Winner No. 2
Dan Quinn - Commanders HC
Dan Quinn is projected to enter the season firmly on the hot seat, according to some analysts. The reality may be far different, with the Washington Commanders still fully confident in the head coach to get things back on track.
Quinn took some big risks this offseason. He parted ways with both coordinators and replaced them with rookie NFL play-callers. It's a big risk, but the early impression left by David Blough and Daronte Jones couldn't be more encouraging.
That wasn't all. Quinn set a completely different tone over Washington's offseason program. The intensity was high from the outset, making it clear that last season's slump will not be tolerated going forward. It received a positive response from the players, which is a testament to how much they believe in their coach.
The Commanders have a gauntlet to navigate over the opening few weeks of 2026. They have to hit the ground running, and Quinn made every single player know it.
Loser No. 1
Commanders WR depth
The Commanders seem happy enough with their wide receiver options behind Terry McLaurin. Adam Peters could add to the unit, but he has not made a move as yet. Looking at some reports from Washington's offseason program, it might not be much longer before action is taken.
There were flashes from almost everyone. There were also inconsistencies. Considering how much is at stake for the Commanders next season, Peters cannot leave anything to chance. And most experts believe another productive veteran is needed to help this offense take the next step.
Brandon Aiyuk is the hot name. He's not exactly covering himself in glory right now, but his connection to Jayden Daniels makes an approach likely once he is finally released by the San Francisco 49ers. He is not a sure thing by any stretch, but he is reportedly healthy and is desperate to join Washington.
Whether Peters takes the plunge is another matter. But either way, another addition to the ranks seems highly likely before Week 1 against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Winner No. 3
Josh Conerly Jr. - Commanders OT
The Commanders got some decent returns from Josh Conerly Jr. as a rookie. While it was a brutally rude awakening over the first few weeks against some of the league's elite edge rushers, his poise and consistency over the second half of 2025 were a lot more encouraging.
Conerly got better every week. Complacency was not an issue for the No. 29 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft this offseason, and he showed up to Washington's offseason program looking like a different player.
The Oregon product spent some of his offseason working out with Laremy Tunsil. He was on a strict strength-and-conditioning program and eating right. As a result, the edge protector looks much more athletic and explosive before Year 2 of his professional career.
He's taking things seriously. Conerly knows last season means nothing now, and he's putting in the work. He's also got a big fan in Tunsil, who believes his teammate is set for bigger things moving forward.
High praise, indeed.
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