The 2026 Free Agency Thread

[Dah-Dee]

I was just going to Spotrac to look up team salary cap space, because at this point I don’t even know if we could afford Jennings. I don’t think all of the FA signings have been accounted for yet on Spotrac.

Spotrac/OTC have finally gotten details on most of the Commanders' FAs, each missing around 5 (small) contracts, they both show us with just under $50M in cap space after accounting for the draft pool (currently @7M for us).

So we've apparently got room for splash signings if we want to... but especially relevant (I think) to Jennings, Tennessee has even more space left.

 

[skinsinparadise]

Just realized this is the FA thread…

If I’m AP I am staying on the phone with Jacksonville and BTJ.

3rd + McCaffrey, etc… it likely won’t work. But I’d keep pushing that button.

You can say that you don’t want to give away picks, and I get it, but if you could say BTJ was our third rounder? Ya. You take that.

That said… there’s no way Jacksonville does that unless they get desperate. But I’d still be trying.

My bad, I posted on the wrong thread.

 

[Discobob]

I'm not really a Love truther, but are the Titans going to draft Love and pair him with a terrible offensive line? That strategy worked out real well for Jeanty last year.

I have a hard time thinking they go with a running back at 4 when they need to protect their QB and give him someone/anyone to throw to. That team is kind of a mess.

I'd really like to see Love here, but I completely agree. Putting an elite RB on a garbage team doesn't make much sense.... so I don't understand why TN is leaning that way (assuming the smoke is real).

We're in a different position, bus I think we have the makings of a good offense, and a solid line.

 

[DWinzit]

FYI on Jennings from Vic Tafur, who appears to be the SF version of John Keim:




So that's one more option off the table for Jennings, Commanders maybe a little better odds than before on getting him. Also would think that as his options shrink, so does his asking price. Would be really really nice to add Jennings, since he's the only remaining FA WR without serious age/injury/production questions. Also feels like we ought to be real interested in adding maybe the best-blocking WR in the NFL to this new offense.

I still think he's going to the Titans, who haven't yet made any significant additional signings since restructuring Calvin Ridley to free up cap space.

Yeah the Titans could really be our nemesis by signing Jennings and taking Love plus they picked up Wan'Dale Robinson, John Franklin-Myers Alontae Taylor and ......Mitch Trubisky (J/K)

 

[Dlts20]

Where does it say that Doubs took less money to play with Maye?

 

[Gooseneck]

few contracts not accounted for- we are at $56,000 that should come down if we do more signings

Jake Moody	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0		$0		$0		$0	$0
Charles Omenihu	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0		$0		$0		$0	$0
Van Jefferson	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0		$0		$0		$0	$0

Washington Commanders Salary Cap | Over the Cap

Washington Commanders salary cap, contracts, bonus money, dead money, and cap savings for every player

overthecap.com

contracts not reported yet- Ford, McNichols, Brown and Paul

Washington Commanders 2026 Financial Summary

A current summary of Washington Commanders 2026 player cap & cash figures.

www.spotrac.com

 

[Skinfanjon]

I think you always go an elite player over a good player.

Exception: you already have an elite player in that position and just got him.

Exception: the good player is a quarterback and you’re starting [redacted]

Exception: the elite player is a kicker, punter or long snapper (looking at you, Riverboat)

Dolphins are idiots and should trade them both. By the time they’re any good, Achane will be like 27, less effective and trade value used up. They should go full rebuild and move him also. This is also part of the position value argument in thinking of taking a RB early in the draft. If you have a well built team, you can absorb it easier and put yourself over the top. If you’re the Titans, it’s a bit wasteful. At least it helps support Ward but teams as depleted as they are can’t afford luxury shopping.

Only reason to keep him is to have something left to help sell tickets.

 

[Dah-Dee]

Where does it say that Doubs took less money to play with Maye?

I think that was just a very thin rumor, can only actually find any reference in one social media post:



I don't think it's true. Only thing I've seen repeated is that Commanders and Patriots offers were 'very close' and 'competitive.'

 

[Dlts20]

I think that was just a very thin rumor, can only actually find any reference in one social media post:



I don't think it's true. Only thing I've seen repeated is that Commanders and Patriots offers were 'very close' and 'competitive.'

Yea that literally sounds like people putting their own spin on it for a good story. One team was also in the SB with a superior coach.

Chig was wanted by the Pats also. I guess he chose Jayden? We've done more than anyone in free agency so why did those guys come? Why does Ayuik want to be here? Why are all the draftees talking about playing with Jayden? I'm just not buying it

 

[burgold]

I won't discount the idea that Doubs saw the Pats in the Super Bowl and it affected him. He may have thought it was his easiest road to success. It's possible. Lots of people have a bandwagon versus a builder mentality.

 

[ES1974]

Not sure what’s wildly surprising about a player going to the Pats over us to be honest.

 

[Dlts20]

I won't discount the idea that Doubs saw the Pats in the Super Bowl and it affected him. He may have thought it was his easiest road to success. It's possible. Lots of people have a bandwagon versus a builder mentality.

