Editor’s note: Each day, Hogs Haven compiles a collection of articles, podcasts & tweets from around the web to keep you in touch with the Commanders, the NFC East, the NFL and sports in general, with a sprinkling of other stuff. Enjoy!
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Articles
Commanders Roundtable
Four Positions to Watch in 2nd installment of Washington Commanders public OTAs
Linebacker
Linebacker was the position Washington spent the most time at during the offseason, and should have new starters at every spot.
On the outside, free-agency signings Odafe Oweh and K’Lavon Chaisson were brought in to help a pass rush that
finished with no players recording double-digit sacks. Another free-agency signing, former Chief Leo Chenal, is in line to man one of the inside spots. The other will be taken by the seventh overall pick, Sonny Styles. Styles is tasked with replacing veteran Bobby Wagner as the new leader of the defense. While the Commanders went heavy on a total rebuild at the position, what the results will be remains to be seen. Oweh has had an uneven career so far, and Chaisson just had his best season with a Patriots team that was filled with defensive talent. How much of an upgrade will they be?
Chanel will be away from Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. Styles is a rookie who will be responsible for calling the defense. Frankie Luvu, meanwhile, was the one reportedly sporting the ‘green dot’ in last week’s opening practice. How this group develops – and how responsibilities evolve through reps and growth – could move the needle on the ceiling for the 2026 defense.
Secondary
Cornerback Mike Sainristil noted the emphasis on versatility in the secondary while both Quan Martin and Will Harris were reportedly also taking reps in the nickel, evidence of exactly that.
Commanders Roundtable
Is the Washington Commanders’ RB Room Better Than People Think?
while Washington may lack a marquee, headline-grabbing superstar in the backfield, they might just have something special brewing. This carefully crafted group brings a high floor and a diverse blend of complementary skill sets to the table.
Is Washington’s running back room truly a case where the sum is greater than its parts? Let’s dive into what each back offers this season and outline who is primed for a breakout year.
How Good Was Washington’s Run Game in 2025?
Before moving on to 2026 and analyzing the ‘why’ behind Adam Peters’ roster decisions, we have to audit exactly where the ground attack stood last year. On the surface, Washington’s rushing attack was highly efficient. But when Austin Ekeler went down early in the year with a ruptured Achilles, it completely altered the team’s identity, forcing the offense into a heavy, downhill system.
Here is how Washington’s 2025 output stacked up against league-wide averages:
At first glance, it’s clear that Washington’s run game was highly productive. The team averaged a stellar 4.7 YPC and racked up 20 rushing touchdowns.
However, those macro-level numbers hid a major flaw. For one, quarterback Jayden Daniels was the team’s third-leading rusher with 58 carries, while Marcus Mariota finished fourth with 50. Meanwhile, Merritt (175) and Chris Rodriguez (112) led the way. Combine the rushing attempts of Daniels and Mariota, and you get 108 carries from the quarterback position.
Long-term, that simply isn’t sustainable.
Commanders.com
Kaytron Allen wants to prove he’s more than just a bruiser
Allen is happy to get on the field regardless of the situation, but being a bruiser is only part of the skill set he hopes to show at the NFL level.
“I’m excited to show the world what I can really do,” Allen told Commanders host Bryan Colbert Jr. on the latest episode of “Raising Hail with the rookies.” “I feel like I haven’t shown everything I can really do.”
To be fair, Allen was better than most running backs in college football at filling the physical role. He had back-to-back 1,100-yard seasons with 23 touchdowns in his final two years with Penn State. He faced heavy boxes (more than seven defenders) on 27% of his carries, the most in his class, in 2025 and still averaged 4.8 yards per carry. Only 11% of his runs failed to gain yardage, which is impressive when considering the nearly 16 touches he averaged per game.
But Allen didn’t become Penn State’s all-time leading rusher by picking up short yardage. He might not have gotten the same level of fanfare as Jeremiyah Love, Mike Washington Jr. or Jadarian Price — all of whom were drafted ahead of him — he had either similar or superior numbers in multiple categories. He had the fifth-most yards after contact and was tied for fourth in missed tackles.
In terms of generating explosive plays, Allen ranked seventh in runs of at least 10 yards, which was tied with Washington. He generated 1,303 yards on designed runs – just 69 yards behind Love. He also tied with Washington on designed runs of more than 15 yards (17), and he ranked fourth in breakaway yards with 527.
Allen feels like his versatility to affect games in different ways is his most underrated trait.
