The Commanders are striving to move on quickly from 2025’s 5-12 disaster and show it’s not the start of a troubling trend.
Washington made the NFC title game following the 2024 campaign, a thrilling season where No. 2 overall NFL draft pick Jayden Daniels earned offensive rookie of the year honors. The encore was a mess, filled with injuries to Daniels, receiver Terry McLaurin, cornerback Trey Amos and others.
The defense couldn’t stop anyone and the season ended with a thud that prompted major offseason
changes. Washington replaced both coordinators. They invested heavily in creating a younger and faster defense. They worked to surround Daniels with more talent.
They largely jettisoned the concept of finding quick veteran fixes on short-term contracts, instead aiming for players on the ascent. If general manager Adam Peters hits on most of his offseason acquisitions, the Commanders will set a proper foundation to support a period of sustained success.
Will that happen? We’ll have to wait and see.
The entire Commanders organization has something to prove in 2026, from the front office all the way down the roster’s depth chart. That’s why picking three is a virtual impossibility. There’s an argument to be made for so many, and I welcome those in the article comments.
We’ll go with three with the most to prove, with players and coaches as options on the table.
Offensive coordinator David Blough
David Blough has never called offense plays at any level of football. He has never held an NFL coaching position higher than assistant quarterbacks coach. Blough was promoted to Commanders offensive coordinator despite those facts. He has been lauded by those who worked closely with him as a coach and former NFL quarterback, including now Bears head coach Ben Johnson after their time together in Detroit.
There’s confidence Blough can get Washington’s offense going with a largely under-center offense that prioritizes a strong rushing game – expect lots of zone concepts – and playaction passing. All that should help protect Daniels and provide elements not offered under previous coordinator Kliff Kingsbury.
Blough must show he can do the job well, install his system well and game-plan against the opponent. If he can help Daniels and the Commanders thrive, Washington will be competitive quickly.
WR Treylon Burks
The Commanders have not added a veteran free-agent receiver this summer, with third-round NFL draft pick as the last big acquisition for a team in clear need of a No. 2 receiver opposite Terry McLaurin. That doesn’t mean they won’t sign someone like Stefon Diggs off the street. They just haven’t to this point.
That creates a golden opportunity for former first-round pick Treylon Burks to live up to his draft slot. Injuries have been the biggest roadblock for a player who hasn’t exceeded 444 receiving yards in a season. This is a real prove-it year for a 26-year-old who has flashed brilliance but never established himself as a steady threat.
Burks has a chance to earn steady reps if the Commanders stand pat, even if Williams sees significant time. He’ll have to stave off internal competition from Luke McCaffrey and Dyami Brown, so this is a long road to a starting spot. He must earn trust each day and prove he can be that dude.
CB Mike Sainristil
Mike Sainristil didn’t have a good year in 2025. Neither did the Commanders defense. Sainristil was better as a second-round rookie in 2024. He had a 112.4 passer rating against him last season and a 97.7 the year prior, per NFL Next Gen Stats.
Sainristil has his believers – count our Mark Tyler chief among them – and will have a chance to prove them right in 2026. The Commanders also added veteran competition to the room. While Amik Robertson is expected to play a ton in the slot, he, like Sainristil, has inside-out versatility. Rasul Douglas was a late add with tons of starting experience, and surely signed here pushing for an every-down spot.
Sainristil has the tools to be an every-down player in this league. This summer and fall, he’ll have to prove that’s the case.
QB Jayden Daniels
I really struggled with whether to put Daniels on this list, considering there are so many things he doesn’t have to prove to anyone. It’s clear that Daniels is a true franchise quarterback capable of producing among the NFL’s best. He showed that as a rookie in 2024. There’s no doubting his accuracy or arm strength or football IQ. There shouldn’t be consternation about him playing well predominantly under center. He’s a leader. He commands respect. He’s got it.
Health is the only thing, after missing 10 games last season due to various injuries. That’s still true after he played 17 plus the playoffs the year before. The only question about him coming out of college was about dealing with the heavy hits his playing style often invites, though he has always been a good pocket passer with solid footwork. Playing a full season would be great for the Commanders and would silence the one question mark about his NFL potential.
Honorable mentions
- HC Dan Quinn: His seat will get mighty warm if the Commanders struggle in 2026.
- C Nick Allegretti: Center’s an important position in Blough’s offense. Can someone who has primarily been an NFL guard thrive in such a big role?
- K Jake Moody: The 49ers made Moody a third-round draft pick in 2023, but he has struggled to find consistency in the NFL. The Commanders added Drew Stevens as competition. Will Moody secure his spot and realize potential?
- LB Frankie Luvu: The linebacker has been really good for a long time, but is coming off a down year. Can he find vintage form under Jones?
- EDGE Odafe Oweh: He has been really good at times, but generally as a secondary edge rusher. Can he step up and the guy?
- DL Daron Payne/EDGE K’Lavon Chaisson: Both guys are in contract years and certainly in search of a long-term payday. They must earn such deals with strong seasons.
