Deebo Samuel Sr. - Commanders WR
The Washington Commanders need more firepower around Jayden Daniels in the passing game. David Blough plans to make Terry McLaurin a focal point, which is the right approach. But to avoid placing too much pressure on the second-team All-Pro, complementary options are required.
Luke McCaffrey and Jaylin Lane should be on the roster. Their roles haven't been determined yet, but competition is coming. Then there is the complex issue with Deebo Samuel Sr. to factor in.
The Commanders got some decent returns for the fifth-round pick they gave up for Samuel in an offseason trade last year. He stayed focused and professional as all around him crumbled. The South Carolina product might not be the explosive force of old, but he's solid enough.
Samuel knows this is probably his last chance to secure a lucrative free-agent deal. That may not fit into the Commanders' plans when push comes to shove.
Jeremy McNichols - Commanders RB
As previously mentioned, new offensive coordinator David Blough wants more in the running back room. The rookie play-caller believes seventh-round pick Jacory Croskey-Merritt can continue his encouraging development, potentially into a future RB1 option. At the same time, that won't be enough if he wants the changes in schematic concepts to work.
Exclusive rights free agent Chris Rodriguez Jr. faces an anxious wait before his fate is determined. One couldn't guarantee that veteran Jeremy McNichols will be back either, although the Commanders value his leadership and special-teams production highly.
Much like Nick Bellore, the Commanders have younger and more dynamic options to assist on special teams. If Washington can find the required upgrade on McNichols, they won't hesitate. Those in power might give him another one-year deal, but this won't come with any guarantees about his role moving forward.
Marcus Mariota - Commanders QB
Jayden Daniels is entering his third season, so he no longer needs a mentor-type presence alongside him in the quarterback room. That could make this a good time for the Commanders and Marcus Mariota to go their separate ways this offseason.
Mariota played more than he probably envisaged in 2025. Daniels turned out just seven times and only completed four contests due to various frustrating injuries. The veteran got a chance to shine in a starting role once again, and although there were a few bright moments, the limitations are obvious at this late stage of his playing career.
The former Oregon standout wants to see what else is out there in free agency. There are a lot of quarterback-needy teams around the league, and this isn't expected to be a strong draft class. Several starters could be available via trade, but the compensation and salary commitments attached could be off-putting.
Either way, it wouldn't be a shock to see Mariota sign elsewhere without much resistance from the Commanders.