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Washington Post (paywall)
The Commanders’ new stadium could evoke memories of RFK
The first conceptual renderings of the new stadium, unveiled Thursday morning, showed a sweeping roof, a grand colonnade and plenty of callbacks to RFK Stadium.
A sweeping, translucent
roof. Main entryways on the same axis as the Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol. A grand colonnade.
Those are among the most striking features in the conceptual renderings of the Washington Commanders’ new stadium released Thursday morning, the first glimpses of the structure that will be erected on the former RFK Stadium site.
The images, which show the exterior of the proposed stadium from different vantage points and in different lighting, are the first to be released by the Commanders since they hired HKS as their lead architect in November. While the design process is ongoing and changes are possible, the renderings reflect the major design principles agreed upon by the Commanders, including principal owner Josh Harris, and their lead architects.
The Commanders’ renderings show plenty of glass — including a “sculpted, transparent domed roof” — and massive windowlike entryways.
The Athletic (paywall)
Commanders’ new stadium renderings depict an homage to the team’s past
The Washington Commanders’ new 70,000-plus seat stadium that will sit on the site of the old RFK Stadium will be both an homage to and an extension of the team’s storied past, complete with a wavy roof line, a transparent top that will resemble an open-air venue, a colonnade exterior and even foundations that will be fused with those of the old stadium.
“From the beginning, our focus has been on delivering a best-in-class experience for Commanders fans while honoring the legacy of RFK Stadium and our team,” team president Mark Clouse said in a statement. “We’re designing a stadium that amplifies the energy of football, supports year-round events and becomes a place the community can be proud of. We look forward to hearing feedback from our community as the design continues to evolve.”
The roof of the Commanders’ new stadium will be “anticlastic,” or shaped like a Pringle. So, unlike U.S. Bank Stadium, which has a lattice of steel trestles that support its clear roof but ultimately impede the view, the Commanders’ will have a cable net system to create “the most transparent roof that will enclose a large stadium anywhere on the planet,” according to one person directly involved in the stadium design and planning.
The goal is two-fold: one, to make fans feel like they’re outdoors, as they were at the old RFK Stadium.
The second aim: to create one of, if not the, loudest stadium in the NFL, much like RFK Stadium used to be. The transparent roof is intended to amplify the sound from the crowd back down to the field.
One source with knowledge of the stadium planning said the team has completed concepts for the interior and is beginning the “schematic” design phase, which will likely last into the late spring. Then planners will begin construction drawings, which will be used for permitting; the team hopes to begin construction in early 2027.
Commanders.com
Washington Commanders and HKS unveil initial renderings of new world-class stadium
Located on the former RFK Stadium site and aligned with the L’Enfant Plan, the project expands the existing waterfront and park experience while enhancing the surrounding recreational network through new outdoor plazas, public spaces and green areas. Guided by the goal of long-term accessibility, the stadium’s design ensures at least 30 percent of the site will be dedicated to active and passive recreation.
Stadium construction is anticipated to be completed in 2030.
ESPN
Commanders release renderings of new stadium
While at RFK, they also won three Super Bowls, appeared in two others and endured only five losing seasons in their final 26 years on the site. Conversely, they’ve had only eight winning seasons since moving into their current home at the start of the 1997 season.
The nearly $4 billion project is expected to be completed in time for the 2030 season. Washington owner Josh Harris, as well as D.C. city officials, have made it known they want to bid on larger projects such as the Women’s World Cup in 2031 and a future Super Bowl.
Commanders Wire
Will Commanders host a Super Bowl once new stadium is complete?
So, would the Commanders stand a good chance after their stadium is scheduled to be completed in 2030? Well the NFL has some stated criteria:
- 70,000 stadium capacity. Certainly, no accident, 70K was the announced capacity for the new RFK stadium.
- The average game day temperature of at least 50°F or the stadium must have a climate-controlled dome or a retractable roof. The new stadium is going to have a translucent roof.
- The city must have enough hotel rooms within a 60-minute drive to equal 35% of the stadium’s capacity. The NFL also requires a hotel with a minimum of 1,000 rooms for its use, including free amenities.
- There are several other requirements as well, including 35K parking spaces, practice facilities, and NFL perks. The Commanders would need to satisfy these and other requirements for the NFL to award a Super Bowl to Washington.
Commanders.com
Question of the week: Why should a top-tier DC coach for Washington?
Moss: I think there are two things to me.
