Grading Commanders' Day 3 free agency moves

It took a little bit, at least according to the armchair GMs, for Washington Commanders general manager Adam Peters to warm up in free agency. On Monday, the opening day of the NFL's legal negotiating period, Washington agreed to terms with two players: undersized, scrappy cornerback Amik Robertson and edge rusher Odafe Oweh.

Things were quiet on Tuesday until the Commanders reached an agreement with linebacker Leo Chenal. However, Peters kicked things into overdrive on Wednesday, agreeing to deals with four new players. Most of the early days in free agency have focused on fixing a terrible defense, but Washington did add its first offensive free agent: Titans tight end Chig Okonkwo.

Here's how we graded Washington's Day 3 free-agent moves:

Patriots EDGE K'Lavon Chaisson: A-

What's not to love about this move? First, the Commanders added a second edge rusher. While Chaisson's agreement is for only one year, it takes pressure off Peters to force an edge rusher pick at No. 7 in the 2026 NFL Draft. Chaisson, Odafe and Dorance Armstrong comprise a pretty solid trio at the edge position. Chaisson is 26 and has been playing his best football over the last two seasons. He was phenomenal in the playoffs. Chaisson is versatile, too, making him a good scheme fit for new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones' defense.

Titans TE Chig Okonkwo: A

While tight end wasn't an urgent need, it was a need. Zach Ertz turns 36 next season, is a free agent and coming off an ACL tear. Ben Sinnott and John Bates are back, but neither has proven to be a top receiving option. Both will be heavily involved in the offense, but Okonkwo is now Washington's top tight end. He can work the middle of the field, is explosive after the catch and will run over defenders. Okonkwo just gives the Commanders' offense something it has lacked from this position. He's been productive through four NFL seasons despite quarterback instability. Now, he gets to catch passes from Jayden Daniels.

Colts S Nick Cross: B+

Another terrific move. We didn't hear enough about how much Washington needed to add a safety. Cross helps the Commanders get younger and faster. He's only 24 and ran a 4.3 40-yard dash at the NFL combine in 2022. He also plays fast. Cross is at his best attacking downhill. He's relatively cheap (2 years, $14 million) with plenty of upside. Washington's tackling will certainly be much better when Cross is on the field in 2026.

Chiefs DL Charles Omenihu: B

Who saw this one coming? Peters wasn't done adding to his revamped defense, signing the 6-foot-5, 280-pound Omenihu to a one-year deal on Wednesday night. Omenihu enters his eighth NFL season in 2026. He possesses length and versatility, making him another good fit. Omenihu can play on the edge or slide inside to tackle. Washington's defensive line now has depth, so it will be interesting to see how this offseason plays out. The Commanders added Tim Settle and Omenihu to play some serious snaps up front.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Day 3 free agency grades