The Commanders landed near the bottom of CBS Sports’ offensive infrastructure rankings, but the bigger question hanging over Washington is simple: how much can Jayden Daniels lift around him in 2026?
Jared Dubin sorted every NFL team by how well it supports its quarterback, factoring in play callers, offensive line play and skill talent across seven tiers. Only Miami checked in at the very bottom in Tier 7, while Washington landed at No. 29 in Tier 6.
Dubin’s explanation for the placement centered on the same issues that have followed the Commanders all offseason. “I was somewhat surprised to see the Commanders finish this low in the rankings, but we give all first-time play callers an average ranking (3 for David Blough) and Washington has a very thin pass-catching corps and one of the weakest running back groups in the NFL. That'll do a lot to drag down an offensive line that is above-average at best.”
That verdict reads harsh, but it does line up with the questions still surrounding the roster. Washington spent the offseason looking like a team that might add Brandon Aiyuk once the 49ers released him, but that possibility has grown less likely by the day. Stefon Diggs is still out there, though he comes with his own baggage.
There are reasons for optimism elsewhere. The Commanders should be in decent shape at tight end with Chig Okonkwo, John Bates and Ben Sinnott.
In the backfield, Rachaad White is expected to be a meaningful addition alongside Jacory Croskey-Merritt. And if rookie Antonio Williams delivers on the buzz around him, the receiver room looks a lot better.
The most important piece, though, is already in place: Daniels and Terry McLaurin are healthy.
Dubin also took a shot at Washington’s offensive line, labeling it “above-average at best.” The decision to move on from Tyler Biadasz without an obvious replacement raised eyebrows, but the Commanders believe Nick Allegretti can provide similar production for less money. Biadasz’s play dipped last season, which is part of the reason Washington felt comfortable making the change.
At tackle, the Commanders have Laremy Tunsil and Josh Conerly Jr. Tunsil is viewed by some as the league’s best left tackle, while Conerly’s rookie year got off to a rough start before he improved in the second half. Some evaluators still lean too heavily on his full-season numbers instead of that late surge.
Even with the ranking, Washington believes its line can be a strength.
And that’s really the thread running through all of this. The same doubts were attached to the Commanders’ offense in 2024, and a healthy Daniels changed the conversation fast.
The rankings are subjective. The real answer won’t come until September.
In Other News...
Commanders May Have Finally Found A Veteran WR Answer
Washingtons receiver room still looks thin behind Terry McLaurin, and the front office has not yet done anything to fully answer that need. The depth chart has been leaning on a group of young or unproven options, which is why the search for a veteran addition has lingered into the stretch before training camp.
One name now in the mix is Brandin Cooks, who has made it clear he wants to land with a team before camp opens and has also said Buffalo is his preferred destination. For Washington, the appeal is obvious: Cooks just showed he can still help a contender in a late-season run, and his brief stint with the Bills gave him a reminder that he can fit into a passing game quickly if the opportunity is right. [Read more 🡒]
Commanders May Already Have Their Answer Opposite Terry McLaurin
The Commanders spent a premium draft pick on a receiver who could change the look of their passing game almost immediately, and Antonio Williams already has the kind of profile that makes people around the league take notice. With Terry McLaurin still the centerpiece, Washington needed someone who could help lighten the load on the other side, and Williams arrives with enough buzz to make that conversation feel real before training camp even starts.
What happens next will matter just as much as the draft-night decision. If Williams shows he can handle the speed and physicality of the pro game right away, Washington may not feel much urgency to keep shopping for another veteran wideout, but if the transition proves bumpy, the team could be back in the market sooner than expected. For now, the Commanders at least have a promising answer in-house, and the summer will tell them how firm that answer really is. [Read more 🡒]
Commanders Front Office Shakeup Just Added A New Twist
The Commanders personnel department is getting another reset, with veteran NFL executive Scott Fitterer leaving after two seasons in Washington. The move comes as the franchise continues to shape the front office around general manager Adam Peters, and it adds another layer to a group that has already been busy trying to build a more stable operation behind the scenes.
In his place, Washington has brought in former Vikings assistant GM Demitrius Washington as a senior personnel executive, giving the organization another experienced evaluator to lean on. The hire also reconnects him with Peters from their time together in San Francisco, a familiar tie that could matter as the Commanders keep refining how they identify and stack talent. [Read more 🡒]