The first thing is Jayden Daniels. As a defensive coordinator, I want a quarterback. I want to come to a team where I have a quarterback that’s probably gonna make my defense that much more comfortable. He’s gonna always have us in a position to go out there and say, ‘Hey, now it’s time to take over the game. This guy’s done enough. He’s put us in a great situation by scoring the ball, running the ball, doing the things that he does special. Now we just got to go out there and do what we do.’ …
The other thing is Dan Quinn. Dan Quinn is the type of coach that I would love to coach under, especially knowing that he’s a defensive mind. Our minds together will make us that much greater. Two defensive coordinator minds on the same team. If Dan Quinn has already shown you that his style of play has proven to win, bring what you can add to make us that much better.
Riggo’s Rag
Von Miller pleads for Broncos swansong with Commanders run over
This probably isn’t going unnoticed by Miller. The future Pro Football Hall of Famer turned his recruitment pitch elsewhere, imploring the Denver Broncos to give him a shot in 2026. He wants to help their exciting edge-rushing unit and contribute on the field when needed. This would also allow him to finish his glittering career where it all began.
"Y'all make room for me after this season. Y'all make room for me over there with the Denver Broncos. I would love to be in that linebacker room and give Nic Bonnito all the knowledge that I've got. Everything that I've got, for him to be the best version of himself. I would love to be a Denver Bronco next season and contribute in any way that I can to improve those guys. I would contribute to what you are doing. Watch you, see the way you play, and any of the knowledge that I have, I will give it to you."
Miller changed his tune quickly. He went from wanting to stay in Washington to begging for a job in Denver. The Broncos are much further along and better balanced than the Commanders right now, but this also suggests Peters might have already told the Texas A&M product that his services would no longer be required moving forward.
Riggo’s Rag
Commanders icon spills the tea on pivotal interview that got D.J. Williams hired
Former Washington player Brian Mitchell, citing conversations with people knowledgeable about what happened, revealed that Williams aced his interview on 106.7 The Fan with team insider JP Finlay. The new arrival got the job on merit, and any notion that he didn’t is a discredit to the hard work he’s put in to reach this point.
“He’s been in the league, and from what I was told, blew the interview away, okay. I’ve had kids of mine get jobs in spots that people thought I had something to do with. I didn’t have a damn thing to do with it. I never knew they were applying for those jobs, and they got them, off their own merit. Based on the things I was told, this is exactly the same thing.”
—Brian Mitchell
Mitchell is well-connected in the building. If he’s heard that Williams knocked everyone’s socks off in his interview, that should be enough for those skeptical of the hire. And it’s not like he’s a rookie coach learning on the job; he’s been in the league for years with the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons. His connection to the organization is just the icing on the cake.
NFL.com
NFL running back rankings, 1-64: How does every starting RB from the 2025 season stack up?
Rank 21 – Jacory Croskey-Merritt – Washington Commanders · Rookie
2025 stats: 17 games | 175 att | 805 rush yds | 4.6 ypc | 8 rush TDs | 9 rec | 68 rec yds | 0 rec TDs | 2 fumbles lost
The Commanders had four running backs with starts this season and couldn’t shake the injury bug at really any position. Croskey-Merritt and Chris Rodriguez Jr. took turns starting after Austin Ekeler’s season-ending injury in Week 2. JCM had a pair of notable performances in which he rushed for more than 100 yards and had multiple rush TDs (Weeks 5 and 17). The seventh-round rookie has talent but needs to find more consistency.
Rank 43 – Chris Rodriguez Jr. – Washington Commanders · Year 3
2025 stats: 13 games | 112 att | 500 rush yds | 4.5 ypc | 6 rush TDs | 3 rec | 30 rec yds | 0 rec TDs | 0 fumbles lost
A majority of Rodriguez’s carries came in the second half of the season. He also scored in five of Washington’s final seven games. A restricted free agent this offseason, the three-year pro should be back next season to build on the best campaign of his young career.
Rank 56 – Jeremy McNichols – Washington Commanders · Year 9
2025 stats: 17 games | 44 att | 221 rush yds | 5.0 ypc | 1 rush TD | 25 rec | 196 rec yds | 0 rec TDs | 1 fumble lost
Podcasts & videos
RFK Renderings!/Harbaugh to NYG
NFC East links
Big Blue View
[Note: at time of Daily Slop publication, the Giants and Harbaugh have reportedly not finalized a deal — see Tom Pelissero tweet above]
The Giants have entered a new era, and it promises to be an exciting one
The Giants got their man, with word leaking out in the wee hours of the morning on Thursday that Harbaugh was cancelling other meetings and would become the team’s head coach.
The Giants were not relevant to the NFL landscape on Wednesday. Nobody talked or wrote about them unless they had to. There was no excitement. No buzz. No real interest.
