Amazingly, the start of NFL free agency is less than three weeks away. All the speculation of how much money the Washington Commanders will spend or which free agents they’ll retain will be in the rearview mirror.
While Washington has not announced any re-signings, those talks should heat up over the next two weeks before they can legally speak to players from other teams. This week’s news of a salary cap increase for 2025 leaves the Commanders with around $82 million in cap space.
We recently looked at one free agent from each of Washington’s three NFC East rivals it could target to improve the defense. Now, it’s all about the offense. We pick one free agent from the Cowboys, Eagles and Giants that the Commanders could target when free agency opens next month.
Dallas Cowboys: WR Brandin Cooks
Brandin Cooks #3 of the Dallas Cowboys scores a touchdown while defended by Percy Butler #35 of the Washington Commanderss. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)
The Commanders need help at wide receiver, and regardless of what we hear about Tee Higgins, general manager Adam Peters was never likely to pursue the Bengals star. Washington will extend Terry McLaurin and work on giving him some help. While Brandin Cooks isn’t the player he once was, he’s still a capable receiver who can stretch the field.
Injuries cost Cooks seven games last season, but in 2023, Cooks caught eight touchdowns for the Cowboys. He can still be productive, and he’ll likely come pretty cheap. He may not be the answer as a No. 2 at this point, but he could be the perfect No. 3 receiver for Jayden Daniels.
Philadelphia Eagles: G/T Mekhi Becton
Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Mekhi Becton (77). Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
The Eagles took risks last offseason, and everything they did paid off handsomely. Signing Becton, a former first-round pick, was a smart gamble. Giving him a chance at guard under legendary offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland was one of last offseason’s more shrewd moves.
Becton started 15 games at guard and all of the postseason. He dominated after moving inside and looked rejuvenated after leaving the New York Jets. The Eagles will want to keep Becton, and there’s probably a good chance he’d prefer to stay. But he will only be 26 in April, and teams will believe he can move back outside to tackle.
The Commanders need help at offensive tackle, but Becton doesn’t seem like a match. Washington needs a sure thing. Becton struggled as a tackle but looked dominant as a guard. Other teams may look at his inconsistency at tackle as a byproduct of being surrounded by chaos with the Jets. Becton is not a risk the Commanders can probably afford.
New York Giants: WR Darius Slayton
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (86) scores a touchdown. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Darius Slayton has been with the Giants since 2019, and he’s enjoyed a solid career despite the inconsistency surrounding the quarterback position. He’s played at least 13 games in all six seasons. His career high is 50 receptions, which he accomplished in 2023. Slayton averages 15 yards per catch for his career.
Slayton is due to get paid. He’s a good player, and teams know it. He will receive a more significant role on his next team. The Commanders could be a perfect match for Slayton, as he could benefit from playing alongside Terry McLaurin and catching passes from Jayden Daniels.