NFL free agency is off and running, and we're keeping track of every major signing, trade and release of the 2026 offseason, with analysis from our NFL nation reporters and grades from our experts.
The new league year begins Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET, which means free agents can be made official after that. The first round of the 2026 NFL draft begins April 23 on ESPN.
Here's a breakdown of every 2026 NFL free agent signing by the Commanders and how each will impact the upcoming season:
Odafe Oweh, DE
Washington has agreed to a four-year deal with the former Ravens and Chargers pass rusher worth $100 million, with $68 million guaranteed.
What it means: Washington adds youth and length in signing Oweh. He's 27 years old and 6-foot-5; he's also athletic. The Commanders needed all those attributes along the front. Washington lacked quality depth at edge, so this is a move that was sorely needed. They will get Dorance Armstrong back off a torn ACL, but the Commanders needed more. Washington attempted to sign Jaelan Phillips and inquired on Boye Mafe, but the Commanders are betting big on Owen being an ascending player. He's recorded 17.5 sacks the past two seasons combined. He plays with good strength.
Amik Robertson, CB
Robertson arrives on a two-year deal for $16 million, with $9.3 million guaranteed.
What it means: Washington badly needs more bodies at the position considering they entered this period with only two guaranteed roster players at the position: Trey Amos and Mike Sainristil. The Commanders need to keep adding to this spot. But with Robertson they add someone who can play inside or outside -- much like Sainristil. It provides Washington with more versatility for new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones, who has been known for his coverage disguises. Robertson has started 25 games in his five-year career, and though his best spot has been the slot he can move around.
Marcus Mariota, QB
Washington is re-signing its backup QB to a one-year deal.
What it means: Washington retains a veteran backup behind starting quarterback Jayden Daniels. Mariota has served as a valuable mentor for Daniels in his first two seasons and has been a solid backup. Over those two seasons Mariota has started eight games and played in 14. He's thrown 14 touchdown passes with seven picks. It's not a signing that will garner headlines, but it was a necessary and good move for the Commanders.
Tim Settle Jr., DT
Washington has an agreement in place to sign the former Houston Texans DT to a three-year deal.
What it means: Washington adds another piece to its defensive interior, someone the Commanders believe can be a penetrator -- an ability they definitely need more of. Their top three tackles combined for just eight sacks and 20 quarterback hits in 2025. But Settle will have to produce more than the one sack and quarterback hit he recorded over 12 games last season. The Commanders would gladly take his 2024 numbers: 10 QB hits and five sacks. He also provides insurance if the team opts to trade tackle Daron Payne, who is in the final year of his contract.
