Loser No. 1
Ben Sinnott - Commanders TE
This offseason was something of a referendum on Ben Sinnott. Veteran tight end Zach Ertz tore his ACL last season and was unlikely to return. If the Washington Commanders made a splash, that would represent a damning indictment of how they perceive the Kansas State product's growth two years into his NFL career.
The Commanders signed Chig Okonkwo to a three-year, $30 million deal. This hints at a featured role for the ex-Maryland standout and also confirms two other things about the unit.
Ertz won't be coming back for a third season. And the jury is still firmly out on Sinnott.
Okonkwo immediately becomes the TE1 as a pass-catching asset. John Bates is one of the best blocking tight ends in the league. That leaves Sinnott as the No. 3 option, and David Blough's blunt assessment of his outlook doesn't exactly bode well for his chances.
Winner No. 2
Frankie Luvu - Commanders LB
There was a real sense of frustration around Frankie Luvu's role in 2025. The Commanders had no option other than to use him more as an edge rusher amid wholesale injury problems. He wasn't comfortable in the spot, but the second-team All-Pro did whatever the coaching staff wanted in difficult circumstances.
Daronte Jones has already declared his intent to make Luvu the instinctive, off-ball linebacker that took the Commanders by storm in his first season. And now, the former Washington State standout has a much-improved supporting cast around him.
Leo Chenal is expected to start alongside him, giving the Commanders an explosive duo at the second level of defense. The edge rushing unit also got a makeover with Odafe Oweh, K'Lavon Chaisson, and Charles Omenihu. This should ensure Luvu stays at linebacker even if injuries strike, which will only serve him well in a contract year.
Loser No. 3
Johnny Newton - Commanders DL
Daronte Jones is projected to switch the Commanders' defense to a 3-4 base front. This will be interchangeable depending on the situation and the players available, but fans are expecting a seismic shift in the schematic concepts under the new coordinator.
Adam Peters has done his part for Jones by acquiring several defensive players who are expected to play key roles next season and beyond. That was imperative after such a torrid campaign in 2025, but for Johnny Newton, it comes with a harsh reality check.
The Commanders have seen flashes from Newton, but nothing that would suggest he's capable of occupying a three-down role. Washington signed Tim Settle in free agency. Javon Kinlaw and Daron Payne are still around and will see the field a lot. That leaves the 2024 second-round pick as a rotational asset in pass-rushing situations.
That may be what Newton is, which is fine. But it is not what the Commanders drafted him to be.