Washington Commanders 2026 Offseason Outlook

It’s safe to say the 2024 Washington Commanders might not have been as good as their record indicated, just as one might suggest the 2025 Commanders weren’t as bad as their record. When head coach Dan Quinn and rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels entered the scene in 2024, everything seemed to bounce the right way for Washington. After seven seasons of not finishing over .500, the Commanders pulled out a slew of close games to finish 12-5 and then got as far as the NFC title game — immediately creating unfair expectations for what this team might do as an encore.

Sure enough, after winning 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year, Daniels was injured for much of last season. Even more notable, the balls didn’t bounce the same way and the close games went to the opponent this time around. Thus the Commanders went from 12-5 to 5-12.

The Commanders are likely somewhere in between the last two seasons, with the potential to swing in either direction depending on a) Daniels staying healthy; and b) addressing some weaknesses they maybe took for granted going into last season.

2025 recap

After a promising 3-2 start last season, the Commanders fell off a cliff and proceeded to lose eight straight. After starting all 17 games as a rookie, injuries limited Daniels to just seven games in 2025. His completion rate, yards per game, yards per attempt and passer rating all went down from the previous year. Even with a dangerous receiving tandem in Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel, along with veteran tight end Zach Ertz, the QB combination of Daniels and Marcus Mariota never got into a consistent rhythm. While offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury has moved on, his replacement has good chemistry with Daniels. New OC David Blough has been the team’s QB coach, so that pair has been together for two years.

The Commanders will look to improve on an offense that ranked 22nd in scoring last season, but that shouldn’t take precedence over the need to rebuild the defense. Washington finished 27th in points allowed per game (26.5) and dead last in yards allowed (384.0). They were an equal opportunity provider — ranking 30th in rushing yards allowed and 30th in touchdown passes allowed.

To make matters worse, Washington was at its worst on center stage. Because of the surprising 2024 success, the Commanders were featured as a main attraction seven times in 2025 — five prime-time games, one international series game and a Christmas Day game. Washington was 0-7 in those contests.

Key free agents

WR Deebo Samuel
LB Bobby Wagner
QB Marcus Mariota
TE Zach Ertz
LB Von Miller
CB Jonathan Jones
RB Austin Ekeler

Commanders salary cap space

$76,041,469

2026 draft needs

While it couldn’t hurt to address the offensive line and running back, it’s clear Washington’s focus will be defense, defense and more defense. New defensive coordinator Daronte Jones had been a defensive assistant under Brian Flores with the Minnesota Vikings, so expect the Commanders to look for versatile athletes who can move around and line up in multiple formations. Depending on what kind of impact edge rusher is available at the seventh overall pick, don’t be surprised to see Washington grab the best available cornerback atthat spot.

2026 opponents

Home:Dallas, N.Y. Giants, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Cincinnati, Houston, Indianapolis, L.A. Rams, Seattle

Away:Dallas, N.Y. Giants, Philadelphia, Arizona, Jacksonville, Minnesota, San Francisco, Tennessee