A Homegrown Solution: Why Wyatt Teller Fits in Washington

He had an outstanding career in Cleveland. During his time there, he has consistently ranked high in the league for his run blocking. Teller was a two-time First Team All-Pro selection in 2020 and 2021, as well as a three-time Pro Bowler.

But why would he specifically be a good fit in Washington?

A Local Connection

Teller is a Virginia native, graduating from Liberty High School in Fauquier County, just an hour west of Washington, DC. From there, he went on to play for Virginia Tech before being drafted by the Buffalo Bills in 2018. While it is more important to hire based on performance and not just ties to the region, fortunately, Teller checks both of those boxes. Players who end up at a franchise from their locale tend to play with greater pride, have stronger community engagement, and have a natural desire to represent the region. It is not just a paycheck. It becomes more personal.

Fans across the DC metropolitan area know who Teller is. They followed him through high school, his time at Virginia Tech, and likely the biggest day of his life, the 2018 draft. Fans in the area would rejoice at having a player like Teller protecting Jayden Daniels.

Building Around Daniels

New offensive coordinator David Blough knows that he needs to build his offense around Jayden Daniels. The young quarterback got off to a hot start in his rookie season, but injuries plagued him in 2025. In order for Daniels to succeed in 2026, he needs a considerable amount of help along the way. Teller is still arguably one of the most dominant run blockers in the NFL. Adding a veteran guard like him would help stabilize the interior.

Setting the Tone Up Front

Teller plays with an edge that the Commanders’ offensive line is missing. He is excellent at controlling the line of scrimmage and creates space for running backs to have a clear lane ahead. This could help Washington on early downs and put less pressure on Daniels in the passing game. From a pass protection standpoint, Teller has proven that he can keep the pocket from collapsing and give the quarterback plenty of time to throw.

Priorities This Offseason

While the Commanders’ defense has plenty of needs that must be addressed this offseason, protecting Jayden Daniels needs to be at the top of the list. A player like Wyatt Teller would not just bring veteran experience to the table, but would also bring strength and dependability to the interior. If the Commanders are looking to reconnect to their roots and bolster their offensive line, there is one man who is perfect for the job.

It is time for Teller to come home to the DC area.