Commanders earn high marks for 2026 offseason
· Yahoo Sports
Washington Commanders general manager Adam Peters had a variety of roster adjustments to make this offseason. The defense needed a major boost after looking woefully awful in 2025, and he needed to add more weapons for Jayden Daniels. Specifically, the Commanders wanted a wide receiver who could draw attention away from Terry McLaurin.
While they haven't necessarily found the guy who's going to take pressure off McLaurin, the defense got the boost it needed. Peters also made the defense younger and faster, which was part of his goal this offseason, using free agency and the draft to accomplish the task.
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But how well did Peters do? A recent CBS Sports article graded every NFC team on their offseason, and the Commanders received a B+.
Notable additions: LB Sonny Styles, EDGE Odafe Oweh, LB Leo Chenal, S Nick Cross, EDGE K'Lavon Chaisson, DB Amik Robertson, TE Chig Okonkwo, RB Rachaad White, WR Antonio WilliamsNotable departures: CB Marshon Lattimore, C Tyler Biadasz, WR Deebo SamuelThe Commanders rightfully operated this offseason like a team that gave up the most yards in the entire NFL. GM Adam Peters spent the last few months working to help bring the defense to a more competitive level, and Washington has brought in some notable figures to do just that.
Odafe Oweh and K'Lavon Chaisson should help give the Commanders more of a pass-rushing presence off the edge, while the middle of the defense should see a significant boost with the arrival of first-round linebacker Sonny Styles. Nick Cross, Amik Robertson, and Leo Chenal should also help raise the floor of the unit.
Defense wasn't the only side of the ball Washington addressed. One of the more underrated free agent signings this cycle was the Commanders inking a three-year, $30 million deal with former Titans tight end Chig Okonkwo. After notching career highs in receptions and receiving yards last season, Okonkwo fits perfectly with Jayden Daniels, who has had an affinity for getting his tight ends involved. It wouldn't be surprising to see Okonkwo command the second-most targets after Terry McLaurin.
Chig Okonkwo may not line up opposite Terry McLaurin, but he is still a player who will require the attention of opposing defenses. The Tennessee Titans didn't really know how to use Okonkwo, and it shows in his production. He had a breakout year in 2025 when the Titans lost Calvin Ridley to injury, Tyler Lockett wanted out, and rookies Chimere Dike and Elic Ayomanor were inconsistent.
The Commanders have to set their expectations appropriately, though, because Okonkwo is primarily a receiver playing tight end. Blocking may not be his strong suit, largely because he began his career as a wide receiver and wasn't taught blocking until he made the transition at the University of Maryland. That's not to say he can't block, but the Commanders have John Bates and Ben Sinnott, too. Okonkwo's strengths are his hands and his ability after the catch.
On paper, it looks like Adam Peters did a pretty good job of knowing who to let go, who to keep, and which players to bring into the fold. We'll see if Dan Quinn can put it all together and form a successful team in 2026.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Offseason moves receive praise