3 Vikings the Commanders could target in free agency

Anytime there is a coaching change, you will see players follow their coach to the new destination. On Monday, the Washington Commanders hired Minnesota Vikings’ defensive backs coach/pass game coordinator Daronte Jones as their new defensive coordinator.

Jones’ hiring ends a three-week search for a new defensive leader, following the firing of Joe Whitt Jr. on January 6.

Advertisement

With both of the Commanders’ coordinators in place, the focus now turns to free agency in March. This week, Washington general manager Adam Peters is in Mobile, Alabama, at the Senior Bowl. But before April’s 2026 NFL Draft, Peters must find ways to make the Commanders better in free agency.

Washington has money to spend. The Commanders also have ways to create more financial flexibility, such as releasing cornerback Marshon Lattimore and extending left tackle Laremy Tunsil and center Tyler Biadasz. With over 30 free agents, the Commanders should be busy when free agency opens.

Jones will be installing a new defensive scheme. He’ll likely want some of his Minnesota players to help him with that install. A quick look at the Vikings’ free agents and two names stand out: defensive lineman Jalen Redmond and safety Harrison Smith.

Redmond is an exclusive rights free agent, which means the Vikings must only tender him a contract to retain him. That’s an easy decision. Redmond was a breakout player in 2025, outperforming former Commander Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave — both expensive free agents. So, Redmond is off the board for Washington.

Advertisement

Smith is an interesting name. He’s a 14-year veteran — all with the Vikings. He is considering retirement, but has not made a decision. Smith proved last season that he can still play at a high level. Would the Commanders try to pursue Smith for one season to help with the installation of Jones’ defense? It’s doubtful. If Smith plays, it’s for Minnesota, while Washington mostly focuses on younger free agents.

Redmond would be the top Minnesota free agent for Washington pursue. Since that’s not happening, let’s look at three realistic options for the Commanders in 2026.

Linebacker Eric Wilson

Remember how we said Washington will mostly focus on younger free agents? Wilson can be the exception. The 31-year-old linebacker will enter his 10th NFL season in 2026. After beginning his career with the Vikings, Wilson has spent time with the Texans, Eagles, Saints and Packers, before returning to Minnesota in 2025. After appearing in every game for the Vikings from 2017-20, Wilson made only two starts over the next four seasons with the aforementioned teams. In 2025, he played in every game and made 12 starts. He played 90% of Minnesota’s defensive snaps and established new career-highs in sacks (6.5), tackles for loss (17) and quarterback hits (10).

Advertisement

Wilson’s return helped the Vikings post impressive defensive numbers in 2026. It’s doubtful Washington brings Bobby Wagner back for a 15th season, especially given that it will be installing a new defense. It’s probably time for a clean break. Wilson can call the defensive plays in the middle, and he will not embarrass you in coverage. He’s not great in coverage, but a smart defensive coordinator can scheme around that, as Brian Flores did in Minnesota. Wilson is a perfect one or two-year stopgap for the Commanders, who can act as the defensive quarterback. And even better, he won’t cost much. Wilson had a base salary of $2.6 million last season. He’s due a raise, but will still be much cheaper than what Wagner cost in 2025.

Linebacker Ivan Pace Jr.

Another linebacker? Yes. If the Commanders can’t sign Wilson, why not Pace? He’s six years younger, and in three NFL seasons, Pace has played in 45 games, making 27 starts. He lost his starting job to Wilson in 2025. That’s not a knock on Pace, but it explains just how good Wilson was in his return. Pace is a restricted free agent, which means his availability depends on which tender Minnesota applies. If the Vikings do not place a first or second-round tender on Pace, then he’s worthy of signing. Pace can play inside or outside, and is solid against the run and can add something as a situational pass-rusher, too.

When filling out a roster, you need players like Pace. He can be a depth piece for you or a starter. He can play inside or outside on occasion. And, he knows what Jones wants to accomplish. His signing would be dependent on if the Commanders can ink Wilson to a deal.

Advertisement

Cornerback Jeff Okudah

Remember when the Washington Commanders selected Chase Young No. 2 overall in the 2020 NFL Draft? One pick later, the Detroit Lions selected his Ohio State teammate, Jeff Okudah. Okudah’s NFL career hasn’t gone well. He played only three seasons for the Lions and has played for four teams in four seasons. Part of his issue is injuries. He’s dealt with a significant injury in four of his five NFL seasons. Just when it appears that Okudah is about to turn a corner, he suffers an injury. Okudah is still only 26. Jones is a defensive backs coach, and if he runs a scheme similar to Flores’s in Minnesota, he asks a lot of his defensive backs. Okudah appeared in eight games in 2025 before a concussion ended his season.

Look, no one is expecting Okudah to come in and start. The Commanders need depth. Jones knows what Okudah has to offer. If Washington doesn’t pursue, that tells you everything. But for a team low on draft picks and looking to add cheap depth, Okudah is worth a flier. He can take Noah Igbinoghene’s roster spot as the No. 4 or 5 cornerback in 2026. If Okudah comes in and struggles, cut him before Week 1. But he’s worth a flier.

Advertisement

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: 3 Vikings’ free-agent targets