The 2026 Free Agency Thread

[Voice_of_Reason]

Agree. Could it drag some into camp the negotiation? Maybe. But i expect them to get it done.

Peters knew he had to set aside top 5 LT money the minute he traded for Tunsil. And Tunsil played really well this season.

Unlike some others who are concerned it hasn't happened, I'm not. I think it will.

I was never comfortable with the Terry situation. Because that was always going to be tricky with his age.

Tunsil is easy. He's a top 5, mayeb top 3 guy, he gets top of the market money. You knew that when you traded for him.

I don't understand why Lattimore is still on the roster. Why they haven't cut him yet is beyond me. If there is something curious, that's what I'm curious about.

 

[bowhunter]

Peters knew he had to set aside top 5 LT money the minute he traded for Tunsil. And Tunsil played really well this season.

Unlike some others who are concerned it hasn't happened, I'm not. I think it will.

I was never comfortable with the Terry situation. Because that was always going to be tricky with his age.

Tunsil is easy. He's a top 5, mayeb top 3 guy, he gets top of the market money. You knew that when you traded for him.

I don't understand why Lattimore is still on the roster. Why they haven't cut him yet is beyond me. If there is something curious, that's what I'm curious about.

Troof. Lattimores 18.5M cap hit could buy a pretty nice TE, two linebackers, or a S and 3 PKs

 

[Primus Porcus]

Peters knew he had to set aside top 5 LT money the minute he traded for Tunsil. And Tunsil played really well this season.

Unlike some others who are concerned it hasn't happened, I'm not. I think it will.

I was never comfortable with the Terry situation. Because that was always going to be tricky with his age.

Tunsil is easy. He's a top 5, mayeb top 3 guy, he gets top of the market money. You knew that when you traded for him.

I don't understand why Lattimore is still on the roster. Why they haven't cut him yet is beyond me. If there is something curious, that's what I'm curious about.

I'm not sure the effects of his injury and his release. I know we hear about injury settlements all the time, so don't know what that means. Most of the time salaries are guaranteed against injury....

 

[Always Commander Never Captain]

Eh, maybe. I get that he lacks some athletic ability, but a lot of the run action they used the last 2 years did get the OL moving side to side.

I think he's probably fine in either scheme.

I guess here's where I'm at: they have to find a starting TE, at least 2 more WRs, and probably another RB on offense. And half the defense.

The easy button is to re-sign Paul and keep the same group that was really good last year towards the end of the year.

The wildcard is Coleman. Maybe in year 3, he actually is a really good guard. Maybe the switch from tackle to guard didn't work last year, but maybe with another year of development, he can play well inside. If that's the case, then they could STILL re-sign Paul and then have a competition with Coleman.

One way or the other, they have a guard who can play. Who won't be expensive. So I'd sign him almost no matter what and then you can still add a guy or have him compete.

I don't think the OL was really good last season.

The run blocking was wildly inconsistent.

 

[Higskin]

Oh, I misread it, I thought he meant guys to switch teams in FA excluding trade. Yeah with trades the hit rate is way higher.

His point was when good WR's hit FA, you usually overpay vs. production and might as well try to draft and develop.

 

[Anselmheifer]

His point was when good WR's hit FA, you usually overpay vs. production and might as well try to draft and develop.

Supposing you have plenty of draft picks and not so many holes in the roster. Which isn’t us

 

[KDawg]

Peters knew he had to set aside top 5 LT money the minute he traded for Tunsil. And Tunsil played really well this season.

Unlike some others who are concerned it hasn't happened, I'm not. I think it will.

I was never comfortable with the Terry situation. Because that was always going to be tricky with his age.

Tunsil is easy. He's a top 5, mayeb top 3 guy, he gets top of the market money. You knew that when you traded for him.

I don't understand why Lattimore is still on the roster. Why they haven't cut him yet is beyond me. If there is something curious, that's what I'm curious about.

I mean, okay. I think it could and should, too.

But has it happened yet?

Otherwise the only fact is that it hasnt happened yet. Everything else is conjecture.

