Following the massive overhaul general manager Adam Peters has done to Washington’s front seven, the Commanders’ linebacker unit has a chance to be special. The group boasted high football intelligence with Bobby Wagner’s leadership the past two seasons, but lacked athleticism and dynamic playmaking ability. Wagner played 99% of the team’s defensive snaps; he never got off the field, and at times, depending on the matchup, he struggled covering or running in space. This unit easily has become Washington’s highest-ceiling
position group in 2026, and that potential starts and ends with their athleticism, versatility, and schematic flexibility.
Washington made it a priority to upgrade the second level of its defense this offseason, pairing first-round pick Sonny Styles with the free agent addition Leo Chenal. Styles is the most important player in this unit’s ascension. His ability to impact the game in multiple ways makes him one of the most intriguing defensive rookies in the NFL. Whether he’s rushing the passer, dropping into coverage, defending the slot, penetrating the line of scrimmage, or flowing sideline to sideline against the run, Styles has the skill set to stay on the field in virtually every situation.
The question with Styles, when you discuss this projection, is how quickly he adjusts to the speed of the NFL. If the transition time is quick and effortless, Washington’s defense could unlock a level of flexibility it has not had in years.
Chenal, who spent his first four seasons in Kansas City behind an established linebacker corps, now has an opportunity to earn a significant role in Washington and cement himself as something bigger than just a depth piece. His profile undoubtedly complements Styles and gives the Commanders two linebackers capable of wreaking havoc on the first two levels of the defense.
With Styles and Chenal being expected to play large roles in Daronte Jones’s defense, the biggest unknowns of the position group are the two returning linebackers, Frankie Luvu and Jordan Magee. Stylistically, both are exactly what Jones could use in his defensive scheme. Luvu’s ability to create pressure as a blitzer and disrupt plays as a penetrating linebacker is a weapon that Jones needs. Despite entering the final year of his contract, Luvu, if utilized correctly by Jones this year, could reestablish himself as one of the league’s dynamic linebackers as he was in 2024. While on paper things could work out in Luvu’s favor, it will still be interesting to know if Washington would be entertaining calls on the vet LB as they get closer to the regular season.
Magee was Washington’s most explosive linebacker on the team the last two seasons, but the biggest hindrance for him was his ability to stay on the field. In 2024, injuries kept him off the field, and in 2025, while healthy and seeing more defensive snaps, he was overshadowed by Wagner and Luvu. The best news for Magee heading into his third season is that Jones doesn’t owe loyalty to anyone in front of him on the depth chart. The competition is the most important separator moving forward, and his athletic traits make a difference on the field. But Magee’s athletic ability alone won’t keep him on the field.
There are still questions surrounding the interior defensive line, and that group will ultimately help determine just how dominant the linebackers can become. But if Washington’s front can consistently occupy blockers, this linebacker corps has the speed, range, and versatility to dictate as many matchups as they want. I break down in detail on YouTube why this is the position group that could change everything for Washington.
Like, subscribe, and comment your thoughts on whether you think the linebacker unit has the highest ceiling on the team.
