The Washington Commanders are heading into one of the most pivotal offseasons in recent franchise memory-a crossroads that could shape the trajectory of Dan Quinn’s tenure in D.C. After a promising first season that ended in an NFC Championship appearance, the wheels came off in 2025. Now, the pressure is mounting, and the margin for error is razor-thin.
Quinn isn’t sitting idle. Both offensive and defensive coordinators have been replaced, and the rest of the coaching staff has seen a significant shake-up.
That kind of overhaul signals one thing: the Commanders know they can’t afford another step backward. With expectations rising and the fanbase eager to see the team return to contender status, the front office is being pushed toward bold, decisive action.
And they’ve got the financial flexibility to make those moves. General manager Adam Peters could be working with a war chest north of $100 million in cap space, depending on how a few contracts are handled.
That kind of budget opens the door for big-time acquisitions-but only if they’re the right ones. This isn’t about throwing money at the biggest names.
It’s about finding the right balance between youth, experience, and value.
Washington needs to get younger, yes-but they also need proven veterans who can still produce at a high level. That’s where this offseason gets interesting.
Free agency will be one avenue, but another key opportunity lies in the wave of salary-cap casualties that inevitably hits the league around this time of year. These are players who still have plenty left in the tank but become cap casualties due to their current contracts.
One name to keep a close eye on? T.J. Hockenson.
The Commanders are facing a potential void at tight end. Zach Ertz, the veteran Pro Bowler who brought leadership and reliability to the position, is likely out of the picture after suffering a late-season ACL tear. That leaves a big hole in the offense-especially for a young quarterback like Jayden Daniels, who needs a dependable target over the middle.
Ben Sinnott has shown flashes, but he’s not ready to be the unquestioned TE1. John Bates, while a solid blocker, doesn’t bring the pass-catching upside the offense needs. That’s why Hockenson, if he becomes available, should be high on Washington’s radar.
Hockenson has battled some injuries over the past couple of seasons, but when healthy, he’s one of the more complete tight ends in the league-strong hands, savvy route runner, and tough enough to handle blocking assignments when needed. If the Minnesota Vikings decide to cut ties in a cap-saving move-they’d save nearly $16 million with a post-June 1 release-Hockenson would become one of the most intriguing names on the market.
And the fit in Washington makes a lot of sense. He’d give Daniels a reliable safety valve and help stabilize an offense that’s still finding its identity. At 29 next season, Hockenson should still have multiple productive years ahead-especially if he can stay on the field.
The Commanders have the resources. They’ve made the coaching changes.
Now, it’s about making the right personnel moves to get back in the mix. If Hockenson hits the open market, don’t be surprised if Washington is one of the first teams to pick up the phone.