Commanders Just Sent A Clear Message About Protecting Jayden Daniels

In a strategic roster overhaul, the Washington Commanders sharpen their offensive line by adding seasoned veterans, gearing up to protect their quarterback for the upcoming season.

The Washington Commanders kept busy on Saturday, adding three veteran offensive linemen as they try to shore up a unit built to keep Jayden Daniels protected.

Center Daniel Brunskill, offensive tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere and guard Max Scharping were all signed to the active roster. To make room, the Commanders released wide receiver Chris Hilton Jr. and guard Timoth McKay, and they also placed defensive tackle D.J. Davidson on the Reserve/Retired List.

Taken together, the three newcomers bring 223 NFL games of experience and 132 starts. Brunskill has played in 108 games with 71 starts, Petit-Frere has appeared in 34 games with 28 starts, and Scharping has logged 81 games and 33 starts.

The message behind the move is pretty clear: Washington is looking for answers up front, and it wants enough depth to survive if the line starts to wobble around Daniels.

Brunskill’s addition is especially interesting in camp because he gives the Commanders another center option. The former undrafted San Diego State product has worked at center, guard and tackle during his career.

Nick Allegretti already gives Washington an experienced presence in the middle, while sixth-round rookie Matt Gulbin adds another layer of depth. Brunskill may not be in line to seize the job right away, but he gives head coach Dan Quinn another veteran to consider.

That flexibility matters because the offensive line has not held up consistently against Washington’s defensive line in padded practice, both in pass protection and in the run game.

At the top of the group, the Commanders’ biggest names remain left tackle Laremy Tunsil and guard Sam Cosmi, who was ranked 10th among NFL guards by PFF entering the 2026 season. Cosmi played only nine games last year, but still posted a 76.3 grade while allowing 11 pressures and two sacks.

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