Washington Commanders’ Potential 2025 Salary Cap Strategy: Building Around Jayden Daniels and Adding Juwan Johnson
The Washington Commanders are entering a pivotal period in 2025, with ample salary cap space that could reshape the future of their offense. Expected to have $101.5 million in cap room, they have a significant opportunity to surround their promising quarterback, Jayden Daniels, with the right talent to help him thrive. One player who could become an integral part of their offensive plans is tight end Juwan Johnson, currently with the New Orleans Saints, who is set to become a free agent.
Juwan Johnson: A Versatile Tight End for Washington
Juwan Johnson is wrapping up his two-year, $12 million contract with the Saints, which he signed in March 2023. As the 2025 offseason approaches, the Commanders could look to sign the 28-year-old tight end, who will turn 29 in September. Johnson is an appealing option due to his proven ability to be a reliable target in the passing game and his versatility as both a receiver and blocker.
Matt Holder of Bleacher Report suggests that Washington should consider adding Johnson to its roster, especially as tight ends Zach Ertz and John Bates are both on expiring contracts. With these key players potentially moving on, the Commanders will be in the market for a dependable veteran tight end, and Johnson fits the bill.
While Johnson has only had one season surpassing 400 receiving yards — a career-high 508 yards in 2022 — he has demonstrated a knack for making important plays. He excels at moving the chains and getting into the end zone, attributes that make him an ideal security blanket for a young quarterback like Jayden Daniels. Johnson has accumulated 130 career receptions for 1,560 yards and 18 touchdowns, including 81 first downs, all of which would benefit Washington’s offense.
Despite undergoing foot surgery in June, Johnson has been durable in 2024, playing in all 14 games for the Saints. He has posted 36 receptions for 375 yards and three touchdowns on 47 targets. His consistent performance, even after surgery, demonstrates his resilience and ability to contribute effectively on the field.
Johnson’s Journey to the NFL: From Undrafted to Starter
Johnson’s path to the NFL has been anything but conventional. Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 231 pounds, Johnson was not selected in the 2020 NFL Draft despite a solid college career. He played four seasons at Penn State and Oregon, racking up 111 receptions for 1,560 yards and six touchdowns. His journey into the league as an undrafted free agent with the Saints has been one of perseverance and hard work.
In 2020, NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein highlighted Johnson’s physical traits, noting his strong frame and ability to catch through contact. While he was effective in space as a blocker, there were concerns about his hands and consistency as a pass-catcher. Over time, however, Johnson has worked to improve, and by 2022, he had established himself as a full-time starter for the Saints. He registered 42 receptions for 508 yards and seven touchdowns that season, showing his potential as a reliable offensive weapon.
A Potential Fit for the Commanders
Given Washington’s current salary cap situation, they could pursue a one-year deal with Johnson, possibly in the range of $5 million, if the market for tight ends is not too competitive. This could be a smart move for the Commanders, allowing them to upgrade their offensive weapons while still retaining flexibility in their cap space.
However, Washington’s tight end situation in 2024 complicates matters. Veteran Zach Ertz, who is currently second on the team in receiving yards behind wide receiver Terry McLaurin, signed a one-year, $3 million deal with the Commanders. Ertz, a three-time Pro Bowler and former Super Bowl champion, has experienced a career resurgence in Washington, catching 54 passes for 526 yards and four touchdowns.
Given Ertz’s solid performance in 2024, one potential strategy for Washington could be to re-sign him to another one-year contract, perhaps with a modest raise. This would give the team stability at the tight end position for another season, while they explore other ways to improve the offense.
Strengthening the Receiving Corps: Targeting Tee Higgins
While re-signing Ertz could provide short-term value, Washington has the financial resources to make a splash in the wide receiver market as well. With a significant amount of cap space, they could pursue a standout receiver to complement McLaurin and give Daniels another dynamic target.
One potential candidate is Tee Higgins of the Cincinnati Bengals, who will be a free agent in 2025. Higgins, a talented and explosive wide receiver, would bring an added dimension to Washington’s offense, creating a formidable one-two punch alongside McLaurin. With the possibility of adding a player of Higgins’ caliber, the Commanders could drastically improve their passing attack.
A Balanced Approach to Building Around Jayden Daniels
The ultimate goal for Washington is to build a competitive team around Jayden Daniels, ensuring he has the weapons necessary to succeed. By adding a veteran tight end like Johnson, who can provide security in the passing game, and bolstering their receiving corps with a top-tier wide receiver like Higgins, Washington can maximize their cap space and provide Daniels with the tools to thrive.
Additionally, by re-signing Ertz to a reasonable contract, Washington could maintain a stable tight end presence while investing heavily in other areas of the roster. This approach would allow the Commanders to stay competitive in the NFC East and position themselves as a serious playoff contender in the coming seasons.
Conclusion: An Exciting Future for the Commanders
With $101.5 million in cap space, the Washington Commanders are in an enviable position heading into the 2025 offseason. Surrounding Jayden Daniels with talented and reliable playmakers should be their top priority. Whether it’s signing Juwan Johnson to a one-year deal, re-signing Zach Ertz, or pursuing an elite wide receiver like Tee Higgins, the Commanders have the resources to build a formidable offense.
By making strategic moves in free agency, Washington can set itself up for success in 2025 and beyond, creating an environment where Jayden Daniels can develop into a franchise quarterback and lead the team to sustained success.
