with Jones’ expected defensive scheme, and Lloyd could be the leader and difference maker Daronte needs for his defense.
The Jaguars are retaining Campanile and are sure to make Devin an offer, but the franchise tag would be prohibitive ($27.6 million), and Lloyd will likely test the open market. His projected contract is double that of any other linebacker on the free agent list, and his services will come with a steep price tag. For a player that can elevate the defense in run support, coverage, and pass rush, I believe that the Washington Commanders should be the ones to pay it.
Devin Bush, 27, Browns
Height/Weight: 5’11”, 235 lbs
Career Stats:
| Def Interceptions | Fumbles | Tackles | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Age | Team | Lg | Pos | G | GS | Int | Yds | IntTD | Lng | PD | FF | Fmb | FR | Yds | FRTD | Sk | Comb | Solo | Ast | TFL | QBHits | Sfty | AV | Awards |
| 2019 | 21 | PIT | NFL | LILB/RILB | 16 | 15 | 2 | 6 | 0 | 6 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 20 | 1 | 1.0 | 109 | 72 | 37 | 9 | 2 | 0 | 9 | AP DRoY-3 |
| 2020 | 22 | PIT | NFL | LILB | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1.0 | 26 | 16 | 10 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 3 | |
| 2021 | 23 | PIT | NFL | RILB | 14 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 0 | 2.0 | 70 | 41 | 29 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 6 | |
| 2022 | 24 | PIT | NFL | LILB | 17 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 81 | 44 | 37 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 6 | |
| 2023 | 25 | SEA | NFL | LB | 13 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 37 | 18 | 19 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 2 | |
| 2024 | 26 | CLE | NFL | LLB | 16 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1.0 | 76 | 45 | 31 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 5 | |
| 2025 | 27 | CLE | NFL | LB | 17 | 17 | 3 | 164 | 2 | 97 | 8 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2.0 | 125 | 63 | 62 | 7 | 4 | 0 | 10 | |
| 7 Yrs | 98 | 78 | 5 | 170 | 2 | 97 | 24 | 4 | 0 | 6 | 19 | 1 | 7.0 | 524 | 299 | 225 | 33 | 15 | 0 | 41 | |||||
| 17 Game Avg | 17 | 14 | 1 | 29 | 0 | 97 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 1.2 | 91 | 52 | 39 | 6 | 3 | 0 | 6 | |||||
| PIT (4 Yrs) | 52 | 48 | 2 | 6 | 0 | 6 | 13 | 2 | 0 | 5 | 19 | 1 | 4.0 | 286 | 173 | 113 | 13 | 10 | 0 | 24 | |||||
| CLE (2 Yrs) | 33 | 27 | 3 | 164 | 2 | 97 | 11 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3.0 | 201 | 108 | 93 | 15 | 5 | 0 | 15 | |||||
| SEA (1 Yr) | 13 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 37 | 18 | 19 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 2 | |||||
Spotrac Projection: 3 years, $26,699,712
AAV: $8.9 M
Devin Bush is another first-round selection that had a rocky start to his career. After a strong rookie season, he tore his ACL in 2020, with subsequent injuries in 2021. The Steelers declined his fifth-year option, and he spent 2023 with the Seahawks, primarily playing special teams and backup linebacker. Bush signed a one-year contract with the Browns in 2024, and found a home in Jim Schwartz’s defense. He made 16 appearances (10 starts), registering three pass deflections, one sack, and 76 combined tackles.
Last year was a breakout season for Bush, and his performance in coverage took a massive leap forward. Devin started all 17 games, finishing second on the team with a career-high 125 tackles, along with two sacks, two forced fumbles, eight passes defensed, and three interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns. With his injuries in the rearview mirror, Devin Bush is an explosive player with desirable sideline-to-sideline range and an aggressive style. He trusted his instincts, and the big plays followed:
Much like Lloyd, Bush is a bit undersized and works best with a clean path to make plays where his speed and quickness can help him avoid traffic. He also provides some juice in pass rush, although it is not his forte. Bush is a bit of a one-year wonder and comes with definite concerns for regression. This is reflected in his price tag, which is far more affordable than Lloyd’s.
Cleveland is up against the cap this season with significant needs on the offensive side of the ball. The Browns also drafted Carson Schwesinger, whose breakout rookie season may make Bush expendable. Again, Daronte Jones would need to see the fit, but Devin Bush could make for a reasonably priced playmaker in the middle of the Commanders new defense.
Leo Chenal, 25, Chiefs
Height/Weight: 6’3”, 250lbs
Career Stats:
| Def Interceptions | Fumbles | Tackles | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Age | Team | Lg | Pos | G | GS | Int | Yds | IntTD | Lng | PD | FF | Fmb | FR | Yds | FRTD | Sk | Comb | Solo | Ast | TFL | QBHits | Sfty | AV | Awards |
| 2022 | 22 | KAN | NFL | RLB | 17 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1.0 | 35 | 19 | 16 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 4 | |
| 2023 | 23 | KAN | NFL | LB | 17 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3.0 | 65 | 40 | 25 | 8 | 7 | 0 | 5 | |
| 2024 | 24 | KAN | NFL | RLB | 17 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1.0 | 60 | 40 | 20 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 6 | |
| 2025 | 25 | KAN | NFL | LB | 14 | 12 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2.0 | 58 | 25 | 33 | 2 | 5 | 0 | 6 | |
| 4 Yrs | 65 | 44 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7.0 | 218 | 124 | 94 | 17 | 16 | 0 | 21 | |||||
| 17 Game Avg | 17 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1.8 | 57 | 32 | 25 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 5 | |||||
Spotrac Projection: Market Value
3 years, $13,906,989
AAV: $4.6M
Leo Chanel’s calling card is versatility and athleticism (9.99 RAS). The Chiefs use him as a Swiss Army knife, lining him up at linebacker, edge, and even along the defensive line. A big, strong player, Chanel can be effective in run support and filling holes in the line. He’s shown some ability as a pass rusher, and his coverage skills are gradually improving. Last season, he allowed 12 receptions (14 targets) for 128 receiving yards and one score and showed the ability to operate more in space. In fact, he recorded his first career interception in coverage versus Mark Andrews:
Chanel’s versatility has worked against him somewhat during his career; while he has played multiple roles, it has only been for about half of the team’s total defensive snaps each season. Projecting a full-time role for Leo is difficult, with opinions ranging from three-down linebacker to versatile edge player in the mold of Andrew Van Ginkel. Daronte Jones will need to have a clear vision for him alongside Frankie Luvu to make a signing work.
Fortunately, being a rotational player makes Chenal more affordable, and Spotrac lists his AAV at a very reasonable $4.6M, although I do think he ends up signing more in the $6-7M range. As previously discussed, the Chiefs are against the cap and may not be willing to spend in order to retain a rotational player. Personally, I don’t see a fit for Chenal in Washington, but if Jones envisions a role for the linebacker, Adam Peters should pursue him.
Bottom Line
Barring the unexpected entry of a premier edge player to the market, the linebacker position is the best opportunity for Washington to reshape their defense in free agency. Lloyd would be a home run addition, but if Washington misses out or chooses to spend resources elsewhere, there are several other affordable options. The team will try to restore Luvu’s previous role and cultivate their draft picks, but if Adam Peters doesn’t come away with an impact player at the linebacker position, this free agency cannot be deemed a success.
