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NFL free agency buzz: Latest on WRs, RBs on the move
The Commanders were listed frequently in our running back and receiver breakdowns above. The pulse inside the league is that this year could be Washington’s most active offseason of the Adam Peters era that began in 2024. The Commanders have an interest in other positions such as cornerback, edge rusher and possibly tight end. Washington has a roster with holes, nearly $90 million in cap space and star quarterback Jayden Daniels on a rookie deal. So, while the Commanders might not spend big on every position, they will be a presence.
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Washington Commanders Free Agency: Is Jaelan Phillips the Next Big Splash in DC?
Today, the Philadelphia Eagles made a statement signing. They signed defensive tackle Jordan Davis to a record-breaking, three-year, $78 million extension ($65M guaranteed), illustrating exactly who Howie Roseman prioritizes this offseason.
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Signing Davis showed a clear sign that they want to prioritize their interior, but they may have left the door ajar on the edge. This raises an eyebrow, especially with a recent report by ESPN’s Dan Graziano, who predicted a move that would send shockwaves through the division. He predicted that Washington would “be in” on Edge Rusher Jaelan Phillips, and hypothesized a four-year, $92 million deal for the 26-year-old.
While the Eagles would love to keep Phillips, they may be limited by their flexibility. In addition to Davis’ extension, Philadelphia hopes to extend star defensive tackle Jalen Carter. So while Philly picks their favorites, Washington may be poised to pick their pocket.
Why Jaelan Phillips Works
At first glance, looking at Phillips’ 2025 stats—5 sacks and 11 QB hits—may give you pause on paying the former Dolphin a significant contract. Over the Cap (OTC) has Phillips projected to cost $23M AAV, a significant investment for a free agent. But if you dig deeper into his profile, especially his efficiency metrics, Adam Peters may hit on an ascending player while also harming an NFC rival and contender.
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When the season starts, Phillips will be 27 years old and still capable of producing three to four years of solid production. Despite the low sack totals last season, Phillips finished 2025 ranked 9th among all Edge Rushers with 73 total pressures and boasted a 21.8% pass-rush win rate in the second half of the season (per PFF). In eight games with the Eagles, Phillips produced 41 pressures and 32 hurries—an impressive rate for a team looking to cause chaos in the backfield.
Phillips’ playstyle also fits perfectly into new Defensive Coordinator Daronte Jones’ philosophy. During his welcome press conference, Jones emphasized that he wants to play “positionless” football and create an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) for all of his players. At 6’5” and 263 lbs, Phillips has the size and athletic ability to bump down the line or even play out in space in short-field coverage.
Phillips also sports a 9.87 RAS score and showed explosive traits with a 4.58 40-yard dash, a 1.59-second 10-yard split, and a 4.18-second shuttle. All three of those scores are in the 96th percentile of Edge Rushers measured.
Riggo’s Rag
Khalil Mack deal could give Commanders their shot at Odafe Oweh
According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, the Chargers have re-signed Mack to a one-year deal with $18 million in guaranteed money. While the three-time All-Pro gained just 5.5 sacks last season and is 35 years old now, the AFC West club believes there is one more campaign of sound production left before he potentially hangs up his cleats for good.
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That all but confirms Odafe Oweh will at least test free agency. He’s younger and far more athletic than Mack, and there should be considerable interest in his services on the free-agent market. Considering the Commanders’ need on the defensive edge, they could also throw their hat into the ring.
Oweh has the length and burst Washington should be looking for. While he’s spent most of his career as a rotational edge presence, he looks more ready for increased responsibilities. And anyone giving him a lofty financial commitment in free agency will be demanding precisely that.
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Blogging the Boys
Checking the math, Trey Hendrickson offers more to Cowboys than Maxx Crosby
[O]n Friday, any thoughts of a blockbuster trade with the Las Vegas Raiders to acquire Crosby [were] squashed as he was dealt to the Baltimore Ravens for two first-round picks. The attention now shifts to making a massive splash in free agency, with Hendrickson being a top target.