I’ll be one of the happiest people here when it does happen, too.

 

[KDawg]

Haven’t seen anything on this here. No idea what this site is…but…

 

[RexTomb]

don't understand why Lattimore is still on the roster. Why they haven't cut him yet is beyond me. If there is something curious, that's what I'm curious about.

You spoke it into existence...

 

[KDawg]

The Lattimore release is the precursor to my offseason nightmare ending and my dreams starting. Right? RIGHT?!

 

[skinsinparadise]

I also pore over quotes and things these guys say to try to figure out the truth, it's kind of a sport.

The read I can get from that situation is, based on Terry's quotes (no surprise) and Peters to a lesser degree:
- I think Terry wanted more than his market, we all know that
- I think Deebo contract didn't help (KDawg 100% on this, and no one is really saying it but we can see it, it's clear)
- I think, and this is the big one --- out of the gate, Terry may have made some demands or some suggestions or whatever - but Terry says communications kind of died there. So it's not totally clear here, but Terry has said that he wishes at least there was more communication. Terry came off poorly (I had other words here earlier... haha) in some of his quotes, late summer - but I do think he's telling the truth on this. I think Peters has had some very mild references to it, but it's not much to go on. Right now, the main things Peters could have done differently, from my read:

1) Talk to Terry (and stupid agent too? Perhaps) more. Even if it's not to cave, communication in these situations is paramount. If Terry feels, not that "hey I didn't get what I want" but "hey I am not getting communication" the second is a fair statement. He has made the second statement, and he said early in Summer it felt that way. The truth, it's hard to tell. He misrepresented some things enough where there is some broken trust, and AP is not revealing too much beyond "maybe there are some things I could do differently" and maybe he mentioned communication but it's not clear to me.
2) Definitely, structure the Deebo deal better or work Terry into that equation. Again, there is some conjecture, but in some of these cases it seems like clear logic. AP knows this, I think - but maybe got a bit excited about two factors: a) Deebo, I like my guy and b) Terry is cool, no worries. I think he misread that.

Deebo went the opposite route of Terry, he was fine playing out the actual contract he had and playing out the season, he didn't ask for anything new aside from guaranting the money that season. If Terry was modeling Deebo, we would have been fine, if you think you are worth 40 million Terry then just shut up and play out the season and get your bag here or elsewhere in 2026. If he did what Deebo did he would have been screwed in the end.

Keim doesn't give inside info unless he feels its legit. And he's spilled it on Terry multiple times including recently.

A. Terry and his agent just like to roll for the big number and are stubborn with it and are willing to hold out -- same dynamic in play with Ron, the negotiation wasn't going anywhere and then Dan intervened and said get it done -- basically give Terry what he wants.

B. Terry legit wanted a Dan Snyder tax for playing for this team and enduring in his mind the trials and tribulations for playing for Washington.

C. Terry wanted them to make an exception for the 30 plus year old drill -- he doesn't get hurt, he doesn't have the millage on him, all the rap of the 30 plus year old WRs don't apply to him.

And to use his words paying him what he wants (which was around 40 million a season) shows that they respect him.

Terry was my favorite player pre negotiation. But hearing that he wasn't reasonable the first negotiation either and that he feels like he deserves extra money for dealing with the Snyder years -- to each their own but for me its tacky. Ditto his trade requests followed by his comments AFTER he signed the contract that he meant it that he wanted to be traded. Diva like behavior IMO for a dude who prides himself on being a non diva.

Bringing it back on topic. The Terry contract is so prohibitive as far as how it escaltes especially in year 3, that he likely is on a 1 year contract now, 2 at most. And if they sign a FA for big money at WR, it almost assures Terry is gone sooner than later.

 

[Higskin]

Here's the reasons for the delay in releasing Lattimore.

https://roundtable.io/sports/nfl/commanders/opinion/missed-opportunity-why-the-marshon-lattimore-release-is-a-matter-of-when-not-if#google_vignette

 

[Commander Wraith]

Was thinking about the idea that we bandaid what most perceive as our top needs - wr and de, while focusing more on acquiring high end players for (at least some of) our positions of somewhat lesser need - linebacker, rb, LG, corner, te, safety.

