Cap-rich Commanders reload with Dan Quinn as lead recruiter

With head coach Dan Quinn serving as lead recruiter, Washington utilized a league-high $92 million under the salary cap entering free agency to overhaul the roster in a rapid rebuild attempt under first-time general manager Adam Peters.

Quinn helped orchestrate the arrival of reinforcements reuniting with the former Cowboys defensive coordinator, Falcons head coach and Seahawks defensive coordinator, including linebacker Bobby Wagner (Seahawks), defensive ends Dorance Armstrong (Cowboys) and Dante Fowler (Cowboys) and center Tyler Biadasz (Cowboys).

Wagner, who reportedly signed a one-year deal worth $8.5 million, played for Quinn and current linebackers coach Ken Norton Jr. in Seattle.

Linebacker Frankie Luvu (Panthers) and defensive lineman Clelin Ferrell (Raiders) are also on board and fill pressing defensive needs. Luvu's teammate in Carolina, safety/linebacker hybrid Jeremy Chinn, brings a diverse playmaking reputation to Quinn's crew.

Peters scored a few playmakers, too, signing former Chargers All-Pro running back Austin Ekeler to a two-year deal and bringing tight end Zach Ertz on board.

Former No. 2 pick Marcus Mariota agreed to a deal to join a Washington quarterback room in flux. Ferrell was the No. 4 pick in the 2019 draft and Fowler was drafted third in 2015.

In total, thirteen players agreed to terms before signings could become official at the start of the league year on Wednesday.

Peters also has five picks in the top 100, starting with the No. 2 selection, in the 2024 NFL draft. Washington currently has nine total selections in the draft.