On Thursday, all of that is different. John Harbaugh makes it that way.
Harbaugh might or might not win a Super Bowl with the Giants. No Super Bowl-winning coach has ever gone to a new team and done that. That’s, for me, not how this should be judged. Harbaugh has brought instant credibility back to a franchise that was badly in need of it.
Today…is the best day Giants fans have had since Feb. 5, 2012, the second time Eli Manning and the Giants walked off the field victorious over Tom Brady and the New England Patriots in a Super Bowl.
Throughout the process, Schoen, reviled by many in the fan base and thought by some to be a detriment in their search for a top-notch coach, convinced Harbaugh that they could work together.
John Mara, fighting cancer, fought for the franchise his family has owned and loved for more than 100 years, by making calls and participating in meetings despite his health.
Chris Mara, pictured by fans as a clueless meddler who should keep his nose out of the team’s football operations, stepped up for his big brother by traveling to Baltimore to have lunch with Harbaugh and make a pitch for the organization.
Tom Coughlin, Eli Manning, and even the fired Daboll vouched for the organization.
Co-owner Steve Tisch lent his support and his private airplane, which has been tracked by Internet sleuths the last couple of days as though it belonged to Taylor Swift. Tisch, rarely seen in New Jersey, was also reportedly at 1925 Giants Drive for Wednesday’s sit-down with Harbaugh.
Quarterback Jaxson Dart reportedly stopped by to say hello. Cam Skattebo, too.
I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that the Giants broke out a Ouija Board and tried to contact the spirit of Wellington Mara to make a pitch to Harbaugh on Wednesday.
Once Harbaugh became available, the Giants knew what had to be done. As O’Connor said, they were not going to be denied.
Bleeding Green Nation
The Giants got John Harbaugh, but only John Harbaugh
Life is tough at the bottom
The New York Giants have hired John Harbaugh. Congratulations! Do they know that they’re only getting John Harbaugh? That they’re not also getting the Baltimore Ravens talent machine?
Harbaugh was for many people the top head coach available. A Super Bowl winner, a 13-11 playoff record, in 18 years had 13 winning seasons, 12 playoff appearances, and 6 division titles in a competitive division. In the 16 seasons they overlapped, John Harbaugh won just 15 fewer regular season games than Bill Belichick. His team fairly seamlessly transitioned from team legend and Super Bowl winner Joe Flacco to even better team legend and two time MVP Lamar Jackson. He won double digit games six times in the last eight seasons. An impressive, Hall of Fame worthy record.
Equally, the Ravens are for many people the top job available. Over the last 18 years they had 13 winning seasons, 12 playoff appearances, and 6 division titles in a competitive division. They fairly seamlessly transitioned from team legend and Super Bowl winner Joe Flacco to even better team legend and two time MVP Lamar Jackson. They won double digit games six times in the last eight seasons. This is perhaps the best organization in the NFL. The Ravens have a Tier 1 front office that gave Harbaugh the tools to succeed.
He won’t have that in New York. Success in one location guarantees nothing in the next.
Certainly Harbaugh deserves credit for keeping the Ravens machine going for nearly two decades. But he wasn’t the one who built the machine, and Giants GM Joe Schoen is no Eric DeCosta, let alone Ozzie Newsome.
Good luck John, you’ll need it!
Blogging the Boys
Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator search is an impressive process so far
I vividly recall the “search” that Dallas underwent two years ago, but for some reason seeing the names brought it fully to the front of my mind.
So we went from interviewing in 2024:
Ron Rivera
Rex Ryan
Mike Zimmer
to interviewing
Jimmy Leonhard
Daronte Jones
Ephraim Banda
Oh, yeah. Schotty is indeed driving the bus.— Mauricio Rodríguez (@MauNFL) January 9, 2026
The most serious candidates who the Cowboys involved for the same level of search two years ago were Ron Rivera, Rex Ryan, and the eventual job winner in Mike Zimmer. Keep in mind that at the time two (Ryan and Zimmer) had not recently been coaching and the other was the man who created their need as Dan Quinn took his job in Washington.
Conversations around the 2024 team invariably lead to a sweeping under the rug of sorts and this is no different. The candidates were likely so limited because of the situation with McCarthy. That isn’t and wasn’t shocking, but it was of the team’s own doing.
All of this context is important because not only have we seen the names of the aforementioned Jim Leonhard, Daronte Jones, and Ephraim Banda, but the Cowboys search is pretty expansive at this point as time has passed. Jonathan Gannon, Zach Orr, Christian Parker, Charlie Bullen, and Demarcus Covington have all joined the fold. Jeff Ulbrich hasn’t because the Atlanta Falcons wouldn’t let him, but this is one of those rare instances where the Cowboys deserve credit for simply trying as they attempted to interview him.