“I feel like I can do everything as a running back,” Allen said. “I feel like I can run the ball; I can catch the ball; I can run routes; I can do different things.”
Bullock’s Film Room (subscription)
Looking at how the Commanders could look to get the likes of Sonny Styles, Frankie Luvu and Leo Chenal all on the field at the same time
[T]he Commanders [now have] real depth at the [inside linebacker] position, something they’ve lacked for a number of years. But it also raises another question; how do they fit them all on the field? Magee and Luvu are both capable starters, but the Commanders didn’t sign Chenal and draft Styles to sit on the bench either. This is further highlighted by the Commanders potentially switching from a 4-3 base defense last year to a 3-4 base defense under new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones. Typically the base defense wouldn’t matter so much because most NFL teams live in nickel sub-packages, but Jones comes from the Vikings, who had one of the highest uses of base defenses in the NFL last year.
So we can expect the Commanders to be in their base defense a lot under Jones and judging by drills in rookie minicamp and OTAs, we can expect the Commanders to be shifting to a 3-4 defense. Why is that significant to this conversation about linebacker depth and getting everyone on the field? Well, in a 3-4 front, there’s only two spots available for inside linebackers.
For the Commanders, this means only two of Styles, Chenal, Luvu and Magee can play in those inside linebacker roles. Given they drafted Styles seventh overall, I think it’s safe to assume he’s going to be starting in one of those spots, likely as the Mike (middle) linebacker that wears the green dot and makes all the calls and adjustments. That means Jordan Magee, who was in line to take that role from Bobby Wagner, is probably going to be relegated to a back up role behind Styles. So that leaves Chenal and Luvu to battle out for that last spot.
Or does it? Perhaps there’s a few ways the Commanders could look to get all three of Styles, Luvu and Chenal on the field at the same time? I think there’s three main options for Daronte Jones to consider here, so let’s break them down.
Commanders.com
‘Talent top to bottom’: Commanders confident in new-look D-line room
The Commanders have been quiet about their plans for the defense led by former Minnesota Vikings defensive backs coach and pass game coordinator Daronte Jones. It’s assumed that he will take concepts from Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, who likes to create confusion at the line of scrimmage to manufacture pressure and sacks. The Vikings were one of the best teams at that last season, tying for fourth in sacks and leading the league in pass rush win rate. Sixteen players on the Vikings’ defense generated at least a half-sack, with three of their top sack producers being defensive tackles.
The Commanders feel like they at least have the depth to replicate some of that success. Kinlaw, with some more colorful language, listed several players who have a history of rushing passers, including Oweh and Chaisson as well as the likes of Daron Payne, Johnny Newton, Omenihu, defensive tackle Tim Settle Jr. and Deatrich Wise Jr.
“We’ve got a full house here, man,” Kinlaw said. “It’s been super exciting just being around these guys. It’s a dog room, and it’s all about dog working. These guys, they work they’re tails off.”
Of the new players up front, Oweh and Chaisson are expected to lead the pack, not just because of the money the Commanders invested in them, but because they have a track record of being pass rushers the Commanders haven’t had on the edge in recent seasons. They generated nearly twice as many pressures as any other Commanders player last season and had a combined 20.5 sacks in the regular season and playoffs. Oweh had the 10th-best pass rush win rate for edge rushers, while Chaisson hit career-highs in sacks and quarterbacks hits in 2025.
Riggo’s Rag
6 Commanders players already falling behind at 2026 OTAs
Ahkello Witherspoon – Commanders CB
The Washington Commanders’ cornerback dynamic is interesting. Fans are concerned there aren’t enough quality options in the room, but some interesting wrinkles during OTAs suggest defensive coordinator Daronte Jones may have something else up his sleeve.
According to reports from those in attendance, Jones has been deploying Quan Martin and Tyler Owens as the big nickel options. They are physically capable of handling these responsibilities. The 2023 second-round pick shone in the slot as a rookie before moving to the back end, which didn’t go nearly as well.
Mike Sainristil and Trey Amos are the outside tandem. Amik Robertson is setting the tone through his leadership, challenging his teammates to raise their performance. Ahkello Witherspoon was also acquired in free agency, but he’s already got his work cut out if early impressions are any indication.
He’s got the size and length to potentially be impactful, but staying healthy has been a real problem for the Colorado product throughout his career.
Commanders Wire
DQ Injury update from last week’s (May) OTA session
Here are the players who did not participate:Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.
