The path to victory for the Washington Commanders in 2024 began long before the season opener, as the groundwork for success was established during the offseason with smart free agent signings and a strong draft class.
If the Commanders aim to become a competitive franchise year after year, general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn will need to replicate this success in 2025, and they’ll have significantly more resources to do so.
According to Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder, the Commanders are expected to sign 3-time NFL All-Pro safety Budda Baker in the upcoming free agency. Washington is projected to have around $103.6 million in cap space, which will allow them to make several impactful moves.
“Safety Quan Martin has been struggling in coverage this season,” Holder noted, adding that Jeremy Chinn is only on a one-year deal. Therefore, Washington should strongly consider the safety options available in free agency. Baker is anticipated to be one of the top players at his position, and the organization can afford to spend big with their substantial cap space.
Baker, now in the final year of a 4-year, $ 59 million contract with the Arizona Cardinals, was selected in the second round of the 2017 NFL draft and has established himself as one of the league’s elite safeties, earning 6 Pro Bowl selections.
There has been ongoing speculation about Baker being traded, particularly since the Cardinals declined to raise his salary to make him one of the highest-paid safeties. Baker has openly expressed his focus on the game rather than the trade rumors.
Meanwhile, the Commanders have already demonstrated their commitment to improving their defense through bold moves, such as trading for Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore on November 5. This indicates their priority in the secondary, especially with a critical matchup against NFC East rivals the Philadelphia Eagles approaching in Week 11. Lattimore missed his previous game due to a hamstring injury but aims to contribute moving forward.
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