Loser No. 2
Chris Rodriguez Jr. - Commanders RB
David Blough gave away some useful information during his introductory press conference. The offensive coordinator hinted that he would like reinforcements for the running back room. Although, as previously mentioned, he remains confident in Jacory Croskey-Merritt's capabilities after an encouraging rookie campaign.
For his scheme to work, another investment is required. That might come through free agency with several intriguing veterans with proven production set to hit the market. It might also come with Jeremiyah Love at No. 7 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, providing some glaring defensive needs are fixed first.
Either way, this statement casts doubt on Chris Rodriguez Jr.'s future. He performed well last season, providing aggression and physicality between the tackles en route to 500 rushing yards and six touchdowns from 112 carries. He's an exclusive rights free agent, so the Commanders will probably tender an offer. But he's got to fight with everything he has for an extended role once again.
Winner No. 4
Terry McLaurin - Commanders WR
David Blough set out his stall in a typically unassuming way. He's not the loudest or the most brash, but he knows how best to take the Commanders' offense forward. And this all starts by making wide receiver Terry McLaurin a legitimate focal point at all three levels of the field.
McLaurin's 2025 season didn't go according to plan. The timing couldn't have been worse, after holding out all summer during a contract standoff with general manager Adam Peters. Nobody can do anything about injuries, but how the former Ohio State star responds is crucial.
Based on Blough's comments, the passing attack will revolve around McLaurin. He's the franchise wideout — a two-time Pro Bowler and undisputed locker room leader. He'll also be highly motivated to right a serious wrong from last season, which is only going to serve the Commanders well this time around.
Loser No. 3
Percy Butler - Commanders S
Daronte Jones named several defensive backs who he believes can thrive within his system. He's going to give everyone a shot, but the slate has been wiped clean. Anyone not displaying the correct growth or buying into the project will be shown the door.
One player Jones did not mention outright was Percy Butler. The safety got a new one-year deal ahead of time last offseason, keeping him under contract through 2026. This was down to his special-teams prowess rather than any significant impact on the defensive rotation, but that might not be enough this time around.
The Commanders will be acquiring reinforcements in the safety room. That has the scope to push everyone else a little further down the pecking order. Unless Butler shows enough, he just might be on the outside looking in.
Butler's contract is pretty easy to get out of if he no longer fits the plans. And make no mistake; the stakes have been raised.