This list is refreshing in a lot of ways. Quantitatively we are already well above what the team looked into two years ago, but on the subject of numbers the ages of these coaches matter as well (all due respect to Rivera, Ryan, and Zimmer).
Ages of the nine #Cowboys DC candidates so far:
– Zach Orr, 33
– Christian Parker, 34
– DeMarcus Covington 36
– Charlie Bullen, 41
– Jim Leonhard, 43
– Jonathan Gannon, 43
– Ephraim Banda, 44
– Aaron Whitecotton, 44
– Daronte Jones, 47— Joseph Hoyt (@JoeJHoyt) January 15, 2026
Ron Rivera was 62 years old in 2024. Rex Ryan was 61. Mike Zimmer was 67.
Matt Eberflus is currently 55 years old. Heck, Dan Quinn was the youngest of all involved when he was hired in 2021 (he was 50). Mike Nolan was 60 when Dallas hired him in parallel with Mike McCarthy if you want me to keep going.
Being older is not a bad thing, that’s not the takeaway here. The takeaway is that it’s a deviation from the norm. The Cowboys are trying something new and different. What is particularly impressive about this is that these are, with the exception of Aaron Whitecotton who the team is also reportedly considering, outside and external names.
NFL.com
The problems inside the Eagles’ offense went far beyond Kevin Patullo
Predictably, on Tuesday, the Eagles announced that Kevin Patullo won’t be returning as offensive coordinator.
Once again, they might be underestimating the severity of the problem.
The Eagles’ offensive struggles this season — the deficiencies that ultimately sealed their demise in front of 69,879 grumpy fans at The Linc on Sunday — weren’t just a product of Patullo’s game planning and play calling.
There’s plenty of blame to go around, and it would be dishonest to suggest otherwise.
How could an offense that tore up its final two opponents on the way to a Super Bowl victory a year ago and returned 10 of 11 starters have been so flaccid in 2025? How could a team with so much discernible talent — including running back Saquon Barkley, receivers Brown and DeVonta Smith, tight end Dallas Goedert and offensive linemen Jordan Mailata, Lane Johnson (who missed Sunday’s game) and Cam Jurgens — average just over 22 points a game while failing to score a touchdown after halftime in six games, including against the 49ers?
This failure was a group effort, beginning with coach Nick Sirianni and extending to quarterback Jalen Hurts, the obvious object of Brown’s ire when he spoke out in November.
Brown, too, bears some responsibility. He had a pair of costly drops against the 49ers — one on a third-down deep ball that precipitated a second-quarter sideline confrontation with Sirianni, and one on Philly’s final drive, with the season on the line.
The final four plays of that failed endeavor were a hot mess and a microcosm of the Eagles’ struggles throughout the season. Down 4 points with 2:54 remaining, Philly had driven to the San Francisco 20 but couldn’t close the deal.
Hurts took a 1-yard sack (from a team that had a pathetic and NFL-worst 20 in the regular season) before throwing consecutive incompletions, the latter into heavy coverage, though it bounced off Smith’s hands. After a painfully long huddle, Sirianni used a timeout before the fourth-and-11 play — extinguishing any hope of getting the ball back if Philly failed to convert — because, the coach explained, he wanted to look at the defense.
The play call that followed? A version of “Four Verts” — two receivers on each side, running straight toward the goal line — which, as one Eagles source put it, “is the absolute worst thing you can run against ‘quarters.’”
Shockingly, it didn’t work.
Plenty has been written about Hurts’ limitations as a quarterback, including a lack of willingness to operate from under center (though Philly did that more in 2025), an aversion to pre-snap motion, an inability to make quick post-snap reads and a reluctance to attempt intermediate and in-breaking passes. He also ran the ball less this season, which lessened his impact as a dual threat. Some of these issues may have been a function of scheme and play calling, but Hurts needs to be pushed beyond his comfort zone.
Some NFL sources familiar with the Eagles’ organizational mindset believe they might draft a quarterback this spring; backup Tanner McKee, a 2023 sixth-round selection, is also highly regarded within the building.
Hurts, who has three years remaining on the five-year, $255 million extension he signed after his first Super Bowl appearance, likely isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, especially given Lurie’s regard for him.
It seems untenable that they’ll stay the course with Brown, a receiver whose talents aren’t being maximized. Trading him, however, would be problematic from a salary-cap standpoint (creating more than $72 million in “dead money” if done before June 1), meaning the team and potential suitors might need to find a more creative solution, such as a preemptively reworked contract.
