2 remaining free agents who would be perfect for the Commanders
NFL free agency began this week, and it was a wild week. Millions of dollars were guaranteed to players in a free-agent class that most believed was the weakest in years. The Washington Commanders were busy but largely avoided the splashy first day where money was flying.
Washington didn't sit idle, signing defensive lineman Javon Kinlaw to a three-year deal worth $45 million. The Commanders stole the headlines later on Monday, trading for five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil. It was a move that general manager Adam Peters had in mind to protect star quarterback Jayden Daniels.
Peters focused on depth signings for the rest of the week and chose not to overpay older players to fill holes on Washington's roster. The Commanders' plan this offseason was to improve the offensive line and the run defense. So far, in the first week, Washington has accomplished those things. The Commanders have also done a good job bringing back some of their free agents from last year, such as linebacker Bobby Wagner and tight end Zach Ertz.
Washington still has needs to address. While the 2025 NFL draft will help fill some of those holes, some free agents can still help next season. Two players that would fill positions of need and fit the Commanders' profile of being younger free agents remain available.
Here are two players — one on offense, one on defense — that Washington should sign.
Browns WR Elijah Moore
Elijah Moore is only 24 years old (25 later this month) and enters his fifth NFL season in 2025. He is a former second-round pick with a promising start to his NFL career but has faced adversity, including a trade from the New York Jets to the Cleveland Browns after his second season.
At almost 5-foot-10, 180 pounds, Moore is perfect for the slot. The Commanders have options there, but Moore could be the ideal buy-low candidate. In four NFL seasons, Moore has caught 139 passes and eight touchdowns. He's played for two franchises, always in quarterback purgatory. Wonder what Jayden Daniels could do for Moore's career?
Washington has Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel as its No. 1 and No. 2 receivers. From there, it's Luke McCaffrey, Noah Brown, and K.J. Osborn. The Commanders hope McCaffrey takes a big step ahead of year 2. However, Moore could prove to be quite the find for Peters. He is not limited to playing the slot; he can also play outside. Moore is also fast, running the 40-yard dash in 4.35 seconds four years ago. Washington could use another speedy receiver.
Signing Moore would give the Commanders six receivers on their roster, allowing them to avoid taking one in next month's NFL draft unless someone they love falls to them. If Washington signs Moore and it doesn't work out, there's nothing lost.
Giants EDGE Azeez Ojulari
Good young pass rushers don't often hit the open market. Azeez Ojulari, a former second-round pick of the New York Giants, is an interesting case. Washington knows him well. Ojulari has appeared in 46 out of a possible 68 games in four NFL seasons. Availability has been a significant issue for Ojulari. However, when he's been on the field, the former Georgia Bulldog has 22 sacks and 37 quarterback hits. He had six sacks in 11 games last season.
There are other concerns with Ojulari. He doesn't offer a lot against the run. The Commanders have been looking to add edge defenders who can set the edge and play the run. However, they need a pure pass rusher to come in on passing downs and go after the quarterback. That's Ojulari. Washington coach Dan Quinn has always gotten the most out of long, athletic pass rushers. Ojulari could be the perfect pupil for Quinn. And signing a one-year deal and gambling on himself could lead to a bigger payday for Ojulari down the road.
Washington has signed several veterans to fill specific roles thus far in free agency. Ojulari — and Moore — would represent high-upside gambles that could pay off handsomely. Ojulari could be the ideal replacement for Dante Fowler, who signed with the Cowboys. Like Moore, Ojulari is only 24; he turns 25 in June.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: We look at 2 young players the Commanders should sign in free agency
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