- EDGE Dorance Armstrong
- CB Trey Amos
- DE Deatrich Wise
- DT Tim Settle
- RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt
Four of these players are coming off major injuries. Armstrong (ACL), Amos (broken fibula), Wise (quad) and Settle (foot) are working their way back. Croskey-Merritt was also present, but watching from the sideline. It’s unclear if he’s dealing with some type of injury.
Quinn offered an update on some of the injured players last week.
“They’re kind of in all sorts of spots really,” Quinn said. “Some are still on their way back and getting towards the latter parts of the rehab to go into that. For example, DA [DE Dorance Armstrong] or [DE] Deatrich [Wise] in that space. So, there’s guys in different spots. And I think all of it’s kind of geared towards camp to see what that would look like. Yeah, I think that’ll be fluid here through the OTAs. But the number one thing is that they’re on the way back and making good strides in that way.”
Quinn didn’t offer a timeline for any of the players. However, it sounds like the ultimate goal is to have everyone 100% by Week 1. Some could be back sooner. Armstrong suffered a torn ACL in Week 2, while Wise’s torn quad occurred in Week 2.
Amos fractured his fibula in Week 10, but he’s posted updates about his physical condition. All appears well on that front. As for Settle, he underwent surgery on his foot in December.
The Commanders will begin [another round] of OTAs [today].
Podcasts & videos
Photos
Commanders.com
PHOTOS | Commanders begin Phase 3
The Washington Commanders were on the field for the start of their OTAs. Check out the top photos from the afternoon practice.
NFC East links
NFL.com
Giants sign WRs Odell Beckham Jr., JuJu Smith-Schuster, and Braxton Berrios
Turn back the clock to 2018: OBJ is a New York Giant.
New York is signing wide receiver Odell Beckham, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport, Mike Garafolo and Tom Pelissero reported on Monday, per sources. The team later announced the signing.
OBJ’s return to Big Blue comes after a Monday workout with the team, his second of the offseason. Veteran WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, who also worked out for the club on Monday, is also signing with New York, per Rapoport and Garafolo. The Giants also agreed to terms with receiver/kick returner Braxton Berrios, per ESPN.
Beckham, 33, did not play last season, during which he received a six-game suspension in October for violating the league’s performance-enhancing drug policy.
He last suited up during a forgettable 2024 campaign for the Miami Dolphins, making nine catches for 55 yards in nine appearances before he and the team agreed to part ways.
Heavy.com
Commanders May Not Have To Deal With a Fully Healthy Malik Nabers Next Season
The return of OBJ sounds good on paper; however, it may just be a cover for the health of their current star wide receiver, Malik Nabers.
Nabers has been on a long road to recovery since he tore his ACL in Week 4 of the 2025 NFL season. After Nabers’ first surgery to repair his ACL took place in October, ESPN’s Adam Schefter announced that he underwent a second surgery in May.
“It was a second surgery to address some of the scar tissue and some of the stiffness that he had after the first surgery,” Schefter stated on Get Up. “It was not planned, it was not expected.”
Schefter went on to say that while the Giants are hopeful Nabers will be ready for their season opener, he believes his status is very much “up in the air”.
Naber’s second surgery was initially reported in early May, and then fans got a first look at him moving post-surgery at Brian Burns’ celebrity softball game on May 30th.
[T]he Giants’ decision to move forward with signing OBJ seems to add weight to Nabers recovery concerns.
ESPN
What’s next for Eagles, Patriots after A.J. Brown trade?
While Brown, who turns 29 on June 30, immediately becomes the Patriots’ No. 1 wide receiver, the Philadelphia Eagles walk away with a 2028 first-round draft pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick while saving on dead salary cap space in 2026. Brown will wear the No. 1 jersey, switching it up from the No. 11 he’s previously worn in his NFL career.
It was a trade written in the tea leaves, with both teams seemingly preparing for it — waiting until June 1 for financial reasons. Eagles executive vice president and general manager Howie Roseman traded up in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft for USC receiver Makai Lemon, which was part of a widespread reshaping of the team’s receiving corps. The Patriots did not draft a receiver and released veteran Stefon Diggs in free agency.
Why did Eagles trade Brown to the Patriots?
Brown made it crystal clear through his words and actions that he was unhappy in the Eagles’ offense, to the point that it became impossible to ignore. As one league source with ties to the Eagles put it, “I don’t feel they want drama anymore.”
Brown and Hurts were described as best friends when they first joined forces in 2022.
However, their interactions decreased over the years and it became known internally that the two were no longer tight like they once were. It was no secret that part of Brown’s annoyance was directed at the franchise QB.
