Washington Commanders entered the 2026 offseason desperate to reverse a slide that saw a 12‑5 2024 NFC Championship run collapse to a 5‑12 record in 2025. Injuries to quarterback Jayden Daniels and star receiver Terry McLaurin plagued the campaign, but head coach Dan Quinn insists the roster, not the health setbacks, must evolve.

The biggest staff overhaul came early, with defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. dismissed and offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury departing. Quinn hired first‑time defensive leader Daronte Jones and promoted assistant quarterbacks coach David Blough to offensive coordinator, hoping fresh perspectives will translate into a more balanced attack. Early OTA drills showed increased under‑center snaps and revived play‑action, a stark contrast to the shotgun‑heavy scheme of last year.

Washington also reshaped its roster, adding tight end Chig Okonkwo, running backs Jerome Ford and Rachaad White, and drafting receiver Antonio Williams. Defensive depth surged with potential starters Odafe Oweh, linebackers Leo Chenal and Sonny Styles, and safety Nick Cross, addressing a unit that ranked 27th in points and 31st in takeaways last season. The revamped lineup will test whether Quinn’s philosophy can convert early‑season optimism into wins.