With Daronte Jones now officially in place as the Washington Commanders' new defensive coordinator, the spotlight shifts to general manager Adam Peters. His task?
Give Jones the tools to rebuild a defense that’s been anything but imposing in recent years. And while the front office still needs to build around rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, creating a more balanced, complementary roster is the name of the game this offseason.
Let’s be real - Daniels is electric, but even the most dynamic young quarterbacks need help. And not just on offense.
What he needs just as much, if not more, is a defense that can keep games within reach, flip field position, and give him more opportunities to work. That’s where Jones comes in.
Known for his aggressive approach, Jones brings a fresh mindset to a unit that’s in desperate need of an identity. But philosophy alone won’t fix things - he needs players who can execute his vision.
The Commanders head into the 2026 NFL Draft with just six picks, only two of which fall in the first four rounds. That’s not a lot of draft capital to reshape a defense. Which means Peters will need to be aggressive in free agency - and fortunately, he’s got the cap space to make some noise.
Enter Quay Walker.
The 25-year-old linebacker is being linked to Washington as a potential free-agent target, and it’s not hard to see why. With Bobby Wagner likely on his way out - whether through retirement or free agency - the Commanders need a new leader in the middle of the defense.
Wagner’s been a future Hall of Famer, no doubt, but Washington needs to get younger, faster, and more explosive at every level of the defense. Walker checks those boxes.
Out of Georgia, Walker came into the league with a reputation for sideline-to-sideline range and physicality. He’s a thumper in the run game who can also be disruptive when sent on blitzes.
While there are still some question marks when it comes to his coverage abilities, he’s entering his prime and has the tools to grow into a more complete linebacker. With the right coaching and scheme fit, there’s a real ceiling to tap into here.
And that’s a key point - fit. Peters and Jones need to be in lockstep when it comes to personnel.
Jones runs a demanding system that relies on speed, discipline, and a certain level of controlled chaos. Any free agent brought in has to match that energy.
Walker, with his pedigree and physical profile, feels like a potential match.
Let’s talk numbers. According to Spotrac, Walker is projected to command around $8.28 million per year on a three-year deal worth just under $25 million.
That’s a manageable figure for a team with Washington’s cap flexibility, especially when you consider the upside. It’s also a far cry from the high-priced, low-return veteran signings the Commanders made last offseason - a strategy that clearly didn’t pan out.
The Packers could still try to keep Walker, especially with a new defensive regime under Jonathan Gannon. But if he hits the open market, Washington would be wise to make a strong push.
The Commanders don’t just need bodies - they need tone-setters. And Walker, with his youth, athleticism, and untapped potential, could be exactly the kind of player who helps Daronte Jones turn this defense into something dangerous.
Bottom line: if Washington wants to take a step forward in 2026, it’s not just about building around Jayden Daniels. It’s about building a defense that can hold its own - and maybe even win a few games on its own.
That starts with smart, aggressive moves in free agency. Quay Walker could be one of them.