Done Deal: These are the free-agent signings for the Commanders.
With the largest salary cap room available to them among all NFL teams, the Washington Commanders acted swiftly, signing more players than any other team in the first week of free agency. These are the veterans that Washington has signed—or re-signed.
Offense
Go back to the menu
Marcus Mariota, quarterback: According to a person with knowledge of the arrangements, Mariota, 30, accepted a one-year contract with a base value of $6 million, with potential upside of $10 million. With him, Washington gains a seasoned player who can guide a developing quarterback and maybe take over as the starting quarterback in an emergency.
Before Sam Darnold accepted a one-year contract with the Minnesota Vikings, Washington looked into the veteran quarterback market and expressed interest in him, according to a person with knowledge of the team’s plans. Washington decided on Mariota following consultation with other parties.
The No. 2 choice in the 2015 draft, Mariota, has not played for the Tennessee Titans since leaving. He played one season (mostly ahead of Desmond Ridder) with the Atlanta Falcons, two seasons (behind Derek Carr) with the Las Vegas Raiders, and the last season (behind Jalen Hurts) with the Philadelphia Eagles. Mariota gets back together in Washington with Brian Johnson, the former offensive coordinator for the Eagles who is currently the associate head coach and offensive pass game coordinator for the Commanders.
Austin Ekeler, running back: After allowing Antonio Gibson to depart for the New England Patriots, Ekeler inked a two-year contract worth up to $11.43 million, according to two individuals with knowledge of the arrangements.
The 28-year-old Ekeler reunites with Anthony Lynn, the Commanders running backs coach, who coached the Los Angeles Chargers when Ekeler was an undrafted rookie in 2017. Ekeler’s ability to grab passes and move quickly out of the backfield should benefit an offense that looked flat much of the previous season.
Jamison Crowder, WR/PR: According to a source with knowledge of the agreement, Washington re-signed the depth slot receiver to a one-year contract. The 30-year-old Crowder will be a contender to return punts.
Crowder was chosen by Washington in 2015, and after departing as a free agency in 2019, he rejoined the organization the previous season.
