Training camp is almost here, and there is excitement around the Washington Commanders again. Perhaps not the same heights as last summer after head coach Dan Quinn's squad reached the NFC Championship game in Year 1 of his tenure, but the impressive additions made to the ranks leave reasons for optimism nonetheless.
General manager Adam Peters wanted to raise competition this offseason. The roster is not the finished article yet, but there is some hope for the short and long term. Fans were expecting nothing less after last season's capitulation, and increased urgency will only help Washington get back on the right track.
It's a nervous time for some. The Commanders will be closely examining the performance, application, and consistency of everybody. There is a lot on the line, and the consequences of another poor campaign will be sorely felt. But if a few surprises emerge, and this squad continues to come together, Washington will be a tough out in 2026.
With this in mind, here are six Commanders players who could make some tricky roster choices even harder to predict before Week 1.
Washington Commanders players who could make summer roster choices impossible to predict
Jeremy McNichols - Commanders RB
The Commanders' running back situation is interesting. They don't have a genuinely elite bell-cow in the backfield, but the options available could become a forceful committee that complements each other well.
The pieces are still coming together. Dan Quinn and running backs coach Anthony Lynn weren't sure how things would shake out now, but clarity will come in the weeks ahead. And even though veteran Jeremy McNichols has gone completely overlooked compared to others, he's got something others don't right now.
That, of course, is the coaching staff's trust.
McNichols is a dependable veteran. He is a reliable asset on special teams, which is important for anyone on the fringes. It could still go either way in pursuit of a third season on Washington's roster, but the former Boise State star can make things uncomfortable for others vying for their fair share of carries.
Chris Hilton Jr. - Commanders WR
Much has been made about the Commanders' concerns in their wide receiver room. Speculation remains high about another dependable veteran coming into the fold, but Adam Peters might also decide to stick with what he has and hope one or two of the young hopefuls can break out.
That's risky, but it does have some merit. The competition for places will make everyone better, and though Chris Hilton Jr. has a huge fight to stay relevant, he's got the athletic scope to enter the roster conversation with a strong camp and preseason.
Hilton has a previously established connection with Jayden Daniels from their time together at LSU. His production with the Tigers was modest, which is why he didn't hear his name called during the 2026 NFL Draft. At the same time, there is also a lot of untapped potential if he can become a more convincing route runner.
While Hilton making the practice squad would still be considered an achievement, he'll be aiming to be part of the discussion.
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