Whats funny that Aiyuk was going to be traded to the Pats when they had Brisset and just drafted Maye. They were going to give him a long term contract but he didn't want to go because they were 4-13 and had Brisset and Maye.

Bottom line is the NFL is the #1 sport whee you can go from worst to first. You just never know. I truly wouldn't be shocked if we went to the NFC championship game, down to one of the worst teams, back to a nfc contender again this year. That's how crazy this league is.

 

[Darrell Green Fan]

Digesting national media takes of Washington post FA, and again it means nothing its just pure entertainment. you seem to have 3 schools of thought on the roster, wide range between the 3.

1. Washington is back and dangerous -- 2024 could repeat
2. They aren't bad -- sort of an average team that could surprise
3. they are Washington, they suck, back to the old days, Washington is Washington, they are the worst team in the division, the Giants are much more interesting

Should be interesting to see how it works this year as to prime time games. Last year, Washington was an off the charts sexy team to the national media -- Jayden was the dude. But feels like from a perception standpoint, they have fallen big time, and few think they will get back up. the good news is if this regime feeds off of that -- it might be good. Quinn was asked last summer how does it feel to be the hunted instead of the hunters. This year feels like they are almost back to ground zero, and again would be the hunters.

I know and I love it. Everyone is so down on the Washington Commanders, including the fans. I keep reading how this is a complete rebuild that will take years. It's like everyone is sleeping on just how good Jayden Daniels can be and how he can carry a team pretty damned far.

We need to get him back to 2024 JD. The QB who had one weapon and a good TE and still made it work. Then everything will take care of itself.

 

[Anselmheifer]

Maybe the Titans trade down a few slots with the Giants and the Giants move up to take Love. I can definitely see that happening.

I’d rather be the team to move up. Love > Tate plus a 3rd.

 

[skinsinparadise]

Doubs i believe referenced it in an interview of being offered more. No way to know for sure. But even if its a national media invention the idea that its cool for a WR to choose Maye over Jayden -- that whole idea is somewhat in my book on Peters for doing so little to help Jayden look good compared to other GMs who took QBs in that 2024 class.

Former Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs agreed to a four-year, $80 million contract with the New England Patriots in March 2026, reportedly turning down higher offers from other teams, including the Washington Commanders. Doubs chose New England to play with quarterback Drake Maye and to take on a featured role.

New Patriots WR Romeo Doubs explains why he chose New England in free agency

New Patriots WR Romeo Doubs explained why he decided to sign with New England during the opening days of NFL free agency.

www.boston.com

FOXBOROUGH — Romeo Doubs was coveted by several teams at the start of NFL free agency this week. And for good reason.

The 25-year-old wideout is not only just entering his prime, but he was Green Bay’s most productive pass-catcher in 2025 — reeling in 55 catches for 724 yards and six touchdowns.

Even though Doubs reportedly weighed an offer from the Washington Commanders this week, he ultimately chose to cross the t’s and dot the i’s on a four-year deal with the Patriots worth up to $80 million.

Speaking to reporters at Gillette Stadium on Thursday, the soft-spoken wideout acknowledged that the chance to team up with quarterback Drake Maye stood as one of the top draws with signing in New England.

Commanders rumor reveals why Romeo Doubs chose Patriots over Washington | Sporting News

A Washington Commanders rumor reveals why wide receiver Romeo Doubs signed with the New England Patriots over the Commanders in NFL free agency.

www.sportingnews.com

The New England Patriots are signing Romeo Doubs to a four-year deal worth a max value of $80 million, and they had to beat out the Washington Commanders to land the young receiver.

According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, the Commanders were also pursuing Doubs, but he chose to play with quarterback Drake Maye in New England over Washington. "The Washington Commanders were also in on Doubs. He picks Drake Maye and the Pats," Russini said.

Romeo Doubs Chooses Patriots Over Commanders in Free Agency - Chicago Today

NFL wide receiver Romeo Doubs has agreed to a four-year, $80 million free agent contract with the New England Patriots, rejecting an offer from the Washington Commanders. Doubs, who spent his first four seasons with the Green Bay Packers, will replace veteran wide receiver Stefon Diggs as one of...

nationaltoday.com

“Romeo Doubs was considering the Patriots and Commanders are his primary options. Both had competing offers out. He decided on New England -- and Drake Maye.”

— Jeremy Fowler, ESPN NFL insider (ESPN)

 

[skinsinparadise]

I know and I love it. Everyone is so down on the Washington Commanders, including the fans. I keep reading how this is a complete rebuild that will take years. It's like everyone is sleeping on just how good Jayden Daniels can be and how he can carry a team pretty damned far.

We need to get him back to 2024 JD. The QB who had one weapon and a good TE and still made it work. Then everything will take care of itself.

I am good with it too -- though a bit surprised. Washington Commanders aren't even remotely cool now after being the coolest team after the 2024 season. And Jayden isn't cool anymore.

If they didn't enjoy being the hunted last year and prefered to be the hunted -- congratulations so many don't take this team seriously anymore. So you got round 2 of hopefully catching teams by surprise again.

 

[lovemaskins]

Alas so many think Love to the Titans. Ditto Reese and Bailey going in some configuration 2 and 3.

