Commanders projected to win free-agent sweepstakes for Super Bowl winner
The Washington Commanders are going to be active once again in free agency. Adam Peters kicked off his recruitment by trading for wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr., but that won’t be enough to keep pace with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Washington is closer than many expected after one year of their substantial overhaul. Reaching the NFC Championship game before losing to the eventual Super Bowl champions was the biggest positive imaginable. Peters must now build on this momentum and take advantage of the Commanders being a coveted destination around the league after decades in the proverbial wilderness.
And if they could make the Eagles weaker along the way, the better their chances will be.
The Eagles ran riot over almost everybody after an indifferent start. Washington was the only team to beat Philadelphia after Week 4 of the campaign. Their dominance in the trenches and the addition of running back Saquon Barkley made them an unstoppable force that nobody in the playoffs counteracted effectively.
They have several crucial free agents this offseason. Philadelphia won’t be able to keep everybody, with the likes of defensive lineman Milton Williams and edge rusher Josh Sweat among those who could cash in on their newfound status.
Commanders projected to land Eagles edge rusher Josh Sweat in free agency
Sweat would be a useful addition to the Commanders. He’s a steady performer who comes to life in the biggest moments. The former fourth-round selection became a key cog in Philadelphia’s defense under Vic Fangio this season, causing havoc in opposing backfields and completely overwhelming the Kansas City Chiefs offensive line en route to an emphatic Super Bowl triumph.
The Florida State product won’t get a better chance to accumulate generational wealth. John Keim from ESPN thought the Commanders could make an offer for Sweat, which was projected to be three years and $60 million — $40 million of which is guaranteed.
“Washington needs a defensive end adept at both rushing the passer and setting an edge against the run. The Commanders have two ends who are free agents in Clelin Ferrell and Dante Fowler Jr. Sweat’s length and quick get-off — 1.55 seconds in the 10-yard split — will appeal to Washington. Plus, he can rush inside on stunts. “John Keim
Dan Graziano also believes the Commanders could win the pending Sweat sweepstakes. The respected ESPN insider thought that leaving Philadelphia for a division adversary gives him the best chance to reach the Super Bowl again looking at the other possible free-agent destinations. It’s hard to argue looking at Washington’s new trajectory.
This would be a major coup for the Commanders. Sweat has 33 regular-season sacks in the last four seasons. He generates pressure consistently and is explosive enough to make a difference against the run. Anyone who followed Washington closely in 2024 knows how much of a weakness their edge defense became versus decent ground attacks.
Sweat will be considered. Much will depend on the money involved considering there could be a bidding war for his services. Somewhere in the $20 million per season price bracket couldn’t be ruled out, but it’s something Peters can afford looking at the resources available.
The Commanders need to act swiftly. Sweat isn’t going to last long on the market when the legal tampering period begins. Whether it’s him or someone else, fans can relax safe in the knowledge Peters strikes with conviction to get what he wants.