Pros
It’s a more cost effective means of improving the talent on the team
Potential for a dominant oline
Potential for a dominant rushing attack
Potential for a much improved secondary (and therefore more coverage sacks)
Defensively, it feels like Jones’ scheme could make use of the improved back 7, and our “bandaids” at DE could be focused on more versatile guys vs quality rushers
Leaves us open to drafting a de or wr at 7, or even a trade back

Cons
We don’t really address/improve our (arguably) top needs
The “bandaids” have a negative trickle down effect that holds back our O and D
We’re in potentially out of the market for Love, Reese, Styles, Downs, possibly hampering our draft
We’d be limited financially to address those more expensive spots - wr/de - down the road if any were to come available

Not sure how smart this route would be, but it’s an interesting thought experiment.

 

[skinsinparadise]

Was thinking about the idea that we bandaid what most perceive as our top needs - wr and de, while focusing more on acquiring high end players for (at least some of) our positions of somewhat lesser need - linebacker, rb, LG, corner, te, safety.

Pros
It’s a more cost effective means of improving the talent on the team
Potential for a dominant oline
Potential for a dominant rushing attack
Potential for a much improved secondary (and therefore more coverage sacks)
Defensively, it feels like Jones’ scheme could make use of the improved back 7, and our “bandaids” at DE could be focused on more versatile guys vs quality rushers
Leaves us open to drafting a de or wr at 7, or even a trade back

Cons
We don’t really address/improve our (arguably) top needs
The “bandaids” have a negative trickle down effect that holds back our O and D
We’re in potentially out of the market for Love, Reese, Styles, Downs, possibly hampering our draft
We’d be limited financially to address those more expensive spots - wr/de - down the road if any were to come available

Not sure how smart this route would be, but it’s an interesting thought experiment.

I think almost zero shot they bandaid edge. They've done it two years in a row and it blew up in their face.

WR is possible. I can see them going higher end TE and not going to town on WR.

The pickle with WR is that the pickings look slim and if you pay big for a WR he better be a #1 type because I can't see how for example you pay 20-30 million for a #2 Wr AND paying Terry 35 million in 2027 let alone 40 in 2028.

The more I think about it, unless Pierce hits FA and they get him, I think they are drafting a WR with their first or third. They are somewhat boxed in at WR. And considering by their own admission as to their leaks in defending Jayden last year -- any "regression" with Jayden is due to the WRs -- I can't see them doubling down and letting Jayden play with basically the worst WR corp in the NFL or close enough to the worst.

 

[Commander Wraith]

I think almost zero shot they bandaid edge. They've done it two years in a row and it blew up in their face.

WR is possible. I can see them going higher end TE and not going to town on WR.

The pickle with WR is that the pickings look slim and if you pay big for a WR he better be a #1 type because I can't see how for example you pay 20-30 million for a #2 Wr AND paying Terry 35 million in 2027 let alone 40 in 2028.

The more I think about it, unless Pierce hits FA and they get him, I think they are drafting a WR with their first or third. They are somewhat boxed in at WR. And considering by their own admission as to their leaks in defending Jayden last year -- any "regression" with Jayden is due to the WRs -- I can't see them doubling down and letting Jayden play with basically the worst WR corp in the NFL or close enough to the worst.

I don’t really disagree, especially with the idea that they’ll probably feel more boxed in at wr vs de. I’ve been bummed about the very point you mention (particularly in terms of the draft) - Peters having 2 cycles to address DE and we’ve got JJB. I do give him credit for Armstrong though (even if that might have been a guy that Quinn pushed).

Part of the calculus for me (in terms of DE) is who is going to be available at DE, is it worth it to either chase the biggest names/contracts (vs spreading that money around to improve other spots) or to spend a bunch on just a pretty good player if top notch guys aren’t available. And then of course, there’s the matter of what Jones wants out of the DE spot… ie will he prioritize the versatility he talks about, run stopping ability, pass rush, etc.

