Washington Commanders general manager Adam Peters made it clear during his season-ending press conference that the team needs to get “younger and faster” in 2026.
Washington is the NFL’s oldest team in 2025. Commanders are trying to salvage the situation a year after signing several veterans to one-year contracts in the first year of the new regime. While Washington has good luck in 2024, everything went in the opposite direction last season. Injuries ruined the Commanders’ season before it even had a chance to take off.
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When free agency begins next month, Washington will have more than 30 free agents. How many people does Peters hope to retain? The three biggest free agents are linebacker Bobby Wagner, tight end Zach Ertz and wide receiver Deebo Samuel. Wagner, who turns 36 next season, has not said whether he plans to play. Ertz will also turn 36 in 2026. He tore his ACL in December and reportedly hopes to continue playing.
If Washington allows these players to leave in order to rejuvenate, replacements will have to be signed. In some potentially good news for teams in need of linebackers, it sounds like Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd will be a free agent.
Here’s what ESPN’s Michael DiRocco recently wrote about Lloyd:
OverTheCap.com estimates the linebacker’s franchise tag at $27.45 million. That’s a high number for a non-passing linebacker, and it’s unlikely the Jaguars will use the tag, so Lloyd will become a free agent.
Lloyd, a first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, had an up-and-down first three seasons and the Jaguars chose not to pick up his fifth-year option. Lloyd continued to play and had his best season in 2025, totaling 81 tackles with six for a loss, five interceptions, 1.5 sacks and six passes defended. The Jaguars have several contracts to make, and Lloyd may have priced himself out of their range.
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The problem with Lloyd is that he is an off-ball defender. Teams are generally not willing to pay top dollar to such players if they don’t rush the passer. DiRocco mentioned the 49ers’ Fred Warner as a price point for Lloyd’s next trade. Warner is an elite player. Lloyd hasn’t played at this level in several seasons. The team signed Lloyd and will be counting on him to repeat that success over the next few seasons.
Will Washington be that team? Lloyd provides everything a commander needs. He’s younger and faster than Wagner, and he’s a better defensive player. Spotrac expects Lloyd to receive a three-year, $60.4 million free agent contract, averaging $20.1 million per year.
Would Peters be willing to spend that kind of money on an off-ball linebacker? Commanders could go with someone like Eric Wilson of the Vikings. Although Wilson is over 30 years old, he played well with the Vikings in 2025 for new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones. He will be worth less and require less of a long-term commitment.
The Commanders appear ready to spend money, but will certainly consider adding a rusher, a cornerback and an offensive playmaker or two. Lloyd would be an excellent addition for Washington, but it could prioritize other positions.
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This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Could Jaguars’ Devin Lloyd be a free agent target
