Commanders Dramatically Remodel Roster at Start of Free Agency

The Washington Commanders haven't signed one of the biggest free agent names, but they've signed a lot of guys to build out the frame of their new roster.

Entering the offseason we expected as much as 40 percent of the Washington Commanders roster to be new names and faces compared to 2023's version. 

With nine new free agents agreeing to join the Commanders at the time of this writing, that number may be within reach even though the team hasn't brought in a top name in the class just yet.

Nine players represent approximately 17 percent of what will be the 53-man roster in Washington, and nine more are set to come in via the NFL Draft next month which would drive that number up to around 34 percent.

Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler (30) runs the ball against Los Angeles Chargers defensive tackle Christopher Hinton (91) and linebacker Khalil Mack (52) during the second quarter at SoFi Stadium / Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-USA TODAY Sports

Here are the new names joining the Commanders in the first 24 hours of the legal tampering period ...

TE Zach Ertz (made official on Tuesday)

DE Dorance Armstrong Jr.

OC Tyler Biadasz

LB Frankie Luvu

RB Austin Ekeler

K Brandon McManus

OG Nick Allegretti

DE Clelin Ferrell

QB Marcus Mariota

Ertz agreed to his contract ahead of the unofficial opening of the offseason that began on Monday, and will at a minimum bring in a veteran with experience working under offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury and is the only official signing at this time.

Meanwhile, Armstrong and Ferrell will join the roster with most penciling them in as the top two defensive ends on the roster as KJ Henry and Andre Jones Jr. continue to develop and await NFL Draft weekend to see if they have any further competition for snaps in 2024.

Washington also did solid work addressing an offensive line many felt frustrated with last season with both Biadasz and Allegreti being viewed as upgrades at center and left guard respectively.

Luvu is a much-needed addition to the linebacker position the Commanders spent years, millions of dollars, and top draft capital trying to solve and have yet to crack.

We expect Brian Robinson Jr. to remain the team's top running back with Ekeler coming aboard to assume a complimentary role as he departs the Los Angeles Chargers organization where he once worked with coach Anthony Lynn who is also in Washington now. 

OFFICIAL: Commanders Sign Zach Ertz

Finally, kicker Brandon McManus joins the special teams room signaling the likely departure of Joey Slye after two full seasons with the Commanders.

None of the remaining agreements can become official until Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET.