General manager Adam Peters was a busy man during the offseason. If the Washington Commanders want to regain respectability and potentially return to the playoff picture, the acquisitions need to make an impact.
Whether it's those brought in to improve depth, become part of a rotation, or for starting upgrades, everyone must make a lasting contribution. Fans were largely encouraged by Peters' movement — it was hard not to be. But the real proof will come when things get serious over training camp before the regular season.
The Commanders are not lacking in motivation. They crashed back down to earth last season, but there remains faith in this project. Washington has talent, so this is all about pulling together and stacking the little wins to build confidence before a bruising gauntlet begins the 2026 campaign.
It'll be difficult; that's a given. The Commanders reside in a competitive division, and the NFC is loaded with teams who genuinely believe they can reach (and win) the Super Bowl. But if the signings and draft picks made by Peters manage to hit the ground running, proving their worth as long-term building blocks, head coach Dan Quinn's squad will be in good shape.
With this in mind, here are six Commanders offseason arrivals who could end up looking especially promising by the time Week 1 against the Philadelphia Eagles arrives.
Washington Commanders offseason additions who could look smart by September
Nick Cross - Commanders S
While fans were somewhat surprised by the lack of urgency around safety reinforcements, the presence of new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones should help bring more out of the defensive backs. But in Nick Cross, the Commanders have found a tone-setting force capable of completely changing the mindset.
Cross is fast, instinctive, and physical. He leaves a mark with every tackle, and even though there were some frailties in coverage last season with the Indianapolis Colts, his capabilities against the run were among the league's best on the defensive back end.
For a team that gave away rushing yards like they were going out of style last season, this is going to be a massive asset. And fans will see that for themselves over training camp before the real action begins.
Antonio Williams - Commanders WR
Obviously, there remains intense speculation about another veteran wide receiver coming into the Commanders before the new season. Brandon Aiyuk seems to have blown his chance, and Stefon Diggs may not be a good fit either. Others will also be considered, but until something gets confirmed, those looking to play a part will get their chance to shine.
There is significant intrigue building around Antonio Williams. His strong start over Washington's early offseason program was encouraging. Dabo Swinney, his college coach at Clemson, believes he can make an instant impression. If that wasn't enough, his shrewd route-running and ability to separate looked tailor-made for David Blough's schematic concepts.
Tempering expectations would be wise initially. Williams is a rookie looking to grow, but it's also worth remembering that he had a first-round projection before the 2025 season. And with the lack of legitimate productivity behind Terry McLaurin, don't be surprised if he earns his fair share of targets.
Add us as a preferred source on Google