As the Washington Commanders enter a pivotal yr three beneath the Jayden Daniels-Dan Quinn-Adam Peters QB-HC-GM regime, many outsiders nonetheless have questions in regards to the staff’s course.
While many praised the staff’s free agent acquisitions this offseason, ESPN’s Seth Walder was lower than impressed. He gave the Commanders’ offseason a C+ final week.
Advertisement
While Walder praised the team’s headline signing of edge rusher Odafe Oweh to a four-year, $96 million contract as a result of “Oweh is better than he is given credit for,” he described the opposite defensive free brokers the staff introduced in – defensive backs Nick Cross and Amik Robertson and linebacker Leo Chenal – as “middle-class.”
But the rationale for the poor grade was the staff’s offensive free company plan.
Resigning Laremy Tunsil, among the best offensive tackles within the league, to an extension was a no brainer. As was re-signing backup quarterback Marcus Mariota. However, “the Commanders may have achieved extra, as they questionably launched heart Tyler Biadasz (who instantly acquired a increase by signing with the Chargers) and questions stay about their cross catchers,” based on Walder.
He famous that the staff signed tight finish Chig Okonkwo and drafted extensive receiver Antonio Williams, however mentioned he “wanted to see more done in this area.”
Advertisement
Over at NFL.com, analyst Matt Okada was a bit extra beneficiant along with his grade, giving the staff a B+ as a result of the “Commanders did enough — spending more than $250 million (third-most, per Over the Cap) — to earn a solid grade.”
While he additionally praised Oweh and Tunsil signings, Okada additionally believes Washington’s offense may have used extra assist.
Related: Stefon Diggs or Brandon Aiyuk, who should the Commanders sign?
“There are still a few spots that could use more attention, particularly cornerback, WR2 and the interior offensive line,” based on Okada.
The specialists aren’t telling Washington followers something they do not already learn about their offense.
Lack of WR depth harm the Commanders in 2025
Offense wasn’t the Commanders’ largest subject final season; that honor goes to what turned out to be a historically bad defense that surrendered probably the most yards within the NFL (6,533) whereas recording the second-fewest takeaways (10).
Advertisement
Still, having your franchise quarterback battle accidents final season like Jayden Daniels did is difficult to beat for any staff. But past Daniels’ absence, the staff’s offensive ability place cabinet was proven to be extremely naked.
Despite choosing up Deebo Samuel as a free agent extensive receiver, accidents to Terry McLaurin and Noah Brown kneecapped what had been one of the vital explosive offenses within the league the season prior beneath offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury.
Now Kingsbury is gone, changed by first-time signal-caller David Blough.
While Samuel and Brown are actually gone, McLaurin is predicted to be again totally wholesome this yr after additionally lacking vital time on account of damage, and the staff is predicted to rely closely on third-round draft choose Williams.
Advertisement
But that in all probability will not reduce it.
The Commanders nonetheless have a ton of cap house left and no less than two intriguing options at wide receiver nonetheless on the desk.
It will take extra signings for the Commanders to plug holes and switch these offseason grades into As.
Related: Brandon Aiyuk’s 49ers teammate gives important update on his health
This story was initially printed by Lindys Sports on Jul 7, 2026, the place it first appeared within the NFL part. Add Lindys Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.