11 free agents the Commanders are bringing back in 2025
The Washington Commanders will have another busy offseason in 2025. Fortunately for general manager Adam Peters, it will look much different than the one he inherited last winter. Peters signed several players to one-year deals to make the Commanders competitive in 2024 and also build depth after four consecutive years of bad drafting by the previous regime.
At 8-5, things have gone much better than anticipated for Washington. So, some of those one-year deals will lead to a more extended stay in Washington. How many of those players should return?
On Saturday, we listed all 28 players who will be free agents in 2025. Today, we look at which of Washington’s own free agents it should bring back for next season. Two players not listed: Zach Ertz and Marcus Mariota. While we feel the two veterans have done precisely what Peters signed them to do, the Commanders could look elsewhere for replacements. You could make a stronger case to retain Ertz on another one-year deal.
Here are the 11 Commanders who should return in 2025.
LB Bobby Wagner
Bobby Wagner is still one of the NFL’s best inside linebackers and a strong presence in the locker room. If Wagner wasn’t producing at a high level, it would make sense to move on from him, but he’s essentially another coach on the field and he remains an excellent player. This is an easy decision if Wagner wants to keep playing.
P Tress Way
Tress Way has been with Washington since 2014. He’s survived multiple regime changes because he’s an excellent punter. He remains an excellent punter, even if he doesn’t need to punt as much. Way is another respected veteran leader who is beloved in the locker room and community and still gets the job done. Another easy decision.
CB Noah Igbinoghene
It’s hard to believe that Noah Igbinoghene is a former first-round pick. After playing on two teams through his first four seasons, Igbinoghene has found a home in Washington. He wasn’t signed to be a shutdown corner but to provide help on special teams and depth at cornerback. He’s done that and much more. Igbinoghene is still only 25 years old and could be a third or fourth cornerback for Washington for the next several years. He’s not going to be expensive either.
WR Noah Brown
The Commanders signed Noah Brown just before the regular season. He’s been an excellent addition. The only problem is he’s miscast as a No. 2 receiver. In a perfect world, he’s better suited as a No. 3 or No. 4 receiver, but Brown has delivered time and time again this season. Washington should add another high-level receiver opposite Terry McLaurin, but Brown should return.
WR Dyami Brown
Yes, Washington should bring back the 2021 third-round pick. While he didn’t live up to what many expected early in his career, Brown has thrived in a specific role for Kliff Kingsbury this season. He’s excellent on special teams and, like Noah Brown, can thrive in a No. 3 or No. 4 receiver role. It’s doubtful that both Browns return, but it would not be a bad thing. Dyami Brown’s best football looks to be ahead of him. Peters should allow him to test the market and bring him back on a favorable deal.
RB Chris Rodriguez Jr.
Washington has cut Rodriguez multiple times and moved him back and forth between the main roster and the practice squad. Every time his number is called, he delivers. Jeremy McNichols has also thrived in his role, but the Commanders should stick with Rodriguez in the No. 3 running back role. In some good news, Rodriguez is only an exclusive rights free agent, which essentially means Washington can keep him without other teams trying to sign him.
EDGE Dante Fowler Jr.
Dante Fowler Jr. leads the Commanders with 8.5 sacks. He added two more last week against the Titans, for which he was strangely not given credit. Regardless, he’s on pace to set a new career-high, which is impressive for the 10th-year veteran. Fowler’s resurgent season means he’ll have suitors, but he loves Dan Quinn, so if the two sides want to remain together, it’s difficult to see Fowler leaving. He has thrived in a rotational role.
OT Cornelius Lucas
Lucas, 33, has been with Washington since 2020. Initially signed to be a swing tackle, Lucas has appeared in 73 games with 37 starts with the Commanders. He’s done an outstanding job at both tackle positions this season. Lucas shouldn’t be retained as a starter but again as a swing tackle. He’s proven he can still play.
K Austin Seibert
Seibert was signed ahead of Week 2 and immediately helped the Commanders beat the Giants. He was terrific all season until missing two games with a hip injury. He returned in Week 12, missing a field goal and two extra points, which were costly. He is now on IR. While there are questions long-term, Seibert deserves another shot to prove he can be the guy. He was terrific when healthy.
TE John Bates
John Bates and Zach Ertz are free agents, but Bates isn’t going to cost a huge amount of money. However, that doesn’t mean you should discount his importance to the Commanders. If you look at some of Washington’s best runs this season, Bates is opening holes. He understands his role and accepts it. He is the type of unselfish old-school tight end every team needs on their roster.
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