Washington Commanders Offseason Preview: Big Decisions, Bigger Questions
The Washington Commanders enter the 2026 offseason with plenty of flexibility - and even more to prove. With nearly $69 million in projected cap space and six draft picks, including the No. 7 overall selection, the front office has the tools to reshape a roster that struggled mightily in 2025. But with holes across the board and a franchise quarterback coming off a rocky sophomore season, the pressure is on for head coach Dan Quinn and GM Adam Peters to make every move count.
Here’s a deep dive into Washington’s biggest needs heading into what could be a pivotal offseason in the team's rebuild.
1. Edge Rusher: A Front-Line Fix is a Must
Let’s start with the obvious: Washington’s defense was historically porous in 2025, finishing dead last in total yardage allowed. That’s not just a red flag - it’s a flashing siren. If the Commanders are going to build a defense that can keep them in games, it starts up front.
Yes, they finished with 42 sacks - a respectable 14th in the league - but that number doesn’t tell the full story. Washington generated pressure on fewer than 20 percent of opposing dropbacks, which speaks to a lack of consistent disruption. That’s a problem, especially in a league where quick pressure is the name of the game.
Von Miller led the team with nine sacks, but at this stage of his career, he’s more of a situational rusher than a full-time force. He played under 40 percent of the snaps and is headed for free agency.
Dorance Armstrong is the only edge rusher under contract with any real pedigree, but he’s coming off a serious knee injury. Bottom line: the Commanders need help, and they need it fast.
Expect Washington to be active in both free agency and the draft when it comes to bolstering the edge. A trade could be in play, but with this team still far from contention, the smarter play may be to invest in young, ascending talent rather than parting with assets for short-term fixes.
2. Offensive Skill Positions: More Than Just McLaurin
Terry McLaurin is still that guy - a true No. 1 receiver who can win at all three levels. But outside of him, the cupboard is alarmingly bare.
Deebo Samuel led the team in receiving last year, stepping up while McLaurin battled through a series of soft-tissue injuries that cost him seven games. Now Samuel is set to hit free agency, and his return is far from guaranteed.
New offensive coordinator David Blough plans to build around McLaurin, but unless Washington adds more weapons, defenses will simply double him and dare someone else to beat them. That’s a recipe for frustration, especially with a young quarterback still finding his footing.
At tight end, Zach Ertz is also a pending free agent and recovering from a serious knee injury. At his age, it’s fair to wonder if he’ll be able to return at all.
The depth behind him is thin, and the same goes for the wide receiver room. Despite recent draft investments, Washington lacks reliable pass-catchers who can stretch the field or create separation.
The one bright spot? Sixth-round rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt.
The late-round gem led the team in rushing and found the end zone eight times, flashing big-play potential that made the preseason trade of Brian Robinson look like a smart gamble. Still, Croskey-Merritt profiles more as a change-of-pace back than a true workhorse.
If restricted free agent Chris Rodriguez returns, the two could form a solid one-two punch, but don’t be surprised if Washington looks to upgrade here too.
3. Cornerback: Still Searching for Answers
The Commanders have invested heavily at cornerback in recent years - back-to-back second-round picks on Mike Sainristil and Trey Amos, plus a midseason trade in 2024 for Marshon Lattimore. So far, the return on that investment has been underwhelming.
Lattimore never found his footing in Washington and is expected to be released as a cap casualty. Amos showed some promise before a broken leg ended his rookie campaign in Week 10. His development remains a question mark heading into Year 2.
Sainristil has been a bit of a mixed bag. On one hand, he’s shown a knack for making plays - eight interceptions, two forced fumbles, and 30 pass breakups in two seasons (including playoffs) is nothing to scoff at. On the other hand, opposing offenses have consistently targeted him, and it’s still unclear whether he’s best suited for the slot or the outside.
The Commanders are hoping that Sainristil and Amos can grow into starting-caliber players, but hope isn’t a plan. With the pass rush in flux, Washington will need more stability in the secondary.
Coverage and pressure go hand-in-hand - if one falters, the other suffers. Adding a veteran presence or a high-upside rookie at cornerback could help solidify a unit that’s still very much in transition.
One Big Question: Can the Coaching Change Reignite Jayden Daniels?
After a dazzling rookie season that earned him Offensive Rookie of the Year honors, Jayden Daniels took a step back in 2025 - and not just statistically. He started only seven games, and the Commanders went 2-5 in those contests. His completion percentage dropped by nearly 10 points, and he accounted for just 10 total touchdowns after racking up 31 the year before.
Injuries played a major role. Daniels dealt with an MCL sprain, a hamstring issue, and eventually a dislocated elbow that ended his season. While none of those injuries were catastrophic, the accumulation raised concerns about his durability - concerns that were already present coming out of college due to his slender frame and aggressive playing style.
The regression led to a bold decision by Dan Quinn: part ways with offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. Kingsbury’s work with Daniels in 2024 had reignited his reputation as a quarterback whisperer, but Quinn felt his scheme wasn’t giving Daniels - or the team - the best chance to succeed long-term.
Enter David Blough. At just 30 years old, the former practice squad quarterback turned assistant QB coach is now tasked with reviving Daniels’ development.
It’s a gamble, no doubt. Blough doesn’t have a long track record, but he does have a strong relationship with Daniels and plans to install a more traditional offensive system, similar to what we’ve seen from the Bears, Broncos, and 49ers.
It’s a bold move, but one that reflects the Commanders’ reality: they’re building from the ground up. With the defense still a work in progress, Washington will need Daniels and Blough to carry the load offensively in 2026.
If Daniels can stay healthy and get back to his rookie-year form, the Commanders might finally have their franchise quarterback. If not, the rebuild could stretch longer than anyone in D.C. would like.
Final Word
The Commanders have money to spend, picks to use, and a quarterback with star potential. But potential only gets you so far.
For Washington, this offseason is about turning that potential into production - on both sides of the ball. The pieces are there.
Now it’s on Quinn, Peters, and Blough to put the puzzle together.