The Washington Commanders are coming off a challenging 2025 season, marked by injuries, questionable play-calling, and a general sense of unease that limited them to just five wins. In response, General Manager Adam Peters has been busy during free agency, making moves that, at least on paper, seem to bolster the team's prospects. But the real question remains: will these changes translate into success on the field?
The Commanders made significant strides in free agency by bringing in defensive talents like Odafe Oweh and Leo Chenal. These additions aim to shore up a defense that struggled mightily last season. With quarterback Jayden Daniels expected to return to full health, there's optimism that Washington can turn things around.
However, the road to redemption isn't without its bumps. Last year, Washington's defense found itself at the bottom of the league rankings.
While the new signings should help, there's no guarantee of an overnight transformation. On the offensive side, a healthy Daniels is crucial, but he needs more than just star wide receiver Terry McLaurin to keep defenses on their toes.
As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, Peters still has his work cut out for him. The Commanders have only six picks this year, missing out on selections in the second and fourth rounds.
This means Peters will need to be strategic, possibly focusing on defensive reinforcements while also considering an offensive skill player to relieve some pressure off McLaurin. Keeping an eye on remaining free agents or engineering a trade could also be part of the strategy to steer the team in the right direction.
While the exact impact of the new defensive signings remains to be seen, the Commanders' need for another offensive weapon is undeniable. Finding a way to draw attention away from McLaurin should be a top priority, and how Peters addresses this will be crucial to Washington's prospects for the upcoming season.