The Daily Slop – 28 July 2026
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!
Commanders links
Articles
Pro Football Focus
PFF Tight End Rankings: The top 32 players ahead of the 2026 NFL season
25. Chigoziem Okonkwo, Washington Commanders
After four seasons with the Titans, Okonkwo joined the Commanders on a three-year, $27 million contract. He’s most dangerous with the ball in his hands: Last year, Okonkwo’s 13 forced missed tackles were
fourth in the NFL, while his 345 yards after the catch were ninth. It is worth mentioning though that he did post the lowest PFF run-blocking grade of any tight end in the NFL in 2025 (27.9).
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
NFL.com
NFL MVP: One non-QB candidate from each NFC team in 2026
As we sit here today, McLaurin isn’t just the Commanders’ top target — he’s the only receiver on the club who had more than 400 yards last season. Washington could still add a veteran — Stefon Diggs or Brandon Aiyuk (if he’s ever released and if he still wants to play football) — but as we enter training camp, it’s all Scary Terry. He’s coming off an injury-plagued season in which he played just 10 games, recording career lows in catches (38), yards (582) and touchdowns (three). McLaurin and Jayden Daniels participated in just three games together all season. If both stay healthy, expect McLaurin’s production to skyrocket back to where it was when the wideout earned second-team All-Pro honors while catching 13 TDs in 2024.
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
Commanders.com
One Commanders player to watch at every position group in training camp
Defensive end
- Charles Omenihu: Omenihu is not considered one of the top defensive ends in the NFL, but he’s a smart player with seven years of experience that he can offer the position. He’s going to be a depth piece for the group who could have some impactful plays because of his length and power.
Outside linebacker
- Odafe Oweh: Oweh is at the forefront of the Commanders’ efforts to rejuvenate their pass rush in 2026. He’s coming off a season in which he had 10 combined sacks in the regular and postseason, and the Commanders believe he’s on the cusp of being one of the better pass rushers in the NFL with his athleticism and speed. He’ll be a fun piece for defensive coordinator Daronte Jones to move around to rush passers.
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
A to Z Sports
Commanders’ explosive UDFA WR leads pack of 3 underdog rookies
[Jaden] Bradley is a 6-foot-4, 195-pound pass catcher who signed a three-year, $3.1 million contract with Washington that includes $55,000 guaranteed. Now, these kinds of contracts aren’t necessarily an indicator a player will make the team. However, it does show the organization has a lot of faith in him. And, he has the exact size most of his counterparts lack.
With so much fluidity behind McLaurin, anything is possible for Bradley, who finished with 86 receptions for 1,363 yards and seven touchdowns over the course of his college career. He easily had the best year of his career in 2025 with UNLV, catching 58 passes for 931 yards and four touchdowns. That comes out to a 16.1-yard average per reception, and it’s easy to see why Bradley can quickly make a name for himself.
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
Sports Illustrated
Nick Bellore’s retirement changes Commanders’ roster math before training camp
Bellore played 338 total snaps on special teams, which accounts for 79% of Washington’s total special teams plays in 2025.
Jordan Magee, Kain Medrano, and Ale Kaho…are all ready to take a larger role with the team. Medrano and Kaho, in particular, stand to benefit from having one fewer linebacker competing for a roster spot and a significant special-teams role now available. Bellore’s 338 snaps will likely be evenly distributed among those who make the final 53-man roster.
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
Commanders Wire
Four biggest position battles heading into Commanders training camp
Right now, it seems like Douglas, Mike Sainristil, and Ahkello Witherspoon are fighting for the starting corner spot opposite Trey Amos. However, Amos was recently put on the PUP list, so it will be interesting to see if that affects the competition. If Amos has to miss time, the team will probably turn to Douglas and Sainristil as the two boundary corners.
There’s also a battle for the final spot. Assume Amos, Sainristil, Douglas, and Amik Robertson are locks, that could leave just one spot for Witherspoon, Antonio Hamilton Sr., and Darius Rush, among others.
