Commanders Reportedly Won't 'Spend Recklessly' in 2026 NFL Free Agency, Who Should Be Top Targets?

The Washington Commanders intend to invest wisely as they attempt to improve their roster following a 5-12 finish.

Washington is $83.3 million under the salary cap with free agency on the horizon. ESPN's John Keim cited a source who said the Commanders "won't spend recklessly" but are prepared to shell out for a player "who commands top-of-the-market money and is considered a good fit."

The defense is the obvious place to start after Dan Quinn's squad allowed the most yards in the NFL.

Keim reported earlier this week the Commanders, having released Marshon Lattimore, are expected to focus on the cornerback position.

Riq Woolen, Jaylen Watson and Alontae Taylor are the best corners on Bleacher Report's free agency big board.

None of the three is an elite defensive back. The Los Angeles Rams seemingly deemed it better to trade multiple draft picks, including a first-rounder, for Trent McDuffie than sign a big-name free agent cornerback.

For Washington, one upside of targeting Woolen, Watson or Taylor is that it shouldn't require resetting the market to sign them. That leaves plenty of cash to spend elsewhere.

Trey Hendrickson would address a clear need with Von Miller, Washington's 2025 sack leader, heading back into free agency.

The Bengals aren't applying the franchise tag to Hendrickson, so the four-time Pro Bowler won't have anything standing in his way in terms of finding a new home.

Hendrickson only logged seven appearances and finished with four sacks this past year, and he turned 31 in December. That presents some risk when he could command between $20-$30 million annually.

Odafe Oweh, who combined for 17.5 sacks, is a younger alternative who shouldn't have as hefty of a price tag.

On the other side of the ball, Deebo Samuel's departure creates a void in the passing game.

The Commanders may not want to go after Alec Pierce when they're paying Terry McLaurin $32.3 million a year. Wan'Dale Robinson, Jauan Jennings and Mike Evans are some of the next best pass-catchers available.

The 2026 NFL draft might be a better avenue for Washington to find its No. 2 receiver.