The Washington Commanders have made significant moves to strengthen their roster following the conclusion of the 2025 NFL season, signing three players to reserve/future contracts. This action allows the team to prepare for the upcoming season, which begins in March 2026, by securing talent that can contribute during offseason activities and training camps.
On Tuesday, the Commanders signed offensive lineman Tyler Cooper and wide receiver Nick Nash. The following day, they added tight end Lawrence Cager to their roster. These moves come shortly after the team parted ways with three coaches, including Kliff Kingsbury, Joe Whitt Jr, and Bobby Johnson, highlighting a period of transition within the organization.
Cooper, standing at 6 feet 5 inches and weighing 302 pounds, joined the Commanders in September 2025 as a member of the practice squad but was released shortly thereafter. He subsequently spent time on the practice squad of the Arizona Cardinals before being re-signed by Washington. His familiarity with the team could provide stability to their offensive line.
Nash, who measures 6 feet 3 inches and weighs 195 pounds, entered the league as an undrafted free agent. He was initially signed by the Atlanta Falcons but was released after the training camp prior to the 2025 season. His addition to the Commanders may offer depth and competition at the wide receiver position.
Cager, the most experienced of the trio, has a notable background. The 6-foot-5, 220-pound tight end played college football at the University of Georgia and has been with several NFL teams since entering the league in 2020. His career includes stints with the New York Jets, Cleveland Browns, New York Giants, and now the Commanders. Cager has participated in 22 NFL games, including a challenging Week 16 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.
These reserve/future contracts are typically one-year deals at the league minimum, without any guarantees. They count toward the offseason roster limit of 90 players and impact the team’s salary cap for the next league year. By signing these players now, the Commanders are laying the groundwork for a more competitive squad in the 2026 season.
As the Commanders navigate this offseason, the focus will be on integrating these new additions into their system while continuing to refine their coaching staff and overall strategy. The upcoming months will be crucial for the team as they aim to improve upon their performance from the previous season.