I guess I question if Jones would prefer Jacob Martin (or whatever half way decent/versatile DE) and Quay Walker/Devin Lloyd (or whichever backer fit best for Jones) or a Bradley Chubb type and name that scrub linebacker. Maybe I’m way off base with cost though, I’ve never been good at estimating contracts.

I also wonder how much the draft might factor in - if they think Bailey, Bain and Reese will all be gone by 7, maybe the bandaid approach to DE looks that much more risky. Conversely (as I mentioned previously), bringing in Breece Hall or Quay Walker might rule out Love/Styles, etc., limiting their options at 7. The good news is that if we did spend big on DE or WR, I don’t see that’s as likely to rule us out of doubling down on one of those spots.

 

[KDawg]

It all depends on what Jones is after, too. But I’d spend big on one End and if Bain or even Bailey are available potentially draft them. If not, I’m looking for roster cuts.

I’d also go ahead and make a big run at Hall so that I don’t need to use 7 on Love… unless they are targeting Love. The danger there, of course, is that Love may not be there. Then we miss on RB completely. Which… might be an okay strategy if we don’t want to spend Hall FA money. We could get someone for slightly less, like White if we can’t snag Hall. Then go into 26 with potentially Love, White, Bill. That’s a good RB room.

Anyways… I’m blabbering. Point is, there’s a lot that can happen.

 

[skinsinparadise]

It all depends on what Jones is after, too. But I’d spend big on one End and if Bain or even Bailey are available potentially draft them. If not, I’m looking for roster cuts.

I’d also go ahead and make a big run at Hall so that I don’t need to use 7 on Love… unless they are targeting Love. The danger there, of course, is that Love may not be there. Then we miss on RB completely. Which… might be an okay strategy if we don’t want to spend Hall FA money. We could get someone for slightly less, like White if we can’t snag Hall. Then go into 26 with potentially Love, White, Bill. That’s a good RB room.

Anyways… I’m blabbering. Point is, there’s a lot that can happen.

Speaking of Hall, agree he would be perfect. Not looking good now on that front.

 

[skinsinparadise]

Logan Paulsen on his last podcast pushing Mofe and Ossai -- thinks Ossai is twitchy and up and coming.

 

[skinsinparadise]

I don’t really disagree, especially with the idea that they’ll probably feel more boxed in at wr vs de. I’ve been bummed about the very point you mention (particularly in terms of the draft) - Peters having 2 cycles to address DE and we’ve got JJB. I do give him credit for Armstrong though (even if that might have been a guy that Quinn pushed).

Part of the calculus for me (in terms of DE) is who is going to be available at DE, is it worth it to either chase the biggest names/contracts (vs spreading that money around to improve other spots) or to spend a bunch on just a pretty good player if top notch guys aren’t available. And then of course, there’s the matter of what Jones wants out of the DE spot… ie will he prioritize the versatility he talks about, run stopping ability, pass rush, etc.

I guess I question if Jones would prefer Jacob Martin (or whatever half way decent/versatile DE) and Quay Walker/Devin Lloyd (or whichever backer fit best for Jones) or a Bradley Chubb type and name that scrub linebacker. Maybe I’m way off base with cost though, I’ve never been good at estimating contracts.

I also wonder how much the draft might factor in - if they think Bailey, Bain and Reese will all be gone by 7, maybe the bandaid approach to DE looks that much more risky. Conversely (as I mentioned previously), bringing in Breece Hall or Quay Walker might rule out Love/Styles, etc., limiting their options at 7. The good news is that if we did spend big on DE or WR, I don’t see that’s as likely to rule us out of doubling down on one of those spots.

Feels like (of course depends on what resignings happens between now and FA) edge is going to be good enough.

I suspect they will take a Zen approach -- FA-draft where their luck in FA influences the draft.

 

[skinsinparadise]

I doubt it, injury plagued last year like Terry, but you likely can get him at a much more reasonable price that Terry -- by reputation he doesn't make over the top contract demands following by pouting like Terry. But because of his age, I doubt it.