Where are the Commanders in new post-free agency rankings?

[ASFN Admin]

The Washington Commanders were quite active during the initial wave of free agency in 2025, and they weren't the only ones. Now, though, the dust has settled and teams are refocusing their attention on the 2025 NFL draft in Green Bay, Wisconsin next month.

While NFL teams work through their evaluation processes, ESPN's NFL Nation reporters ranked each team after the moves they've made so far during the offseason. They also included one under-the-radar move for each team. As it stands today, the Commanders rank sixth in the NFL, and their under-the-radar move was re-signing tight end John Bates.

Way-too-early ranking: 6Under-the-radar move: Re-signing tight end John Bates

Bates is not a dynamic pass-catcher -- he has 61 career receptions over four seasons, including eight last season. But the Commanders made it a priority to keep him around because of his blocking ability. Coaches had talked in the past about his unique ability to handle defensive ends when needed in pass protection, which is a rarity among modern tight ends. Bates might not catch more than 10 passes this season, but his value remains high. -- John Keim

The Commanders didn't need to fix many things offensively this offseason, but making sure Jayden Daniels remains protected was a definite priority. That's why they brought in Laremy Tunsil, and Bates has more value than most believe because of his blocking ability. So re-signing him means that Daniels will have increased protection on certain plays, and maybe, just maybe, they can limit the number of plays where he takes off running.

The Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles, Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs, and Baltimore Ravens are ahead of the Commanders in the rankings. Never mind that the Commanders made it to the NFC Championship, defeating the Lions in the process. Still, the Commanders are sitting in a good spot right now. How they draft in 2025 will determine if they stay in that good spot or change position ahead of the season.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders among the top teams in ESPN's post-free agency rankings

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