Feb. 2, 2026, 3:01 a.m. ET

Washington Commanders general manager Adam Peters made it clear during his season-ending press conference that the team needed to get “younger and faster” in 2026.

Washington was the NFL’s oldest team in 2025. One year after signing several veterans to one-year deals in the first year of the new regime, the Commanders tried to run it back. While Washington had luck on its side in 2024, everything went in the opposite direction last season. Injuries ruined the Commanders’ season before it ever had a chance to take off.

When free agency begins next month, Washington will have over 30 free agents. How many will Peters look to retain? Three of the biggest free agents are linebacker Bobby Wagner, tight end Zach Ertz and wide receiver Deebo Samuel. Wagner will be 36 next season and has not indicated whether he intends to play. Ertz will also turn 36 in 2026. He tore his ACL in December and reportedly wants to continue playing.

If Washington allows these players to walk in an effort to get younger, it must sign replacements. In some potentially good news for linebacker-needy teams, it sounds like Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd will make it to free agency.

Here’s what ESPN’s Michael DiRocco wrote about Lloyd recently:

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The estimated franchise tag for linebackers, per OverTheCap.com, is $27.45 million. That’s a high number to spend on a linebacker who doesn’t pass rush and the Jaguars are unlikely to use the tag, so Lloyd will be a free agent.

Lloyd, a first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, was up and down in his first three seasons, and the Jaguars chose not to pick up his fifth-year option. Lloyd proceeded to go out and have his best overall season in 2025, recording 81 tackles, including six for loss, five interceptions, 1.5 sacks and six passes defended. The Jaguars have several contract decisions to make and Lloyd may have priced himself out of their range.

The problem for Lloyd is that he’s an off-ball linebacker. Teams often don’t want to pay those types of players top-end money if they don’t rush the passer. DiRocco mentioned Fred Warner of the 49ers as a price point for Lloyd’s next deal. Warner is an elite player. Lloyd has yet to play at that level for multiple seasons. A team signing Lloyd would be banking on him repeating that success over the next few seasons.

Could Washington be that team? Lloyd offers everything the Commanders need. He’s younger and faster than Wagner, and he’s much better in coverage. Spotrac projects Lloyd to receive a three-year, $60.4 million deal in free agency, averaging $20.1 million per year.

Will Peters want to pay that much for an off-ball linebacker? The Commanders could opt for someone like Eric Wilson from the Vikings. While Wilson is over 30, he played for new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones with the Vikings and was outstanding in 2025. He will be cheaper and require less of a long-term commitment.

The Commanders seemed primed to spend, but will most certainly look to add an edge rusher, a cornerback, and an offensive playmaker or two. Lloyd would be a fantastic addition for Washington, but it could prioritize other positions.