Commanders Roundup: Explosive Playmakers, Coaching Moves, and Offseason Questions
The offseason is heating up in Washington, and the Commanders are right in the middle of it-adding to the coaching staff, navigating key player decisions, and keeping an eye on potential offensive weapons. Let’s break it all down.
Could Rashid Shaheed Add Firepower to Washington’s Offense?
When you talk about pure electricity on a football field, Rashid Shaheed belongs in the conversation. Since entering the league as an undrafted free agent out of Weber State in 2021, Shaheed has made a name for himself as one of the league’s premier big-play threats.
He’s had at least one 50-yard reception in every season he’s played-and that’s not by accident. His speed, timing, and ability to stretch a defense make him a nightmare for defensive coordinators.
But Shaheed’s value doesn’t stop at wide receiver. He’s also a dynamic return specialist-just ask the 49ers.
In the divisional round of the playoffs, Shaheed set the tone early with a kickoff return touchdown that helped the Seahawks cruise to a blowout win. And in the NFC Championship against the Rams, he reeled in a 51-yard catch that led to Seattle’s opening touchdown.
Players like Shaheed are rare. He’s the kind of weapon that can flip a game with a single touch.
If Washington were to bring him into the fold, the possibilities would be endless-jet sweeps, deep shots, special teams sparks. He’s a chess piece that would give the Commanders’ offense a lot more versatility and explosiveness.
Eric Henderson Joins Commanders’ Defensive Staff
Washington’s coaching staff continues to take shape, and the latest addition brings both NFL experience and collegiate success. Eric Henderson is stepping into a defensive role with the Commanders, marking his third stint in the NFL after two years at USC as co-defensive coordinator, run game coordinator, and defensive line coach.
Henderson’s NFL journey began in 2017 with the Chargers as an assistant defensive line coach, where he worked under then-head coach Anthony Lynn-now Washington’s run game coordinator. That connection is more than just a footnote; it’s part of a growing web of familiarity and trust within the Commanders’ coaching ranks.
From there, Henderson moved to the Rams, where he coached the defensive line and helped lead the unit to a Super Bowl LVI win. His promotion to run game coordinator in 2023 was a testament to his rising profile in coaching circles. Now, he brings that pedigree to D.C., where his experience developing pass rushers and managing the trenches could be a key asset for a defense looking to re-establish its identity.
Christian Gonzalez on David Blough: “He’s a Brilliant Football Mind”
There’s a personal connection between New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez and the Commanders’ new offensive coordinator, David Blough-they’re family. Blough is married to Gonzalez’s sister, Melissa, and the young cornerback didn’t hold back when asked about his brother-in-law during Super Bowl media day.
“I think it’s awesome. So excited for him,” Gonzalez said.
“To us, to people who know him, it’s no surprise. He’s a brilliant football mind.
Knows so much about ball.”
Gonzalez has known Blough since high school and has had a front-row seat to his football journey. Now, with Blough stepping into a major role in Washington, Gonzalez believes the Commanders’ offense is in good hands.
"He's got weapons out there," Gonzalez added. "I'm excited for him... they get to put it together and enjoy it."
Blough’s reputation as a cerebral, innovative football thinker is starting to gain traction, and it’ll be fascinating to see how he molds this offense in his first year calling the shots.
Will the Commanders Re-Sign Deebo Samuel-or Could the Raiders Make a Move?
One of the biggest questions facing Washington this offseason is the future of Deebo Samuel. The versatile wide receiver put up 802 yards from scrimmage and six touchdowns in what was otherwise a frustrating season for the Commanders. While his production was solid, the team now faces a decision: bring him back or move in a different direction as they look to get younger and more explosive across the roster.
If Washington lets Samuel test the market, the Las Vegas Raiders are reportedly a team to watch. With Fernando Mendoza projected to be the No. 1 overall pick, the Raiders are expected to surround their young quarterback with proven talent-and Samuel fits that bill. His ability to line up all over the field and create mismatches would give any offense a boost, especially one in need of immediate playmaking help.
Financially, Samuel’s projected market value is hovering just over $13 million per year-a figure Washington could absorb if they want to keep him. But with a roster in transition, the front office has to weigh whether that money is better spent on younger, ascending talent.
Around the NFC East: Eagles Shake Up Coaching Staff
In Philadelphia, a major shift is underway. Longtime offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland is stepping away from the Eagles after more than a decade of molding one of the league’s most dominant trenches. His departure is a seismic loss for the franchise, especially for veterans like Lane Johnson, who’s played his entire 13-year career under Stoutland’s tutelage.
Johnson, who missed the second half of last season with a Lisfranc injury, now faces a crossroads. He’s spoken about feeling like he’s still in his prime, but the injuries are piling up, and with the only OL coach he’s ever known now gone, retirement could be on the table.
This comes amid a broader wave of change in Philly, where familiar faces like Jason Kelce, Fletcher Cox, and Brandon Graham have already stepped away-or briefly returned. Stoutland’s exit might be the final domino that leads Johnson to consider his future more seriously.
One bit of stability? Vic Fangio is expected to return as defensive coordinator in 2026, giving the Eagles some continuity on that side of the ball amid all the upheaval.
Cowboys Eyeing Linebacker Help in the Draft
Down in Dallas, the Cowboys are already thinking draft-and linebacker is a clear area of focus. One name that fits the bill?
Georgia’s C.J. Allen.
He’s the prototype of the modern NFL linebacker: fast, instinctive, and battle-tested.
Allen played in a pro-style system at Georgia that mirrors many of the complexities he’ll see in the NFL. He was the heartbeat of that defense, constantly around the ball and rarely caught out of position. For a Cowboys unit looking to retool its linebacker corps under Christian Parker’s vision, Allen would be a plug-and-play option with a high ceiling.
Bottom Line
The Commanders are in the middle of a pivotal offseason-one that could shape the next chapter of the franchise. With coaching hires like Eric Henderson and David Blough, potential additions like Rashid Shaheed, and big decisions looming on players like Deebo Samuel, there’s no shortage of storylines to follow in D.C.
And across the NFC East, the winds of change are blowing hard. Whether it’s Philadelphia losing a coaching legend or Dallas eyeing its next defensive cornerstone, the division is shifting. The question now: Who’s ready to take the next step?