Updated to reflect the team’s six agreements on Monday.
The Washington Commanders had the most salary cap space in the NFL going into the first “unofficial” day of free agency. As of 11pm, they have agreed to terms with four potential starters. The team also has the second pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, which takes place next month.
Washington got things started by reuniting head coach Dan Quinn with defensive lineman Dorance Armstrong, who signed a three-year deal with a maximum value of $45 million. Armstrong is currently 26 and has been a rotational player for the Dallas Cowboys. He has 16 sacks total over the last two seasons.
The Commanders signed 2022 Pro Bowl Center Tyler Biadasz to a three-year deal at $10 million per year. Biadasz is also 26 and was a fourth-round pick in the 2020 draft and just completed his rookie contract with the Cowboys. He became a full-time starter in 2021. He was a Pro Bowler in 2022.
Frankie Luvu, a captain with the Carolina Panthers, signed a three-year deal with a maximum value of $36 million. He has been a starting linebacker the last two seasons and in that time has amassed 236 tackles, 12.5 sacks, three forced fumbles , and an INT returned for a touchdown.
Adam Schefter announced the agreement to sign dynamic running back Austin Ekeler at 6:53pm. Tom Pelissero reports it’s a 2-year deal for the former Charger. Ekeler has scored 30 touchdowns on the ground and 14 through the air in the last three seasons. He will likely split carries with Brian Robinson, who had over a thousand yards from scrimmage and 9 touchdowns last season.
Schefter also announced the Commanders agreement to sign former Broncos and Jaguars kicker Brandon McManus. After nine seasons with the Broncos, McManus signed with the Jags last season. He made 30 of 37 kicks (five of his misses were from 50+, where he went 5 for 10) and went 35 for 35 on extra points.
Late Monday night, Tom Pelissero announced that the Commander agreed to terms with former Chiefs guard Nick Allegretti. The deal is for three years and $16 million with 9.02 guaranteed. Allegretti is 27 and has started four games in the last two season for the Chiefs after joining them as a 7th round pick in the 2019 draft.