Defensive tackle Tim Settle is on his way back to the organization that drafted him.
NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported the Washington Commanders have signed Settle to a 3-year, $24 million contract. The deal is worth up to $25.5 million because of incentives.
Settle spent 2018-21 with Washington. At the time, the team held the Redskins and Football Team nicknames.
Washington drafted Settle at No. 163 overall in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL Draft. During his tenure, he was a popular player in the fan base because of his 313-pound frame and local ties. Settle played college football at Virginia Tech.
The past four years, the defensive tackle spent two seasons with the Buffalo Bills and two with the Houston Texans.
During 2025, Settle started 12 games for the Texans. He posted 15 combined tackles, including three for loss. Settle also had one quarterback hit, one sack and three pass defenses.
All NFL free agency deals Monday were verbal agreements. That will remain the case until the league’s new year begin at 4 pm ET Monday.
At that time, Settle will be able to officially rejoin the Commanders.
DT Tim Settle Set to Return to Washington Commanders
The team hasn’t disclosed the full details of Settle’s new deal in Washington. But the total worth of the contract is more than what the defensive tackle has earned in his career through eight seasons.
In conclusion, this is a major payday for the defensive tackle.
As a fifth-round pick, Settle made under $1 million in each of his first four seasons with Washington. The total cash he received from 2018-21 totaled a little less than $3 million.
Settle joined the Bills in NFL free agency four years ago. He signed a 2-year contract that paid him $9 million.
In Houston, Settle had a 2-year, $6 million deal.
The major deal with Washington this offseason comes as a significant surprise. Spotrac projected Settle’s market value to be $7.4 million on a 2-year deal.
The Athletic’s Daniel Popper didn’t include Settle on his list of top 150 free agents this offseason. While Popper omitted Settle, 11 other interior defensive linemen made the list.
What Settle Will Bring to Commanders Defense
Despite his size, Settle has never been a great tackler. According to Pro Football Focus, Settle has been a well below average tackler since his final season in Washington during 2021.
But Settle has mostly posted strong analytical grades elsewhere in the PFF ranking system. In 2025, the veteran recorded the best pass rusher grade of his career.
Settle created 17 total pressures, including 16 hurries last season. During 2024, he had 43 pressures, 34 of which were hurries.
So while Settle doesn’t get a ton of sacks, he still creates havoc on opposing quarterbacks.
Washington’s defense will be going through a transition next season. The Commanders could lose Von Miller, Jacob Martin and Bobby Wagner, who were three of the team’s top five defenders in sacks.
But before Settle, the Commanders also signed edge rusher Odafe Oweh. Popper ranked Oweh the No. 12 free agent of this offseason.
Settle and Oweh aren’t direct replacements for all three of those unrestricted free agents (Miller, Martin and Wagner). Furthermore, the Commanders will lose a lot of experience if all three leave.
But Settle and Oweh bring experience in their own right and will make the Commanders defense younger.
In 124 NFL games, Settle has registered 15 sacks, 30 tackles for loss and 27 quarterback hits during his career.
Commanders Bring Back Popular Former Draft Pick With $25 Million Contract: Report