ESPN is projecting a major offseason overhaul for the Washington Commanders as the team looks to rebound from a disappointing 5-12 season.
The NFL’s legal negotiating window opens at 12pm on Monday, March 9, allowing teams to begin discussing contracts with free agents. Deals can officially be signed when the new league year begins at 4pm on Wednesday, March 11.
According to ESPN projections, Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III is expected to sign with Washington, giving the Commanders one of the most explosive running backs on the market.
Walker is projected to land a three-year, $44 million contract with $22 million guaranteed. The running back is coming off a strong season in Seattle, rushing for 1,027 yards on 221 carries while averaging 4.6 yards per attempt and scoring five touchdowns. He also caught 31 passes out of the backfield. ESPN noted that Walker enters free agency at a time when teams are actively seeking “explosive running backs,” which could drive up his value on the market.
Washington did see encouraging production from rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt, who rushed for 805 yards and eight touchdowns in his first NFL season. Even with that strong debut, the team could still look to add another dynamic playmaker to the backfield.
Walker may not be the only Seahawks player heading to Washington. ESPN also projects wide receiver and return specialist Rashid Shaheed to sign with the Commanders on a three-year, $40 million deal with $20 million guaranteed.
Shaheed totaled 687 receiving yards in 2025 while splitting time between the Seahawks and Saints. He also remains one of the league’s most dangerous return men. Including the playoffs, he scored three return touchdowns last season, two on kickoffs and one on a punt.
For his career, Shaheed has recorded 153 receptions for 2,243 yards and 12 touchdowns. He has also produced more than 1,000 punt return yards and over 1,300 kickoff return yards.
On the defensive side of the ball, ESPN projects the Commanders to strengthen their pass rush by signing edge rusher Jaelan Phillips. Phillips is projected to command a four-year, $92 million contract with $32 million guaranteed. The 26-year-old spent part of last season with the Philadelphia Eagles after being traded from Miami at the deadline and finished the year with five sacks, including two after arriving in Philadelphia.
Despite an injury history, ESPN notes Phillips is “still just 26,” which could make teams more comfortable investing in the talented pass rusher.
