INDIANAPOLIS -- The Washington Commanders' free agency period will feature a lot of what they've sought in the past: solid players starting to ascend, depth pieces and veterans on one-year deals.
They also want something they haven't found enough of in general manager Adam Peters' first two free-agent classes.
"There's going to be difference-makers that will be part of this class," Commanders coach Dan Quinn said.
Translation: The Commanders will spend on players in a way they haven't in the past.
It won't be a return to the early years of former owner Dan Snyder's stewardship, when they'd pursue big names regardless of fit. That often left them saddled with big-money players whose play did not match the salary -- notably former defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth, who received the NFL's first $100 million contract.
But, one 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.
"We're still building depth, and due to the nature of how we've done a lot of shorter-term contracts," Peters said, "we will have to turn over until we can keep building and building a foundation through the draft and through longer-term contracts."
The good news for Washington: There's depth among free agent pass rushers with, as of now, players such as Jaelan Phillips -- who fits the young, athletic profile they seek -- Trey Hendrickson, Boye Mafe and Odafe Oweh among others headed to free agency. Minnesota's Jonathan Greenard is a potential trade or cut victim, and new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones spent the past two seasons with him in Minnesota.
There's also depth at corner, with notable players Jamel Dean, Jaylen Watson and Alontae Taylor. At receiver, Washington could opt to sign Brandon Aiyuk, who is expected to be cut by San Francisco. He's close friends with Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels and has said he wants to play with him. If the Commanders signed Aiyuk, it would be for a one-year prove-it deal and they'd still likely pursue another wideout to pair with Terry McLaurin.
Peters spent time working in San Francisco with pending free agent Jauan Jennings, and Green Bay's Romeo Doubs fits what they'd want over the middle as well. If Indianapolis' Alec Pierce becomes free, he'd be the most expensive wideout but would also add the speed element Washington craves. Rashid Shaheed also would provide that element, both as a receiver and kick returner.
"This draft and free agency kind of lines up with what we're looking for," Peters said at the combine. "We'll have a chance to really get a lot better."
Two words they've used the most this offseason is: younger and faster. That's the desire after having one of the NFL's oldest rosters in 2025.
"That's still going to be a goal," Peters said, "but there is a lot of value in having a good mix of youth and experience -- that's not lost on us. If there's a tiebreaker, you want to try to get younger and faster. You lose some experience and leadership, but you also get a few things in other categories. That doesn't mean we're just going to go all young guys either. If there's good players that can help us that are a little older, then certainly consider those guys too."
Quinn said they don't want to just focus on one side of the ball because, he said, "when you don't have [roster] balance your team can get out of whack."
While they will be aggressive adding depth pieces as well, Quinn said they do see "difference makers" available for both sides of the ball.
"Knowing that there's some that we can go after, that's a big deal," Quinn said, "and knowing that there's difference makers that [have publicly stated] want to be here, that's a big deal."