The NFL Players Association may not be able to release its annual report cards for all 32 teams anymore, but that hasn't stopped the results from coming to light. Thanks to ESPN's Kalyn Kahler, we have a glimpse of the latest standings, and it's a big win for the Washington Commanders.
Remember back in 2024 when Washington's owner, Josh Harris, expressed his disdain for their last-place finish in the NFL's player surveys? "I'm not an F-minus guy," Harris declared, surprised at the grades his team received.
"I didn't even know you could get an F-minus." Those grades came from interviews conducted around the time of the ownership change, and Harris was quick to address the issues.
He emphasized the importance of creating a positive environment, stating that both GM Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn had to step out of NFL meetings to discuss improvements with architects. Their goal was clear: make Washington a destination of choice.
Fast forward to 2025, and Washington has climbed from 32nd to 11th. This leap is nothing short of remarkable.
In the new NFLPA player survey report cards, the Commanders soared into the top five, landing at No. 3, just behind the Miami Dolphins and Minnesota Vikings. Here's how they stacked up in each category:
The turnaround is impressive, and Harris, along with his partners, deserves a lot of credit. One area ripe for further improvement is team travel, where Washington earned a B-, their lowest mark, tied with the defensive coordinator position. Changes are already underway, with the team moving on from offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr.
Despite a challenging 5-12 season in 2025, head coach Dan Quinn was one of only two coaches to receive an A+ grade, sharing the honor with Rams coach Sean McVay. This speaks volumes about the players' respect for Quinn and shows the team's resilience during tough times. Ownership also received an A+ grade, while GM Adam Peters earned an A.
In just under three years since Harris and his partners took over from Daniel Snyder, Washington has transformed into a model organization. The Commanders are determined to show that the 2025 season was a mere blip and are eager to bounce back in 2026. With a new stadium set to open in Washington, D.C., in 2030, the future looks bright for this rejuvenated franchise.