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While the allure of a flashy trade for Crosby was tantalizing, securing Hendrickson is actually the more calculated and effective move. The Cincinnati Bengals’ pass rusher brings an elite level of consistent production that often surpasses the hype surrounding bigger names. He is a master of the quick pressure, consistently ranking at the top of the league in sack rate and pass rush win percentage. His ability to convert speed to power makes him a nightmare for left tackles, providing the kind of relentless edge presence that would perfectly complement the existing talent in the Cowboys’ defensive line.
There’s no question that Crosby is the better player of the two. Crosby is a three-down player who can be a force against the run and on passing downs, whereas Hendrickson is exclusively a pass-rushing specialist. Age also goes to Crosby as he is three years younger; however, because Hendrickson’s usage has mostly come in passing-rushing situations, he actually has considerably less mileage. He’s logged 4,578 career defensive snaps compared to 6,449 of Crosby.
At 31 years old, there is always the looming fear of a sudden decline in athleticism. And despite his age, Hendrickson’s contract expectations remain high, likely seeking a deal that pushes him near the upper echelon of edge rushers. That’s a high price for a one-trick pony, but it allows the Cowboys to provide a huge boost to their pass rush without emptying the draft cupboard. This means the team can still add two of the top collegiate defenders to package with Hendrickson, who collectively can provide better help to the defense.
When weighing the two options, trading for Crosby was the splashier move for a team that wants to fast-track its edge rushing rebuild. His age, versatility, and sheer leadership would’ve transformed the team’s defensive line production immediately. But surrendering that much draft capital would have been astronomical. Props to the front office for not panicking and holding firm on their price. The team can now employ their contingency plan, and that involves doing something they never do – spending a huge amount of money in free agency.
ESPN
Sources: Eagles, DT Jordan Davis reach 3-year, $78M extension
The Eagles and defensive tackle Jordan Davis have reached agreement on a three-year, $78 million extension, tying him to Philadelphia for the next four seasons, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Saturday.
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The deal includes $65 million guaranteed and makes Davis the highest-paid nose tackle in NFL history, sources said.
The No. 13 pick in 2022, Davis was entering his fifth-year option season that was worth nearly $13 million.
Big Blue View
5 NY Giants thoughts on the eve of NFL free agency
I was perusing The Athletic’s list of the top 150 free agents on Saturday, which I have done before, and a name I had not previously noticed jarred me. It brought a “didn’t the Giants have him on their practice squad for a while?” reaction.
Sure enough, when I checked center Cade Mays’ transaction history he spent about a month-and-half on the Giants practice squad in 2024 before being signed to the active roster by the Carolina Panthers, who originally drafted him in 2022.
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Mays is No. 36 on The Athletic’s free agent list and is projected to get a three-year, $22.5 million contract. It just goes to show what can happen when a guy gets a real chance somewhere.
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Pro Bowl LB Khalil Mack returning to Chargers on one-year deal
Nine-time Pro Bowl pass rusher Khalil Mack has signed a one-year deal that will keep him with the Chargers, the team announced Saturday.
Mack’s deal is fully guaranteed and worth $18 million, sources told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
Mack, the 2016 Defensive Player of the Year and one of the most decorated outside linebackers in NFL history, had 5.5 sacks in 2025, the second-lowest mark of his career, but that was partly due to an elbow injury that sidelined him for four games.
ESPN
Vikings redo Hockenson’s contract, clear $5 million off cap
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson has agreed on an adjusted contract that will save the team more than $5 million in salary cap space, a move that appears to affirm Hockenson will remain with the team in 2026.
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He signed a four-year, $66 million contract extension in August 2023 but tore multiple ligaments in his right knee four months later.
Hockenson’s production has dipped since the injury — he caught 92 passes for 893 yards and three touchdowns in 25 games over the 2024 and 2025 seasons — and there had been speculation in league circles that he could be released if his contract wasn’t adjusted.
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