The Washington Commanders are staring down a critical offseason - one that could define not just their 2026 campaign, but the future of Adam Peters as general manager. After a 5-12 finish in 2025, marred by injuries and misfires in roster construction, the pressure is on to right the ship. With over $76 million in projected cap space, the Commanders have the financial flexibility to make moves - but spending smart is going to matter just as much as spending big.
This isn’t about a full rebuild. It’s about threading the needle: getting younger, faster, and healthier without tearing the whole thing down.
That’s a tough ask, especially for a team trying to maximize the early years of quarterback Jayden Daniels’ rookie deal. The clock is ticking, and Washington has to strike the right balance between immediate improvement and long-term sustainability.
The Challenge: Add Youth, Not Just Names
Let’s be clear - the Commanders can’t afford to chase aging stars in hopes of a quick fix. That approach already burned them.
What they need now is a core of ascending players: guys hitting free agency for the first time, still on the upswing of their careers. These are the types of players who can grow with Daniels and form the foundation of a team that doesn’t just contend once, but stays competitive year after year.
On offense, the Commanders are looking at a reset at both wide receiver and tight end. Deebo Samuel Sr. is likely on the way out, and finding a younger, high-upside replacement should be a top priority.
Names like Alec Pierce and Romeo Doubs fit that mold - not yet household names, but players with the tools to thrive in the right system. At tight end, Washington could make a splash with someone like Kyle Pitts Sr. or Isaiah Likely, both of whom bring athleticism and versatility to a position that desperately needs a boost.
Defensive Overhaul Incoming
Defensively, the needs run deep. Edge rusher, linebacker, safety - there are holes across the board.
The good news? There’s talent available, and the Commanders are in position to pounce.
At linebacker, Quay Walker or Nakobe Dean could be intriguing targets. Both bring sideline-to-sideline speed and physicality, and either would be a strong fit in what’s expected to be a more aggressive scheme under new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones. In the secondary, Jaquan Brisker stands out as a potential tone-setter at safety - a player who thrives in downhill situations and can help bring some bite back to this defense.
Then there’s the draft. Washington holds the No. 7 overall pick, and that’s a prime spot to land a difference-maker.
If they go defense - and all signs point that way - edge rushers like Rueben Bain Jr. or David Bailey could be in play. Both are high-motor, high-upside players who can anchor the pass rush for years to come.
But if safety Caleb Downs is still on the board, that’s a name to circle. He’s the kind of plug-and-play talent who can elevate a secondary from day one.
The Stakes Are High for Peters
This offseason is more than just a roster reset - it’s a referendum on Adam Peters. He’s shown before that he can identify talent and build a competitive roster, but last year’s approach didn’t hold up.
Now, he has to get it right. That means resisting the urge to overspend, targeting value in free agency, and nailing the draft.
Washington has the cap space, the draft capital, and a young quarterback with star potential. But none of that matters if the front office can’t execute a clear, disciplined plan.
Build smart. Build young.
Build for the long haul.
The Commanders don’t need a miracle. They need a vision - and a GM who can bring it to life.
The pieces are there. Now it’s on Peters to put them together.