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
Riggo’s Rag
Nick Allegretti can alleviate Commanders fans’ concerns at training camp
ESPN insider John Keim believes that a strong camp from Allegretti will alleviate some concerns fans have about the move. The Commanders are reportedly encouraged by his leadership and high football IQ. This is also where he feels comfortable, so all signs point upward before things get more intense.
“The coaches say there’s a competition for this position, but Allegretti has, by far, the most experience with 39 starts — but only four at center. He calls it his natural position, however, and the Commanders do like his smarts and leadership skills. A strong showing in camp will answer a key question for Washington.”
Allegretti is being pushed by sixth-round rookie Matt Gulbin, but the winner of this position battle should be a formality. It’s the veteran’s job to lose, but the hard work is only just beginning.
The Commanders placed a lot of faith in Allegretti. Cutting Biadasz and giving the Super Bowl winner a contract extension were major calls by general manager Adam Peters. His production at either guard position doesn’t exactly bode well, but if he is more comfortable at center, all hope is not lost just yet.
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
Riggo’s Rag
Details emerge after Commanders part ways with TE coach Ben Steele
According to Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic, Steele was arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated on June 7. He also faces additional charges for refusing blood and breath tests, in addition to obstructing or resisting an officer without force.
Steele has not been part of the Commanders’ setup since minicamp, as he was placed on leave after informing the franchise of his arrest. Wes Welker coached the tight end unit in his absence, and he has now been let go for violating team policy.
Jhabvala also revealed that head coach Dan Quinn is expected to announce his replacement on Tuesday, on the eve of Washington’s first training camp practice in Ashburn.
There was significant intrigue around Steele’s arrival in Washington. He spent three productive seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, where he was instrumental in turning Trey McBride into an elite-level pass-catcher at the position. With free-agent signing Chig Okonkwo, John Bates, and 2024 second-round pick Ben Sinnott, he also had a decent amount to work with on the Commanders.
Now, that won’t happen.
The Commanders run a tight ship, and issues like this are not looked upon favorably by those in power. Steele found that out to his cost, and an extremely uncertain future now awaits.
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
Sports Illustrated
What Commanders Could Do Next After Dismissing Tight Ends Coach Ben Steele
With the first practice of training camp on Wednesday morning, Washington does not have much time to conduct a conventional hiring process. Commanders head coach Dan Quinn is expected to announce Steele’s replacement Tuesday.
This likely means the team will either go with Wes Welker, who handled the tight ends during minicamp, or call on David Raih to assume that role again. Raih was the tight ends coach for the Commanders the last two seasons and was promoted to passing game coordinator early this year. His knowledge of the roster makes him a leading candidate if the team goes in a different internal direction from Welker.
Of course, they could split the role if needed, or have one or the other take over until they can make a permanent decision later.
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
JP Finlay
Pre-camp coaching change not ideal, but not the end of the world either
The news comes after a June arrest for DWI. Steele now faces four charges from Loudoun County from the June incident and the organization decided to make the firing public two days before practices start.
The legalities of drunk driving are serious. Steele needs to deal with the legal process. Washington did place the TE coach on administrative leave after the arrest, according to a source close to the situation, which meant Offensive Assistant Wes Welker coached the tight ends during minicamp.
Two takeaways:
- With Josh Harris at the helm the Commanders organization is running a much tighter ship. It seems Steele’s arrest presented too much of a distraction for Washington to deal with in camp. Players/coaches/scouts/execs get DUIs around the NFL (just like in regular life) and it’s not a lock they’re fired.
- From a football perspective this will not sink the ship. Losing a tight ends coach two days before camp is hardly ideal, but Washington has the luxury of using Welker in the role for now (or possibly for the season). It also helps that David Raih – the team’s tight end coach the past two seasons – is still on the staff now in the elevated passing game coordinator role. Expect Dan Quinn to provide an answer for the Commanders plan at the coaching slot when he speaks Tuesday night before training camp opens.
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
Hogs Haven
Expect to see more one-on-ones in Commanders training camp
From a pure coaching perspective, I always valued one-on-ones with my athletes. It was my measuring stick from practice to practice, week to week and even year to year. Without this competition, there was truly no way to judge where my athletes stood or how much progress they were making.
I would carve out time into my weekly INDY periods to have my players do specific 1v1 drills. We would run passing skelly at minimum twice a week, and I would often end my practices with some one-on-ones.
Everything we’d work on during any specific practice would be reinforced through one-on-ones. We’d often have our film crew tape these as they were incredible teaching moments.
In an NFL training camp, one-on-ones are the measuring stick that coaches can hold their players to. Some examples below are intriguing matchups I’d be interested in seeing this camp for Washington.
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
Photos
Commanders.com
PHOTOS | Commanders Camp at McLean High School
It’s been a summer full of football and fun at Commanders Camps! At McClean High School, campers were taught flag skills and drills and hung out with Washington Legends and Major Tuddy!
Podcasts & videos
Football 101: Master X’s & O’s Before Commanders Training Camp | Take Command
Washington’s linebacker unit could change everything for the Commanders
NFC East links
The Ringer
The Biggest Question for Every NFL Team as Training Camps Begin
New York Giants
What will this offense look like if Malik Nabers is sidelined?
There’s no certainty that receiver Malik Nabers, who is recovering from injuries to his ACL and meniscus, will be cleared to practice without restrictions at the start of training camp, and we should not assume that the Giants’ best offensive player will be ready by the start of the season. If he can’t go, the Giants will be trying to patch together a passing game with receivers like Darius Slayton, Calvin Austin III, Darnell Mooney, and Odell Beckham Jr. I don’t envision much explosive passing from New York until Nabers is back, and I worry about quarterback Jaxson Dart’s development without him.
Philadelphia Eagles
How will Jalen Hurts play in a new offensive scheme?
Even after trading away receiver A.J. Brown, Philadelphia still has one of the league’s best rosters, along with a quarterback-friendly environment for Jalen Hurts. The Eagles offense will look different in 2026 under new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion, who has previously coached under Sean McVay and Matt LaFleur. Expect more run plays from under center and a more consistent play-action passing game. Ideally, Hurts will be trusted to work through his progressions and throw into the middle of the field. The pressure is on for Hurts to have his best year yet. That starts in training camp, where we’ll get the first legitimate look at how he is able to handle the new scheme.
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
NFL league links
Articles
NFL.com
No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza will compete ‘with’ Kirk Cousins, ‘not competing against each other’ for Raiders job
Though nothing’s been made official, veteran signee Kirk Cousins is expected to begin the season as the Las Vegas Raiders starting quarterback. If Mendoza plans on altering those plans, he’s certainly not yelling it from the rooftops, instead illustrating that he intends for each of the Raiders quarterbacks to make each other better.
“Being a part of the Silver and Black, we want to compete every single day and do the best that we can for the organization and best for the team so we can win games,” Mendoza told me the team website’s Paul Gutierrez not long after signing his rookie contract.
“Everybody in the quarterback room is a top-tier quarterback and it’s going to be competing with each other, not competing against each other.”
“Competing with each other [is] pushing each other to be the best quarterback we can possibly be for the Las Vegas Raiders, and to enable [us] to then win as many games as possible,” Mendoza said. “Against [is] withholding information, wishing maybe not the best intent on somebody.”
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
Front Office Sports
Big Names Remain Unsigned as NFL Training Camps Open
On the defensive side, veterans Bobby Wagner and Joey Bosa are still available. Wagner, 36, is only one season removed from a second-team All-Pro campaign and had 162 tackles for Washington last season. Bosa signed a one-year, $12.6 million deal with the Bills for the 2025 season and recorded five sacks, along with a league-leading five forced fumbles.
The 49ers lead the NFL with $71.2 million in cap space, with the Titans ($53 million) and Commanders ($43.7 million) rounding out the top three.
[Aaron] Donald retired with one-year and $25 million remaining on his contract. If he returns, his contract would be reinstated, but would likely need to be renegotiated, with the Rams currently having $15.2 million in cap space. The team could also look to restructure the contracts of its highest-paid players in Matthew Stafford and Davante Adams to create space for the defensive lineman.
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
aBit o’Twitter
