Washington Commanders Face Critical Offseason: Protect Jayden Daniels, Fix the Defense, Spend Smart
The 2025 season was a wake-up call for the Washington Commanders. One year removed from a thrilling NFC Championship run, the team came crashing back to earth with a 5-12 record that exposed glaring weaknesses on both sides of the ball. The highs of Jayden Daniels’ electric rookie campaign quickly gave way to the harsh realities of life in the NFL - injuries, inconsistency, and a defense that simply couldn’t stop anyone.
Now, with a new coaching staff in place and a projected $100 million in cap space, general manager Adam Peters is staring down the most important offseason of his tenure. The mission? Protect the franchise quarterback and rebuild a defense that finished dead last in the league.
Daniels’ Health Is Priority No. 1
Let’s start with the obvious: Jayden Daniels is the future of this franchise. But that future only matters if he can stay on the field.
After earning Offensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2024, Daniels played in just seven games last season, sidelined by a trio of injuries - knee, hamstring, elbow - that raised serious concerns about the sustainability of his dual-threat style. His ability to turn broken plays into highlight-reel moments is what makes him special, but it’s also what puts him at risk.
Washington’s first move in response? A change in offensive philosophy.
Out goes Kliff Kingsbury, in comes David Blough, who’s expected to install a more structured, quick-hitting passing attack designed to get the ball out of Daniels’ hands faster. That’s a start.
But scheme alone won’t keep No. 5 upright.
The Commanders need to surround Daniels with better protection and more reliable weapons. That means investing in the offensive line - particularly at tackle - and adding skill-position players who can win quickly and consistently. The goal isn’t just to feature Daniels; it’s to protect him, extend his career, and give him a chance to grow into the elite quarterback he’s shown flashes of becoming.
The Defense Needs a Full Rebuild
While Daniels’ injuries derailed the offense, the defense never even got out of the garage.
Washington gave up a league-worst 384 yards per game in 2025, and the run defense was non-existent. At times, it looked like the Commanders were playing with 11 cones on the field. Missed tackles, blown assignments, and a lack of physicality turned every opposing offense into a juggernaut.
This wasn’t just a bad defense - it was historically bad. And that means it’s time to tear it down and start fresh.
The Commanders hold the No. 7 overall pick in the upcoming draft, and they’re in prime position to land a defensive cornerstone. Whether that’s a high-motor edge rusher like Texas Tech’s David Bailey or a do-it-all safety like Ohio State’s Caleb Downs, the pick has to hit. Washington needs a tone-setter - someone who can anchor the defense and give it an identity.
But the real work starts before the draft.
$100 Million in Cap Space - Time to Spend It Wisely
With over $100 million in projected cap space, Washington is expected to be one of the most aggressive teams in free agency. And they have to be. This isn’t the time for half-measures.
The Commanders need reinforcements at every level of the defense. A shutdown corner to replace Marshon Lattimore.
Linebackers who can cover and tackle. Defensive linemen who can collapse the pocket and clog running lanes.
Peters has the resources to address all of it - now it’s about making the right calls.
This roster is a study in extremes. On one hand, you’ve got a dynamic young quarterback and a war chest of cap space.
On the other, there’s a glaring lack of depth, athleticism, and defensive talent. That’s not a sustainable formula.
The challenge for Peters is to use this offseason to bring balance back to the roster. That means turning financial flexibility into foundational pieces - not just short-term patchwork. Free agency isn’t just about adding names; it’s about building a culture and supporting the stars already in place.
A Pivotal Moment for the Franchise
The Commanders came within striking distance of the Super Bowl just a year ago. Now, after a season filled with setbacks, they’re at a crossroads.
Jayden Daniels is too talented to waste. But unless Washington uses this offseason to protect him, support him, and give him a defense that can hold its own, they risk turning what could be a golden era into a cautionary tale.
This is the offseason that defines the next five years in D.C. The money is there.
The draft capital is there. The time to act is now.