Sean Connery’s character Henry Jones Sr. said it best in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade — with certain quests, there’s no consolation prize for finishing second.
That certainly applies to NFL free agency, where teams get more flak than credit for getting close to but not signing a free agent.
Unfortunately for the Washington Commanders, they appear to have finished second Tuesday for free agent wideout Romeo Doubs.
After the receiver agreed to a deal with the New England Patriots on the second day of the league’s legal tampering period, The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported the Commanders “were also in” the hunt to sign Doubs.
Russini suggested on X the veteran wideout chose New England because he wanted to work with quarterback Drake Maye.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler made a similar report, writing Doubs’s free agency decision came down to Washington and New England.
“Romeo Doubs was considering the Patriots and Commanders as his primary options,” Fowler wrote. “Both had competing offers out.
“He decided on New England — and Drake Maye.”
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Doubs landed with the Patriots on a 4-year contract worth roughly $70 million.
WR Romeo Doubs Signs With Patriots: Report
Even in a rather deep receiver free agency class, Doubs was one of the best pass-catching options available on the open market this week.
The Athletic’s Daniel Popper ranked Doubs the sixth-best receiver in free agency. But he was also Popper’s 30th free agent overall.
“Doubs understands leverage and spacing, and he has great feel and instincts on possession routes like slants, shallow digs and hitches. He has sturdy hands through contact, especially in the short area of the field,” Popper wrote. “Doubs was almost exclusively an outside receiver for coach Matt LaFleur in Green Bay, but he has the route running and skills to play more inside as a power slot.
“Doubs is particularly deceptive on outs, creating regular separation at the top of these routes. He is also a very willing blocker.”
With that in mind, he could have been a strong fit in a lot of offenses, including Washington’s. The Commanders are trying to replace Deebo Samuel Sr., who led the team with 727 receiving yards last season.
Veteran tight end Zach Ertz is also an unrestricted free agent. Ertz is 35 years old and past his prime, but he still had 504 receiving yards in 2025, which was third on the team.
Instead, Doubs will help replace Stefon Diggs in New England.
Commanders Offseason Plan at WR?
With the loss of Doubs and pending departures of Samuel and Ertz, it’s easy to be critical of Washington’s early free agency plan. The Commanders haven’t done anything yet to add an offensive weapon for quarterback Jayden Daniels.
But it’s important to remember free agency is only two days old. There are a lot of free agents still available, including top wide receivers.
As of 4 pm ET Tuesday, Jauan Jennings, Calvin Austin III and Keenan Allen are receiver free agents still on the market. All three are ranked among the top 55 players in this year’s free agents according to Popper.
Not to mention, Samuel is still on the market if the Commanders prefer a reunion.
It’s important to note that all free agents, including Doubs, can’t officially sign their contracts until 4 pm ET on Wednesday. That’s when the league’s new year begins.
Until then, Doubs’s agreement with New England is a handshake. In the past, free agents have backed out at the last minute.
That’s not to say the Commanders should pin their receiver free agency hopes on that occurring. There’s other quality veterans available.
Washington could also explore adding a wideout in the deep 2026 receiver draft class.
Commanders Lose out on $70 Million WR to Patriots: Report