The Washington Commanders are set to be active in free agency once again. Adam Peters kicked off his moves by trading for wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr., but that alone won’t be enough to match the strength of the Philadelphia Eagles.
After a major overhaul, Washington is in a better position than many expected, having reached the NFC Championship game before losing to the eventual Super Bowl champions. This represents a major positive for the team. Peters now needs to build on this momentum and capitalize on the Commanders becoming a sought-after destination across the league after years of mediocrity. If they can weaken the Eagles along the way, their chances will improve even further.
The Eagles dominated much of the season after a slow start, with Washington being the only team to defeat them after Week 4. Their dominance in the trenches, combined with the addition of running back Saquon Barkley, made them nearly unstoppable, and no playoff team managed to counter them effectively.
This offseason, the Eagles face the challenge of dealing with several key free agents. They won’t be able to keep everyone, with defensive lineman Milton Williams and edge rusher Josh Sweat among those likely to capitalize on their strong performances.
Commanders projected to land Eagles edge rusher in free agency
Sweat would be a valuable addition to the Commanders. He’s a consistent performer who shines in crucial moments. The former fourth-round pick became an integral part of Philadelphia’s defense under Vic Fangio this season, wreaking havoc in opposing backfields and dominating the Kansas City Chiefs’ offensive line during their impressive Super Bowl victory.
The Florida State product is unlikely to find a better opportunity to secure long-term financial success. John Keim of ESPN suggested that the Commanders could make a move for Sweat, with a potential offer projected at three years and $60 million—$40 million of which would be guaranteed.
“Washington needs a defensive end adept at both rushing the passer and setting an edge against the run. The Commanders have two ends who are free agents in Clelin Ferrell and Dante Fowler Jr. Sweat’s length and quick get-off — 1.55 seconds in the 10-yard split — will appeal to Washington. Plus, he can rush inside on stunts. ”
Dan Graziano also thinks the Commanders could come out on top in the upcoming race for Sweat. According to the esteemed ESPN insider, switching from Philadelphia to a division rival offers Sweat the best shot at another Super Bowl appearance compared to other free-agent options, especially given Washington’s current upward trajectory.
Landing Sweat would be a significant win for the team. Over the past four seasons, he has racked up 33 regular-season sacks, consistently pressuring opponents and showing enough explosiveness to impact the run game. Anyone who followed Washington in 2024 knows how much their edge defense struggled against effective ground attacks.
Sweat is likely to be on Washington’s radar, although the final decision will hinge on the financial terms. There could be a bidding war for his services, with offers potentially reaching around $20 million per season—a price Peters can afford with the Commanders’ available resources.
The team needs to act quickly, as Sweat’s window on the market will close once the legal tampering period begins. Whether they land him or pursue another target, fans can be confident that Peters is committed to making decisive moves to secure the talent they need.
