Former Washington Stars Land Among Top Free Agency Steals

Two former Washington Commanders have garnered significant praise for their new contracts this offseason, with both Jonathan Allen and Tyler Biadasz landing on a prominent list of the NFL"s best "under-the-radar" free agency acquisitions.

FOX Sports analyst Eric Williams recently highlighted the most undervalued signings of the 2026 free agency period, featuring Allen"s two-year, $25 million deal with the Cincinnati Bengals at fifth overall and Biadasz"s three-year, $30 million contract with the Los Angeles Chargers ranking sixth.

The recognition speaks to both players" continued value despite their departures from Washington, where each had established themselves as reliable contributors before the franchise chose to move in different directions.

Allen"s journey to Cincinnati represents a fascinating case study in NFL roster management. Originally selected by Washington in the first round of the 2017 draft, the Alabama product spent eight productive seasons in the nation"s capital, accumulating 42 sacks and earning Pro Bowl selections in 2021 and 2022.

After his release following the 2024 campaign, Allen signed a lucrative three-year, $60 million contract with the Minnesota Vikings. However, his tenure in Minneapolis lasted just one season before the team surprisingly cut ties, making him available for Cincinnati"s defensive rebuild.

"Allen joins former Seattle Seahawks edge rusher Boye Mafe and safety Bryan Cook from Kansas City to add reinforcements to a Cincinnati defense that finished No. 30 in scoring last season," Williams explained in his analysis.

The Bengals" defensive struggles made Allen an obvious target for their front office. At 29, the veteran defensive lineman brings proven production and leadership to a unit desperately needing both. His ability to generate interior pressure should complement Cincinnati"s existing pass rush pieces while providing much-needed veteran presence.

Meanwhile, Biadasz"s move to Los Angeles represents a significant upgrade for the Chargers" offensive line protection. The center spent the 2024 and 2025 seasons in Washington, appearing in 31 games while establishing himself as a steady presence in the middle of the line.

His 70.7 Pro Football Focus grade during the 2025 season demonstrated consistent performance that caught the attention of Chargers" decision-makers. The team clearly prioritized stabilizing their interior line to better protect franchise quarterback Justin Herbert.

"Expect the Chargers to draft another interior offensive lineman early in this year"s draft," Williams noted. "But Biadasz gives Herbert someone to ably serve as the quarterback of the offensive line."

The praise for both signings highlights an interesting dynamic in Washington"s roster construction philosophy. The Commanders chose to part ways with both players despite having time remaining on their respective contracts, suggesting the organization prioritized salary cap flexibility and youth over proven veteran production.

Washington"s own free agency additions, including edge rusher Odafe Oweh, linebacker Leo Chenal, and tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo, did not receive similar recognition on Williams" list, though their impact remains to be determined.

For Allen and Biadasz, landing with organizations that clearly value their specific skill sets should provide opportunities to continue their productive NFL careers. Both players enter situations where they can make immediate impacts while potentially earning additional recognition for their contributions.

The Bengals and Chargers appear to have identified value where others saw expendable veterans, a calculation that could pay significant dividends if both players maintain their established levels of performance. Sometimes the best moves in free agency are the ones that fly under the radar until the season begins.