Feb. 20, 2026, 6:16 a.m. ET

The NFL’s free agency period opens up in a few short weeks, and the Washington Commanders have more impending free agents than almost every other team in the league. This is largely because of how GM Adam Peters constructed the roster when he first joined the organization in 2024, bringing in veterans on short-term contracts to fill gaps. Not all players set to hit free agency will actually test the market; some could be re-signed before the legal tampering period.

CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco recently ranked the top 100 impending free agents in 2026, and five current Commanders are on the list.

LB Bobby Wagner – No. 42

Wagner was one of Peters’ veteran signings in 2024, and the future Hall of Famer did not disappoint. Through his two seasons with the Commanders, Wagner has become a vital piece of the middle third of the defense. He appeared in all 17 games for both seasons (34 total games), recording 294 tackles (154 solo), 6.5 sacks, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, two interceptions, four pass deflections, and 12.5 stuffs. Prisco says:

He is 35, but can still do a lot of things for a defense. He had 143 tackles last season. The speed isn’t what it once was, and he doesn’t cover like he once did, but he can still help a defense.

Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.WR Deebo Samuel – No. 51

When Terry McLaurin was dealing with a contract issue and then was injured early in the season, Samuel proved he could still play at a high level. He became a reliable target for both Jayden Daniels and Marcus Mariota, and while he turns 30 this year, he still has a lot to offer on the field. Maybe he’s not the same player he once was, but he still has value, and there will be a team that picks him up if the Commanders don’t keep him.

In his 16 games with the Commanders, Samuel recorded 72 receptions for 727 yards and five touchdowns. Prisco says:

As he turns 30, he is slowing down and that is not a good thing for a guy who was never a burner. He’s more of a gadget player now than a big-time receiver. He had 72 catches last season, but for only 727 yards.

LB Von Miller – No. 65

Miller was a big name in the NFL for several years, but he’s nearing the end of his career. The almost 37-year-old, 14-year veteran linebacker was an excellent filler for the Commanders in 2025. In 16 games, he recorded 26 tackles (16 solo), nine sacks, and one stuff. His leadership and ability to fill in gaps no one else sees are traits any team would be happy to have on their defense. Prisco says:

Miller had nine sacks in his one season with the Commanders, showing he could still get after the quarterback in spurts. His best football is behind him at 36, but teams in need of depth edge help would be wise to give him a short-term deal.

DE Jacob Martin – No. 93

Martin is a veteran defensive end who stepped in when the injury bug hit the Commanders’ defensive line. In his sole season with the Commanders, Martin recorded 39 tackles (17 solo), 5.5 sacks, one forced fumble, one pass deflection, and three stuffs. He’s not a flashy player, but he gets the job done. Prisco says:

He had a career-best 5 1/2 sacks last season. He is a perfect guy to be a rotational player who can come in and provide edge help.

QB Marcus Mariota

Mariota is unlikely to be a starting quarterback anywhere he goes (except for maybe a couple of teams), but he has proven to be a very reliable backup over the last two seasons. In 2024, he only had to step on the field three times, but in 2025, he spent over half of the season starting in place of an injured Jayden Daniels. Through his 14 games in Washington, Mariota recorded 173 completions for 2,059 yards and 16 total touchdowns. He was also sacked 19 times and threw seven interceptions. Still, because of his familiarity with the team, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Commanders keep him around. Prisco says:

At 32, he is a solid veteran backup who threw 10 touchdowns and seven picks last season playing for the injured Jayden Daniels. There might be a team — Jets? — who will potentially look at him to compete for a starting job.