Trending Now - 2026 NFL Free Agency Outlook: Key Positions Analyzed

WHO:

Washington Commanders

Jayden Daniels (quarterback, returning for third season)

Rachaad White (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

Kenneth Walker III (Seattle Seahawks)

Travis Etienne (Jacksonville Jaguars)

Kenneth Gainwell (Pittsburgh Steelers)

Jeremy McNichols (Washington Commanders)

Rashid Shaheed (Seattle Seahawks)

Mike Evans (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

Wan'Dale Robinson (New York Giants)

Romeo Doubs (Green Bay Packers)

Deebo Samuel (Washington Commanders)

Jaylinn Hawkins (safety, hitting free agency)

Craig Woodson (rookie safety, leading player for Patriots)

Coby Bryant (Seattle Seahawks)

Alohi Gilman (Baltimore Ravens)

Bryan Cook (Kansas City Chiefs)

Jalen Thompson (Arizona Cardinals)

Kam Curl (Los Angeles Rams)

Dell Pettus (third safety for Patriots)

John Saunders Jr. (Patriots, signed from Miami's practice squad)

WHAT:

Washington Commanders finished the 2025 NFL season with a 5-12 record.

Commanders have four total players under contract for 2026 at wide receiver and running back positions.

Free agency begins on March 11, 2026, at 4 p.m. ET.

Jaylinn Hawkins set career highs in interceptions (four) and sacks (1.5) during the 2025 season.

Hawkins tied career highs in passes defensed (six) and solo tackles (45).

Patriots remade their safety position in the 2025 season.

WHERE:

Washington Commanders (NFL team)

New England Patriots (NFL team)

Locations of external free agents: Seattle, Baltimore, Kansas City, Arizona, Los Angeles

WHEN:

Free agency starts on March 11, 2026, at 4 p.m. ET.

2025 NFL season concluded prior to March 2026.

Jaylinn Hawkins had a career season in 2025.

WHY:

The Washington Commanders are looking to improve their roster and return to playoff contention.

The Patriots are addressing the potential loss of Jaylinn Hawkins to free agency and building around Craig Woodson.

HOW:

The Commanders plan to break down the outlook for several positions ahead of free agency.

The Patriots are considering retaining Hawkins or signing a replacement to maintain depth in the safety position.

The Washington Commanders finished the 2025 NFL season with a disappointing record of five wins and twelve losses, and they are now gearing up for free agency, which starts on March 11 at 4 p.m. ET. Jaylinn Hawkins had a standout season, setting career highs in interceptions and sacks, while the New England Patriots are looking to address their safety position, potentially losing Hawkins to free agency. As the Commanders prepare to improve their roster, they currently have only four players under contract at wide receiver and running back for the upcoming season.