The Washington Commanders made significant moves this offseason to strengthen key positions and deepen their roster. While we believe the team has improved overall, there’s a strong chance their record won’t match last season’s 12-5 finish and NFC Championship run.
Despite possessing only five picks in the 2025 draft, the Commanders used their selections wisely. They acquired cornerback Marshon Lattimore mid-season last year, and this offseason added five-time Pro Bowl tackle Laremy Tunsil and former Pro Bowl wide receiver Deebo Samuel. Additionally, with the No. 29 overall pick, they drafted Oregon tackle Josh Conerly Jr., who is expected to start at right tackle or guard. This plan leaves Tunsil as the left tackle, Biadasz at center, and Allegretti, Wiley, Coleman, and Conerly filling in at the two guard positions and right tackle spot, with Cosmi set to return to reclaim his spot at right guard by mid-season. Trent Scott, who logged significant playing time last year, remains an important depth piece.
On defense, cornerback Trey Amos (No. 61 overall) is seen as a potential starter opposite Lattimore, which could push Mikey Sainristil into his more natural slot role. The Commanders also re-signed CB Noah Igbinoghene– previously a first-round pick for the Cowboys who held his own in considerable action last year– and veteran CB Jonathan Jones, who has started 71 games for the Patriots. This overhaul transforms last season’s thin cornerback group into a defensive strength.
At safety, Will Clark was signed from the Saints to replace Jeremy Chinn, who departed in free agency, with Clark likely to team alongside Quan Martin in a formidable safety duo. Ageless Bobby Wagner was brought back to anchor the middle next to Frankie Luvu, as the Commanders often deploy two linebackers. Although the linebacking corps was strong last year, eyes will be on Wagner, who turns 35, while younger linebackers may emerge to share the load.
The biggest question mark remains on the defensive line. Longtime Commander and former first-round pick Jonathan Allen departed for Minnesota, opening the door for Johnny Newton to shine as a full-time starting defensive tackle alongside Daron Payne. Javon Kinlaw has also been added to the front, and while his role is yet to be defined, free agent additions Deatrich Wise and Eddie Goldman indicate the team’s intent to bolster its run defense before potentially addressing the pass rush next year. We feel the team will still likely be adding one or two pass rushers this offseason.
On the offensive side, 7th-round rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt could eventually take over as the primary back. Brian Robinson has yet to prove he’s the answer, and there are health concerns with Austin Ekeler following two concerning concussions last year. Chris Rodriguez, Jeremy McNichols, and Robinson appear to be in competition for two backfield spots next to Croskey-Merritt and Ekeler.
Wide receiver Terry McLaurin is primed for another outstanding season with Jayden Daniels under center, with Deebo Samuel providing additional versatility. Tight End Zach Ertz remains one of Daniels’ favorite targets, while Noah Brown offers reliable hands when healthy. The Commanders will also look to second-year players WR Luke McCaffrey and TE Ben Sinnott to contribute offensively.
Overall, this year’s team seems deeper and more talented than the squad that reached the NFC Championship. Although a tougher schedule and a few bounces that favored them last season could lead to a slightly worse record, the foundation laid has given the DC area something to look forward to for years to come.