March 5, 2026, 2:30 a.m. ET

The Washington Commanders are preparing for what’s expected to be a busy free-agent period next week, when they could address some of their many needs. Washington can begin negotiating with free agents from other teams on Monday, March 9, and can officially sign players on Wednesday, March 11, the beginning of the new NFL league year.

GM Adam Peters has spent the past week focusing on re-signing some of Washington’s internal free agents, while also moving on from underperforming veterans. Peters did note that the Commanders remain focused on a long-term extension for star left tackle Laremy Tunsil, which could happen at anytime. Tunsil is the only extension that Washington is prioritizing heading into next week.

Here’s a preview of everything you need to know for the start of free agency.

When does free agency start?

The legal negotiating window opens at 12 p.m. ET on March 9, allowing players and their representatives to speak with other teams and negotiate contract terms. However, players can’t sign with new teams until March 11 at 4:00 p.m. ET. That’s when the new league year begins, and previously agreed-upon trades can be finalized.

Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.Commanders’ positions of needEdge rusher: Washington has plenty of needs, but none are more glaring than a dominant edge rusher. While the Commanders may not land a dominant edge rusher in free agency, there are several good ones. Washington will add at least one edge rusher next week, maybe two.Linebacker: Will Bobby Wagner return? It doesn’t sound like it. If he does, it will be in a reduced role. Is that something he’d want at this point in his career? The Commanders need speed on defense, particularly at linebacker. While Jordan Magee could see an increased role, expect Washington to add a middle linebacker for new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones.Wide receiver: It feels like this position is on here every year. The Commanders still have Terry McLaurin. He will be 31 next season. Only three players are under contract: McLaurin, Jaylin Lane and Luke McCaffrey. Don’t be surprised if the Commanders sign multiple receivers.Tight end: The Commanders have Ben Sinnott and John Bates. Washington believes Sinnott will thrive in David Blough’s offense. Washington views him more as a Kyle Juszczyk type, who can play fullback, slot, or tight end, while Bates is a blocker first. The Commanders need a pass-catching tight end to replace Zach Ertz and look for them to target one with speed, such as Isaiah Likely or Chig Okonkwo.Center: The Commanders surprisingly cut Tyler Biadasz. So now, they need a center. However, Nick Allegretti could fill that role, and Peters could then add a prospect in the NFL draft. Don’t be surprised if Washington ignores center and left guard in free agency. The Commanders could put Brandon Coleman back at left if Chris Paul departs as expected.Cornerback: Marshon Lattimore will be gone. Washington needs Mike Sainristil to bounce back. Jones and head coach Dan Quinn have confidence in a bounce-back. Trey Amos also returns, but the Commanders need another starting cornerback, and that could be a primary focus in free agency.Safety: Did you watch Washington’s safety play last year? Something of note here: Jones praised Will Harris and Quan Martin. Still, the Commanders should add a starter here. Martin’s play fell off the map last season, while Harris missed most of the season, but showed promise when he was on the field.Kicker: Washington will not tender Jake Moody, which means another kicker search. It’s doubtful that Peters will throw big money at a kicker again, instead he may sign a couple and let them battle it out in training camp.Running back: Only Jacory Croskey-Merritt is under contract in 2025. Several sources indicate the Commanders are searching for a premier back to pair with Bill. Unless they plan on drafting Jeremiyah Love — and he may not make it to them — expect Peters to address this position in free agency.Commanders’ pending free agentsWR Deebo SamuelRB Austin EkelerQB Marcus MariotaLB Bobby WagnerTE Zach ErtzEDGE Von MillerCB Jonathan JonesWR Noah BrownEDGE Jacob MartinDT Eddie GoldmanCB Noah IgbinogheneQB Josh JohnsonT Trent ScottT Lucas NiangRB Jeremy McNicholsWR Chris MooreDT Sheldon DayCB Antonio HamiltonT George FantWR Treylon BurksWR Robbie ChosenEDGE Preston SmithDL Jalyn HolmesEDGE Drake JacksonG Chris PaulCommanders’ current cap space

According to Over the Cap, the Commanders have $72.3 million in available cap space. However, that’s before Lattimore comes off the books. He’s due to count $18.5 million against the cap in 2026, meaning Washington will have around $90 million in available cap space when free agency begins.

Commanders’ offseason roster movesPotential targets at positions of needCB Alontae Taylor, SaintsWR Alec Pierce, ColtsCB Riq Woolen, SeahawksCB Jaylen Watson, ChiefsWR Rashid Shaheed, SeahawksEDGE Boye Mafe, SeahawksS Nick Cross, ColtsS Bryan Cook, ChiefsEDGE Odafe Oweh, ChargersLB Eric Wilson, VikingsLB Quay Walker, PackersRB Kenneth Walker III, SeahawksTE Isaiah Likely, RavensTE Cade Otton, BuccaneersTE Chig Okonkwo, Titans