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Head coach Dan Quinn of the Washington Commanders looks on before a preseason game against the New England Patriots at Commanders Field on August 25, 2024 in Landover, Maryland.
After making a run all the way to the NFC Championship Game just two years ago, the Washington Commanders fell back to earth in 2025.
Jayden Daniels, the team’s rising star quarterback, dealt with multiple injury issues throughout the year. As a whole, the team simply wasn’t able to stay healthy, which led to a 5-12 record.
Dan Quinn and company have their work cut out for them this offseason. In order to get the Commanders back to being a Super Bowl contender, they will need to add some talent. Thankfully, there is plenty of available talent on the market this offseason.
One potential need for Washington could come at the wide receiver position. Deebo Samuel is set to hit free agency after playing just one season with the Commanders. He might need to be replaced.
Keeping that in mind, Washington has landed a major projection to sign a star wideout in NFL free agency.
Washington Commanders Predicted to Make $26.6 Million Splash
Conor Orr of Sports Illustrated release a new column where he made 32 predictions for the upcoming NFL offseason. When it came to the Commanders, he unleashed a surprising projection.
He has predicted that Washington will end up winning the Mike Evans free agency sweepstakes. Orr also predicted that the Commanders will beat out the Buffalo Bills to sign him.
“Despite interest from the Bills, Washington can commit more with breathing room under the salary cap,” Orr wrote.
“The push to get Jayden Daniels to a Super Bowl before his rookie contract tolls is real, and Evans is one of the most quarterback-friendly receivers in the NFL.”
Evans may be starting to show signs of age, but he’s still capable of being an elite playmaker. He dealt with injuries during the 2025 season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Due to those issues, he caught just 30 passes for 368 yards and three touchdowns.
Despite his reduced production, Evans would be a big-time get for the Commanders.
What Would It Take for the Commanders to Sign Mike Evans?
Spotrac has projected that Evans will require a deal worth just over $26.6 million over the course of two years. Paying a 32-year-old wide receiver over $13 million per season would be a risk, but it’s a risk worth taking for Washington.
Throughout his 12-year NFL career, Evans has only recorded less than 1,000 receiving yards once. That was last season due to injury.
Even at his age, Evans would be an elite target for Daniels. He would also form a lethal one-two punch at wide receiver alongside of Terry McLaurin.
The Commanders will have to be very aggressive if they want to sign Evans. However, he’s the kind of piece that would not only replace Samuel, but provide a major upgrade for the Washington offense in the process.
Evan Massey Evan Massey is a sports reporter and analyst located in Indianapolis, Indiana who covers the NFL, NBA, MLB, WNBA, and college sports. He has been featured on many publications, including Newsweek, Athlon Sports, ESPN, Yahoo! Sports, Forbes, Bleacher Report, Sporting News, and many others. In his free time, Evan enjoys spending time with his wife and son. More about Evan Massey
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