The Patriots moved on from Stefon Diggs (85 receptions for 1,013 yards, with 4 TDs) and replacing that production (and efficiency) needs to come from somewhere, and few have been more productive than Brown.
Brown looks to extend his run of four consecutive seasons with at least 1,000 receiving yards and seven receiving touchdowns, which is the second-longest active streak in NFL behind the Cincinnati Bengals‘ Ja’Marr Chase (5). His playing style is notably different from the 32-year-old Diggs, as he is more likely to be on the boundary than the inside.
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Articles
ESPN
Browns trade Myles Garrett to Rams for Jared Verse, three picks
The shocking trade is completely on brand for the Rams, who made a similarly seismic move in the 2021 offseason when they acquired quarterback Matthew Stafford in the season in which the Super Bowl was being played in Los Angeles before going on to win it.
With Super Bowl LXI set to be played at SoFi Stadium this February, the Rams again are going all-in and living by their mantra, “F— them picks,” while trying to repeat history.
The Browns told the Rams that no deal would get done without including the 25-year-old Verse, the Rams’ 2024 first-round pick who has had 12 sacks and 22 tackles for loss the past two seasons.
The Rams initially were not interested in moving Verse but eventually began to consider a package with him as long as the draft picks were adjusted appropriately, sources said.
The Browns privately have calculated this trade is likely to save them $30 million in cash, though they are fully prepared to pay Verse when the time is right.
The trade also marks a homecoming for Verse, who was born in Dayton, Ohio.
ESPN
QB Russell Wilson finalizing deal to join CBS Sports
Quarterback Russell Wilson is finalizing a deal to become a CBS Sports analyst, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Monday.
It is unclear if Wilson is retiring as a player or simply taking a pause on his playing career.
He will replace Matt Ryan with CBS after the former quarterback left the network this offseason to return to the Atlanta Falcons as the organization’s president of football.
Discussion topics
NFL.com
Which buzzy NFL teams should you believe in for 2026?
PICK: Dallas Cowboys
I ask, with much trepidation, is it the Cowboys’ year? After giving up the most points in the league in 2025, Dallas completely rebuilt its defense, swinging trades for players like Rashan Gary and Dee Winters and using two first-round picks on that side of the ball: taking safety Caleb Downs at No. 11 overall and pass rusher Malachi Lawrence at No. 23. The Cowboys also nabbed an important Eagles coach, Christian Parker, to serve as their defensive coordinator. With a potent offense and finally a (mostly) drama-free offseason, a turnaround feels imminent.
PICK: Dallas Cowboys
You can’t have a discussion about teams generating buzz without the Cowboys. OK, to be fair, Jerry Jones’ hype factory has been more reserved than usual this offseason. But I’m still here gassin’ up the ‘Boys because Lucy’s holding the football, imploring me to kick.
Why hitch my wagon to The Star? I could point to the offensive firepower or extol the defensive overall. I could also just admit that I fall for the Dallas delusion every few years. But frankly, this isn’t entirely about the Cowboys themselves. I think the NFC East is there for the taking. The Eagles remain talented but temperamental; the Commanders haven’t supported Jayden Daniels with the most inspiring weaponry; and the Giants are transitioning to a new head coach. So, I like the Cowboys to take the divisional crown. But can they get beyond the Divisional Round? That’s the question, isn’t it? After all, it’s been three decades since Dallas reached Championship Sunday. Well … Thirty-first time’s the charm!
PICK: New York Giants
The Giants have a challenging schedule with some really tough road tests, but I think this outfit is far better than the four-win team Big Blue fielded in 2025. Jaxson Dart and an emerging offense could be above average, especially if Malik Nabers is ready to go. The Giants’ defense, even without Dexter Lawrence, has a strong lot of talent. John Harbaugh appears reenergized, and I expect him to make the G-Men playoff contenders in Year 1.
Pick: Chicago Bears
For the purposes of this debate, I’m counting the Bears as “buzzy” because of how hot they were from November on last year, with Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson giving Chicagoans legitimate hope that their team finally has the superpowered QB-head coach combo that every fan base dreams of. There are legitimate reasons to fear a regression, namely the likelihood that the Bears won’t pull off so many miracle comebacks and lucky-bounce takeaways again. The scariest issue is the step-down on the O-line, with left tackle Ozzy Trapilo’s torn patellar tendon and center Drew Dalman’s abrupt retirement leaving key vacancies up front. Potential spottiness in that unit is not something to just hand-wave away, knowing how much it seemed to impact Williams as a rookie.
