Washington Free Agency: Who Could Be Targeted Next?

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March 18, 2025

by David Earl

Free Agency Thus Far

Washington’s most significant moves thusfar are the trades that landed receiver Deebo Samuels and left tackle Laremy Tunsil. Both were the major upgrades needed for their respective positions, with the Tunsil trade affecting the offensive line two-fold. The fact that Washington found its franchise anchor at left tackle allows promising rookie lineman Brandon Coleman to move either to the right tackle position or the interior offensive line, which I believe is his most natural position. This trade could be the start of a potentially dominant interior line setup of Coleman, center Tyler Biadasz, and right guard Samuel Cosmi for the foreseeable future. Considering that the Philadelphia Eagles’ defense front is stout and dominant, led by defensive tackle Jalen Carter, this will be a potential major step in challenging them for the division.

While the offensive line was credited for having the 6th best rushing offense, averaging 4.8 yards per carry average, Jayden Daniels‘ 6 yards per carry helped carry this category. Washington’s leading runner was Brian Robinson Jr., who averaged 4.3 yards per carry average.  Robinson’s average reflects a more accurate rating for that offensive line, thus being barely a top 16 unit in the running game. As far as pass protection, this unit ranked 22nd last season, allowing a 7.78% sack rate, which could have been far worse if not for Daniels’s pocket presence and mobility. The effect of this Tunsil trade and the ripple effect on this unit as a whole should yield much better results in week 1 and when Cosmi returns the expectations will certainly be high too. That’s the offensive line; what other key position group improvements could Washington see?

Wide Receiver Group: The addition of Deebo Samuels gives Jayden Daniels a true legitimate number 2 wide receiver at least on the surface. The 2021 season was easily his best season, amassing 1,775 total yards with 365 yards when featured in the running game. He had 14 total touchdowns while averaging 18.2 yards per reception, but he has not come close to those numbers since. The only wildcard here is whether Samuels can return to this production but I think that would be a plus if that were the case. Samuel will, at the very least, force defenses to game plan for him, which will allow Terry McLaurin more open looks. His addition should free up the running game a little more as well. The re-signing of Noah Brown could prove valuable if he can stay healthy, and K.J. Osborn could fill the role left behind by the departed Olamide Zaccheaus. Of course, all eyes will be on second-year receiver Luke McCaffrey and if he can take that next step many hope to see this season.

Defensive Line: I may be on an island here, but the loss of Jonathan Allen won’t be that critical going forward as he just has not been the same consistent player from a few years ago. Washington took what appears to be a big step towards fixing their run defense, which ranked second to last, allowing a 5.0 yards per carry average. Deatrich Wise brings versatility to the defensive line by playing both interior and outside on the edge. He has been better in the pass rush but has been solid in stopping the run. He and Eddie Goldman will provide valuable rotational pieces, but the big signing was Javon Kinlaw to a 3-year, $45 million deal with $30 million fully guaranteed that includes a $16.5 million signing bonus. The 14th overall pick in the 2020 draft has not worked out exactly as the San Francisco 49ers had hoped, totaling only 5 sacks and 70 total tackles in 4 seasons. Last year for the NY Jets he had 4.5 sacks and 40 total tackles, which was a career year for him Was he worth this contract? This was a move strictly based on his potential, as shown in his scouting report. He has elite physical traits and can control the line of scrimmage exceptionally well, but does show a degree of inconsistency. His power on initial contact, accompanied by great quickness and lateral movement, was something I am sure Adam Peters and Dan Quinn wanted to attempt to harness. If they can get Kinlaw to produce at this level, this signing will prove to be outstanding.

What Could Washington Do Next?

I mentioned earlier that the running game went clearly through Jayden Daniels. Brian Robinson Jr is just not a great instinctive or dynamic runner. While the re-signed Chris Rodriguez Jr., they need to solidify this group. The draft could yield a dynamic runner in NC Omarion Hampton or OSU TreVeyon Henderson, who both could be perfect 3-down running backs. As far as free agency, there is still a player available who could provide what this offense needs for this season. Let’s look at a potential running back signing and others Washington could consider going forward.

RB J.K. Dobbins (26 years old), LA Chargers,

  • Projected Annual Average Salary: $4 million
  • 2024 Season Stats: 905 rushing yards, 4.6ypc, 32 receptions for 153 yards, 9 total TDs
  • Note: He played in 63% of the available 533 snaps, as this past season was one of Dobbins’ healthiest years. He missed 4 weeks due to a sprained MCL but returned the final 2 weeks of the season. While his 2.6 ypc average against the Houston Texans was his worst game of the season, the Chargers offense as a whole was terrible, led by Justin Herbert‘s 5 interceptions.

Edge Za’Darius Smith (24 years old), Detroit Lions

  • Projected Annual Average Salary: $5.7 million
  • 2024 Season Stats: 9 sacks, 35 total tackles, 7 quarterback hits
  • Notes: Certainly not the player he was when with the Green Bay Packers or the Minnesota Vikings but can still be productive. With Dante Fowler moving on to the Dallas Cowboys he could fill this role and is a better run defender. Until Washington finds their long-term answer Smith, offers an excellent stop-gap option.

OG Teven Jenkins (25 years old), Chicago Bears

  • Projected Annual Average Salary: $10.3 million
  • 2024 Season Stats: Played in 78% of 738 available snaps, 1 accepted penalty against
  • Notes: Teven Jenkins‘s projected salary could become a considerably lower contract at this point of the free agency period. Jenkins may be forced to either sign a 1-year prove-it deal or sign on as depth because of his inability to stay healthy thus making him a liability as a full-time starter. When he was on the field and healthy, he was a productive blocker, especially in the run game. At 25 years old, he still has plenty of years left and Washington could offer a prime opportunity. With Sam Cosmi slatted to miss the majority of the 2025 season, Jenkins could find himself with a chance to claim an early starting role and have the opportunity to prove he can remain healthy. If he does pan out well for Washington the Jenkins signing not only allows for flexibility in the offensive alignment but could ultimately become a fixture on this line for the next several years.

CB Asante Samuel Jr. (25 years old), Los Angeles Chargers

  • Projected Annual Average Salary: $11.4 million
  • Career Stats (First 3 years): 6 interceptions, 35 pass defenses, 59.5% completions against, 92.3 quarterback rating allowed, 163 total tackles
  • Notes: The former second-round pick, Samuel battled shoulder stinger issues that caused him to miss the majority of the 2024 season. He could be signed for a cheap prove-it deal like Jeremy Chinn last season that could bolster a cornerback room missing either a second outside corner or in the slot depending on where Mike Sainristil will play this season. Considering Sainristil is a more natural slot corner, Asante Samuel healthy on the outside could give Washington a very deep and strong secondary presence.
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