11 free agents from NFL wild-card weekend

Jan. 12, 2026, 2:00 a.m. ET

Five NFL teams were eliminated during this weekend’s wild-card round in the playoffs. One more game remains on Monday night, when the Houston Texans face off against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The loser of Monday’s game will join the five other eliminated teams and the 18 teams that didn’t make the playoffs in preparing for the offseason.

One of the most significant dates on the NFL calendar is free agency. Free agency begins on March 11, when the new league year opens at 4:00 p.m. ET. The legal tampering opens on March 9.

The Washington Commanders won just five games in 2025 and have over 30 free agents. They have several holes to fill and must first decide which free agents they will retain before free agency begins. The good news is that Washington has plenty of cap space for improvements in March.

Speaking of free agency, here are 11 upcoming free agents that should be of interest to the Commanders in March.

Packers LB Quay Walker

We already made the case for Walker. A young, physical presence who will immediately make Washington’s defense younger and faster. There are concerns are over his ability in coverage. Washington must determine whether that’s an area in which he is still growing or who he is at this point.

Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.Packers WR Romeo Doubs

Doubs is 6-foot-2 and only 25 years old, entering free agency with four years of experience. He would upgrade Washington’s wide receivers. He’s not necessarily the “1A” receiver the Commanders need opposite Terry McLaurin, but he’s young, talented and productive. Injuries have also been a problem for Doubs.

Jaguars LB Devin Lloyd

A former first-round pick, the Jaguars declined Lloyd’s fifth-year option in the spring, and he went out and had his best NFL season. Sometimes, it’s not about a player playing his best when he is in a contract year. Sometimes it’s about finding the right coach and the right scheme to maximize your skills. That’s what this situation looks like. Lloyd has the size and speed to be a dominant inside linebacker over the next several years. Judging between Walker and Lloyd, Lloyd is the safer bet. Lloyd was outstanding in every facet in 2025, including pass coverage. The Jags should not allow him to hit free agency. If he does, he should be the Commanders’ top target.

Jaguars RB Travis Etienne

Another former Jags’ first-round pick, Jacksonville appeared to have prepared for life after Etienne when it selected Bhayshul Tuten in the 2025 NFL Draft. Etienne would have an excellent 2025 season, rushing for 1,107 yards and seven touchdowns. He also caught 36 passes and six touchdowns. Washington needs a running back who can help in pass protection and in the passing game. That’s Etienne. A backfield of Etienne, Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Chris Rodriguez Jr. would be fun. Etienne has rushed for over 1,000 yards in three of his four NFL seasons and has only missed two career games.

Chargers DT Teair Tart

A former undrafted free agent, Tart has carved out a nice career for himself. He did well with the Titans over his first four seasons, then briefly played for the Texans and Dolphins. When he signed with the Chargers in 2024, Tart found a home. On one of the NFL’s best defenses, Tart is an impactful run defender. Washington needs those players. He could replace Eddie Goldman and rotate with Javon Kinlaw and Daron Payne. Tart wouldn’t break the bank, and he’d help fix an ailing run defense immediately.

Chargers EDGE Odafe Oweh

A former Ravens first-round pick, Oweh was traded to the Chargers in October. It was a much-needed move for the 6-foot-5, 265-pound Oweh. Oweh had 10 sacks in 2024. After recording zero sacks through the first five games, the Ravens traded him. He thrived with the Chargers, finishing with 7.5 sacks in 12 games. Someone is going to pay Oweh. There is still plenty of upside here. Depending on the price, the Commanders should be interested.

Eagles EDGE Jaelan Phillips

The Eagles sent a third-round pick to the Dolphins for Phillips ahead of the 2025 NFL trade deadline. Philadelphia would like to retain Phillips. He has 28 sacks over five seasons. He’s not a game-wrecking presence, but he’s a disruptor, and he isn’t weak against the run. It will be interesting to see Phillips’ market develop if the Eagles don’t re-sign him.

Eagles LB Nakobe Dean

Dean was an All-American at Georgia, but fell in the draft due to injury concerns. The injury concerns have followed him to the NFL, but when he is on the field, he’s a solid linebacker. He’s missed 21 out of a possible 68 games in four seasons. He moved full-time into the starting lineup in 2024 and had an excellent season. Dean makes plays behind the line of scrimmage and will not embarrass you in coverage. Plus, you’d be stealing a key defender from the team ahead of you in the NFC East.

Panthers RB Rico Dowdle

Dowdle was a breakout player for the Cowboys in 2024, rushing for over 1,000 yards. However, Dallas did not re-sign him, so Dowdle returned home to North Carolina and had a big year. He ran for 1,076 yards, averaging 4.6 yards per carry and rushed for six touchdowns. He did this while splitting time with Chuba Hubbard. Dowdle is also an excellent receiver, catching 39 passes and another touchdown. He expressed frustration over his usage after Saturday’s loss to the Rams. Dowdle increased his free-agent stock with a very good season. Dowdle is another intriguing free-agent running back option.

49ers WR Jauan Jennings

The 6-foot-3 Jennings is an intriguing option for the Commanders. He’s turned himself into an excellent player. He does everything. He gets open, makes big plays, and he’s not afraid to block. With the offense that it sounds like new offensive coordinator David Blough will run, Jennings could be a worthy investment. He will turn 29 before the season, so the Commanders may be hesitant to shell out big dollars. Regardless, Jennings is a winning player who has earned a nice raise in 2026.

Patriots EDGE K’Lavon Chaisson

Sometimes, it just takes a while for a player to reach his potential. A 2020 first-round pick, Chaisson was on his fourth NFL team in 2025. It sounds like he found the right spot. Chaisson appeared to be turning the corner with the Raiders in 2024, and the Patriots were wise to sign him. In 16 games in 2025, Chaisson recorded 7.5 sacks in a part-time role. He had a huge play in Sunday’s wild-card win over the Chargers. Chaisson is still only 26 and could pair nicely with a rookie first-round pick and Dorance Armstrong for the Commanders. Chaisson also had 10 tackles for loss and 18 quarterback hits. Chaisson’s market should be fun to watch.