So 5, 6 looks likely to be the mystery. Giants the thought seems to be Styles or Tate. Browns the thought seem to be Freeling or Tate

At a minimum feels like 50-50 Styles might be there at 7.

Easy, take the corner!

 

[Conn]

 

[Voice_of_Reason]

The 49ers have the right to allow him to discuss terms with another team as part of a potential trade (that doesn’t have to actually happen).

Of course, their whole role in this situation right now is that they clearly don’t want to do this dude any favors, so that’s expecting a lot. They won’t do it. But they could.

So the idea isn’t realistic for other reasons, but not impossible or illegal, necessarily. They hold his rights and can grant him/his agent permission to talk terms with another franchise. Even if it eventually leads to a release.

Edit: just want to clarify through that my take on this is that you don’t engage the 49ers at all, in any way. They’ll eventually release him and your plans have to not consider Aiyuk at all until that happens. Garnish on the meal.

My point is we can’t trade a player to wink wink nudge nudge release another player who already has a deal with you.

You ca negotiate with the team and the player on a trade.

If you negotiate and they release him, he’s free to sign with literally anybody after his release. Even if you wink wink nudge nudge I’ll trade you McCaffery and then you release Aiyuk and we’ll sign him.

If you don’t allow him to entertain other options once he hits FA, that’s a violation of a variety of things, and John Mara would go after 17 years of first round picks.

I also believe they shouldn’t engage the 49ers at all. Wait until he’s released.

 

[Dlts20]

Doubs i believe referenced it in an interview of being offered more. No way to know for sure. But even if its a national media invention the idea that its cool for a WR to choose Maye over Jayden -- that whole idea is somewhat in my book on Peters for doing so little to help Jayden look good compared to other GMs who took QBs in that 2024 class.

Former Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs agreed to a four-year, $80 million contract with the New England Patriots in March 2026, reportedly turning down higher offers from other teams, including the Washington Commanders. Doubs chose New England to play with quarterback Drake Maye and to take on a featured role.

New Patriots WR Romeo Doubs explains why he chose New England in free agency

New Patriots WR Romeo Doubs explained why he decided to sign with New England during the opening days of NFL free agency.

www.boston.com

FOXBOROUGH — Romeo Doubs was coveted by several teams at the start of NFL free agency this week. And for good reason.

The 25-year-old wideout is not only just entering his prime, but he was Green Bay’s most productive pass-catcher in 2025 — reeling in 55 catches for 724 yards and six touchdowns.

Even though Doubs reportedly weighed an offer from the Washington Commanders this week, he ultimately chose to cross the t’s and dot the i’s on a four-year deal with the Patriots worth up to $80 million.

Speaking to reporters at Gillette Stadium on Thursday, the soft-spoken wideout acknowledged that the chance to team up with quarterback Drake Maye stood as one of the top draws with signing in New England.

Commanders rumor reveals why Romeo Doubs chose Patriots over Washington | Sporting News

A Washington Commanders rumor reveals why wide receiver Romeo Doubs signed with the New England Patriots over the Commanders in NFL free agency.

www.sportingnews.com

The New England Patriots are signing Romeo Doubs to a four-year deal worth a max value of $80 million, and they had to beat out the Washington Commanders to land the young receiver.

According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, the Commanders were also pursuing Doubs, but he chose to play with quarterback Drake Maye in New England over Washington. "The Washington Commanders were also in on Doubs. He picks Drake Maye and the Pats," Russini said.

Romeo Doubs Chooses Patriots Over Commanders in Free Agency - Chicago Today

NFL wide receiver Romeo Doubs has agreed to a four-year, $80 million free agent contract with the New England Patriots, rejecting an offer from the Washington Commanders. Doubs, who spent his first four seasons with the Green Bay Packers, will replace veteran wide receiver Stefon Diggs as one of...

nationaltoday.com

“Romeo Doubs was considering the Patriots and Commanders are his primary options. Both had competing offers out. He decided on New England -- and Drake Maye.”

— Jeremy Fowler, ESPN NFL insider (ESPN)

I saw when Russini wrote that and I posted about it on here because I felt like her and now Fowler are putting their own spin on it. Doubs never said that. He said that playing with Maye was a factor as I'm sure it was, as I'm sure playing with Jayden would also have been a positive factor but if you are offered similar deals right now to play for us or New England, mostly everyone is going to pick the Pats.

It just seems like they are in a much better position coming into free agency. If you have 2 similar QBs, people still want to win and go to the playoffs. The Pats were in the SB, had an elite defense, and still had some good cap space to add players. It just looks like they have a far more promising shot at getting to compete. If the teams are similar and then they chose the Pats, maybe then you can say they chose Maye but until we prove it again, we looked really bad, especially in a lot of nationally televised games.

Its like in basketball, a free agent picking a team over Golden State or the Clippers. They may think that Stteph and Kawhi are better than the other options or similar but their teams aren't so they may as well go play with a similar player who is far closer to winning the Championship and that similar player is a huge factor why they went there but Curry and Kawhi would have been a huge factor in why they went there also except their team can't compete.