The Washington Commanders are about to embark on their third phase of organized team activities, which will be swiftly followed by mandatory minicamp. Preparations for the new campaign are being turned up a notch before the pre-training camp break, and a few interesting wrinkles are already emerging for fans to monitor.
One thing that came across almost instantly was how quickly the tone was set. Nobody was happy with how things unfolded last season. Everyone — from the players to the coaches and even the front office — has a completely different mindset this time around, and it's already bringing out a new sense of urgency that wasn't there last summer.
The Commanders have a fierce desire to right the wrongs. They want to go into the season all guns blazing, and they have the quality needed to bounce back. Saying it and doing it are two very different things, yet optimism remains high.
With this in mind, here are six Commanders surprises that teams around the league may not see coming as head coach Dan Quinn looks to spearhead Washington's football renaissance.
Washington Commanders surprises who could launch 2026 bounce-back
Treylon Burks - Commanders WR
The Commanders have not done much to fortify their wide receiver room this offseason. There is still time to change that, with speculation high around the possibility of Brandon Aiyuk or Stefon Diggs joining the fold at some stage. General manager Adam Peters has not moved as yet, which indicates confidence in those around to step up within David Blough's offensive concepts.
Several of them are making waves. Treyloon Burks is among them, and there is a growing sense that the 2022 first-round pick out of Arkansas could have a big role to play if the same trend continues.
Burks opted to remain in Washington rather than take other offers this offseason. The wideout believes Blough's vision and the Commanders' culture make this the best place to galvanize his career. Based on early impressions, he might be right.
Johnny Newton - Commanders DL
When asked about which player could take a massive leap forward next season, Dan Quinn immediately highlighted Johnny Newton. That is a bold statement for someone who's seen more as a rotational defensive lineman, but an uninterrupted offseason and a more dynamic scheme could help bring even more out of the No. 36 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Newton hasn't lived up to his pre-draft billing yet. The flashes as a pass-rusher are encouraging, but the inconsistencies against the run need significant work. If he can bring this part of his game along, it's all systems go for the Illinois product.
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