The Washington Commanders were still striving to end their season with a win, despite a large portion of the fan base being more focused on securing a high-end draft selection. That's not in head coach Dan Quinn's mindset, and there was still a chance to gain some divisional pride before attention turned to the offseason.
Getting one over on the Philadelphia Eagles is always satisfying. Nick Sirianni rested the majority of his starting options in readiness for next weekend's playoff clash, but the Commanders were not going to roll over and do the same. Quinn felt he owed it to the players who've given their all this season to go for victory, even if it meant they would be picking a little lower down the 2026 draft pecking order.
Nothing much has gone right for the Commanders this season. It's been a hard fall back down to earth after their miracle run to the NFC Championship game last time out. Massive changes are coming in the offseason. But for one last time, this roster, as currently constructed, had the chance to fight for each other against a bitter division rival.
The Commanders dug deep for a morale-boosting triumph against all odds. On this topic, here are four winners and three losers from Washington's regular-season finale at Lincoln Financial Field.
Winners and losers from Commanders' regular-season finale against the Eagles
Winner No. 1
Daron Payne - Commanders DL
There is enormous uncertainty around defensive lineman Daron Payne's future heading into the offseason. The Pro Bowler has one more year remaining on his deal and is the Washington Commanders' largest salary-cap hit once again in 2026. Most believe he'll want an extension in advance, which could be a problem.
It was clear from early on that Payne was eager to make one final splash before attention turned to what comes next. The interior force was relentless from start to finish, causing havoc along the line of scrimmage and constantly getting Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Tanner McKee off his spot. There was aggression, physicality, and explosiveness in almost everything he did, and his contribution played a huge role in Washington's final-day triumph.
Whether this changes how general manager Adam Peters handles his situation with Payne in the coming weeks is debatable. Extending him ahead of time won't be cheap, and the Commanders have a plethora of needs elsewhere. Washington is in a period of transition, so the front-office leader could decide to gauge the trade market for the former Alabama standout instead.
Everything is out of Payne's hands now. But he's at least put out a more dominant film for other teams to examine if the Commanders make him surplus to requirements.
Winner No. 2
Jonathan Jones - Commanders CB
Very few veteran gambles made by general manager Adam Peters have paid off this season. Injuries played their part in Jonathan Jones' contribution, but the cornerback gave the Washington Commanders plenty to think about with a productive final game of the campaign.
Jones has always been an accomplished player. Injuries have taken their toll, and he's not getting any younger either. This was arguably his most assured performance of the campaign by a considerable margin, which is only going to help in his quest for another contract in Washington or elsewhere.
The Commanders need to make changes in their cornerback room this offseason. Trey Amos and Mike Sainristil will be back, but the same cannot be said of the rest. They will need an experienced presence capable of slotting in anywhere, so Jones may be in line for another short-term agreement if those in power give him the benefit of the doubt.
Time will tell, but he was an undoubted standout at Lincoln Financial Field.
Loser No. 1
Jake Moody - Commanders PK
The Commanders have been scrambling for a dependable option at the kicking position for years. It's been a proverbial carousel of veteran pieces who've come and gone in Washington since Adam Peters became general manager, and his latest roll of the dice doesn't seem to be the answer, either.
When big-money signing Matt Gay failed to become even remotely consistent, Peters needed someone else. The Commanders signed Jake Moody from the Chicago Bears' practice squad to fill the void, and the early signs were encouraging. But if the veteran wanted to leave a positive final impression before the time to decide his future arrives, he failed to meet expectations.
Washington began the game with a 10-minute drive that fell agonizingly short of the end zone. Moody came on the field for a chip shot, but he hit the upright. This typified how things have gone for the Commanders this season, and it almost guarantees Peters will be looking for yet another kicker when the 2026 offseason arrives.
He made a 56-yarder, but it's the small things that matter more.
This time, there can be no half-measures. Peters needs to find a long-term option from the college ranks or free agency. After so much upheaval, he must give them time.
Winner No. 3
Terry McLaurin - Commanders WR
Terry McLaurin has missed a lot of football this season. Whether things would have been different had the prolific wide receiver stayed healthy is debatable, but he's at least ended the campaign on a high note.
McLaurin remains the heartbeat of everything good for Washington in the passing game. He was a dependable security blanket for veteran quarterback Josh Johnson against the Philadelphia Eagles, and he had no problem looking to him for inspiration in key moments. While the back-to-back NFC East champions were resting a lot of their starters, it doesn't detract from the impressive outing put together by the former Ohio State standout during a route-running clinic.
This season hasn't gone as anyone hoped, McLaurin included. However, his production since returning to the lineup following a lengthy absence reminded everyone of his importance. And the Commanders should continue to build around the two-time Pro Bowler this offseason.
Winner No. 4
Josh Johnson - Commanders QB
With Jayden Daniels shut down and Marcus Mariota once again out, the Washington Commanders were forced to turn to veteran journeyman Josh Johnson as their starting quarterback once again. It was his 11th start in 18 NFL seasons — two of which have come during the 2025 campaign.
Nobody was expecting miracles from Johnson, even against a Philadelphia Eagles defense that was resting some established starters. There were some decent moments, most of which arrived when he looked for Terry McLaurin. However, it was a rollercoaster outing from the signal-caller overall.
Johnson looked flustered under pressure. Mistakes were frequent, including his interception and an explicable fumble among his most glaring. This was probably his final chance to experience being an NFL starter, and his lowly passer rating reflected his effort. But he came on down the stretch to potentially round off his NFL career in style.
Why the Commanders started Johnson over Sam Hartman with nothing to play for remains a mystery, but fans expect changes in the quarterback room this offseason.
Loser No. 2
Quan Martin - Commanders S
It seems Quan Martin has been a weekly fixture on this list for some time. Not what any fans or experts anticipated for the once breakout candidate, but it's the harsh reality he's facing before an uncertain offseason.
Martin didn't see the field at all in the first quarter. The 2023 second-round pick was benched in favor of Jeremy Reaves. When he did get into the lineup in the second, he was late in a coverage assignment that resulted in a touchdown pass to Grant Calcaterra.
It was a microcosm of this nightmare campaign for Martin. He's gone from a potential early extension candidate to having his roster spot at stake. Head coach Dan Quinn still believes in the player, just not enough to start him anymore if this game is any indication.
Much will depend on what a new defensive coordinator wants, but Martin's time as a regular feature in Washington might be over.
Winner No. 5
Jeremy Reaves - Commanders S
It may have been a dead rubber game for the Washington Commanders in Week 18, but nobody told Jeremy Reaves. The fiery safety got the start alongside Will Harris on the backend. He took full advantage, providing a sense of instinctive dynamism and playmaking ability that this defense has sorely lacked throughout the campaign.
Reaves played with the urgency his teammates fed off. The former South Alabama standout secured his first interception of the season, and it couldn't have been easier. He also made a sensational pass break-up and always seemed to be around the action.
The Commanders extended Reaves for another year during the 2025 offseason. He'll have a part to play next time around, but whether that'll be on the defensive rotation or as a core part of the special-teams plans remains to be seen.
Either way, the fire in Reaves is something the Commanders should continue to lean on next season.