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6 Commanders long shots with a sneaky path onto the 2026 roster

The summer always brings a few surprises.
Washington Commanders defensive lineman D.J. Davidson
Washington Commanders defensive lineman D.J. Davidson | Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
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Jaden Bradley - Commanders WR

Most around the league believe the Washington Commanders will add to their wide receiver room before Week 1 against the Philadelphia Eagles. Brandon Aiyuk is being heavily linked, but he is still under contract with the San Francisco 49ers. Stefon Diggs has also expressed interest in joining the club, but that hasn't been reciprocated yet.

Until Adam Peters makes his move, the Commanders seem content with the options available. There isn't much dependable production in a regular-season setting behind Terry McLaurin, but there is confidence that some of the young breakout hopefuls can raise their numbers within offensive coordinator David Blough's schematic concepts.

It's a fascinating dynamic. But for undrafted rookie Jaden Bradley, he couldn't have done much more to get noticed over Washington's offseason program.

Bradley is starting from the bottom, but he may be on the rise. Dan Quinn praised him heavily for maximizing his chances. While involvement in the starting offensive rotation might be limited at training camp, his physical tools and ability to make tough catches have stood out considerably so far.

This will still be an uphill battle for Bradley. It took time for everything to come together in college before his breakout campaign at Nevada in 2025. He's looking to build on this positive momentum, and if he shines over camp and makes his targets count in the preseason, the Commanders will have a big decision to make.

T.J. Maguranyanga - Commanders DE/OLB

T.J. Maguranyanga joined the Commanders last season through the NFL's International Player Pathway. The Zimbabwe native carved out a strong reputation for himself in the French rugby union league, and Washington saw enough in the fledgling roster hopeful to give him another reserve/futures contract this offseason.

Maguranyanga hasn't just come to make up the numbers. He wants to grow, gain more experience, and earn his place on the roster. That might seem like a tall order, but Dan Quinn singled him out for special plaudits after the conclusion of mandatory minicamp.

That will be the biggest confidence boost imaginable. Maguranyanga has all the physical tools, but he hadn't even played football before a 10-week IPP training camp. There is a rawness to his game right now, but there are also athletic intangibles that cannot be taught.

He's got the size, length, and power to operate on the edge rusher or as a 3-4 defensive end within Daronte Jones' system. The new defensive coordinator has repeatedly preached the importance of versatility since joining the franchise. Maguranyanga has it, but continuing to stack good days is paramount.

It'll be tough for Maguranyanga; there is no getting away from that. Making the practice squad would be an achievement, but he might be aiming higher after an impressive offseason.

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