Commanders should sign these three free agents with the NFL draft done

jauan jennings nfl free agency

The Commanders have tons of salary-cap space. There’s $49.5 million available, as a matter of fact. That’s the second most in the NFL, with $42.7 million free even after they pay Sonny Styles and the rest of the 2026 NFL draft class.

So, in other words, general manager Adam Peters can make some moves if they seem fit. This roster still has holes, especially with just six draft picks available and just two in the first three rounds.

A glance at the depth chart suggests the Commanders could still use some cornerback help. Not drafting one was a mild surprise, though Peters’ picks were limited and seeing Kansas City trade up to snatch LSU’s Mansoor Delane at No. 6 might’ve been a blow. Maybe, though Styles was an excellent selection no matter what.

A reliable, impact receiver opposite Terry McLaurin wouldn’t hurt, though the Brandon Aiyuk situation in San Francisco remains unresolved and might for some time. Safety depth is of some concern, with uncertainty about whether Quan Martin can play consistently well as an every-down player.

Peters could address those needs (and others) with NFL talent still on the street. While players unsighed at this late date are generally available for one reason or another — normally their older or coming off an injury or waiting for the right team fit — there’s impactful guys available who could help the Commanders right away.

Peters shouldn’t spend lavishly just because he can, but a few targeted transactions could help this Commanders roster feel more complete. Let’s take a look at some options out there in free agency:

WR Jauan Jennings

Let’s say the assumed Aiyuk-to-Washington scenario doesn’t play out. Maybe a team gives up some capital over waiting for the 49ers to cut him, which could well be Peters’ strategy here. It’s a sound one, but it only takes one team to pony up a draft pick for his rights and that massive albatross of a contract.

That could leave Peters move toward someone else he helped draft. He was San Francisco’s VP of player personnel when the 49ers took him in the seventh-round of the 2020 NFL draft. Jennings developed into a productive player with better stats the past few seasons. He’s a big dude at 6-foot-3 and 212 pounds and can certainly play on the outside and a friendly target for Jayden Daniels.

Peters might have to move fast on this one, with reports that Jennings is visiting the Minnesota Vikings on Tuesday and Wednesday. There are bigger name options available, but Tyreek Hill and Stefon Diggs are both a hard pass for me. If Jennings can be had on a shorter-term deal, it might be a good hedge bet on the Aiyuk situation. If they land Jennings and Aiyuk, the Commanders receiver corps is a lot stronger.

CB Tre’Davious White

White is 31 years old at this point and obviously in the latter stages of his career. He has been around the block a few times now and has the knowledge and veteran savvy to share with the cornerback room. A signing like this doesn’t follow Washington’s emphasis on getting younger and faster on defense but adding a veteran to compete and push the younger guys couldn’t hurt. He didn’t make much last year and would come relatively cheap. He isn’t a super exciting addition, but there aren’t tons of instant impact corners in the prime or on the ascent right now. White also has a great reputation as a locker-room leader and would add some real value with that, in addition to his on-field work. He’s a willing mentor and could make those around him better, too.

S Taylor Rapp

I can see the comments already. Scott, Taylor Rapp’s knee is a mess. It cost him most of last season. It’s still uncertain when he’ll be healthy and ready to play again. Have you lost your mind? There’s a reason why Buffalo released him in March. I get all that, and those are legitimate concerns. There’s no way he’s on the street without the injury and, if he’s willing to do a prove-it deal, give him some guaranteed money, allow him to rehab with the Commanders and maybe he returns to quality form. Then you’ve got a starting-caliber player for relatively cheap and someone who can help in run defense and possibly beyond. Nick Cross should come in and play every down. The Commanders need options while figuring out who will play next to him.