Everyone within the Washington Commanders was a little on edge entering the offseason. It was a disastrous 2025 campaign, with very few positives to take away. Big changes were coming, and they arrived quickly.
New coordinators. A roster shakeup. Another influx of hopefuls from the college ranks. The promise of more veteran arrivals in the not-too-distant future. Things look different, in a good way. But it remains a precarious situation in what promises to be an ultra-competitive NFC East next season.
The Commanders made some big calls. Established locker room leaders who were pivotal pieces of the culture shift under head coach Dan Quinn are gone. There is a younger, more vibrant feel to the roster, which was desperately needed. Washington also gave surprising reprieves to some underperforming players whose statuses were far from certain.
It's a calculated risk, but one the Commanders believe can help spearhead their renaissance. Competition has increased across the board, but this was the only way general manager Adam Peters had any chance of turning the tide quickly. Hopefully, it will bring a positive response from everyone.
With this in mind, here are seven Commanders players who are officially out of excuses after a bold leap of faith by Quinn this offseason. Something they must repay in no uncertain terms.
Commanders players officially out of excuses after Dan Quinn’s bold leap of faith
Frankie Luvu - Commanders LB
There is no doubt Frankie Luvu became a victim of circumstances with the Commanders last season. When injuries began to decimate his defense, the coaching staff asked the linebacker to occupy a role he wasn't entirely comfortable with. He gave it everything, but the waning influence spoke volumes.
Luvu played more on the edge than at any stage during his career. This restricted his ability to be instinctive and retain the form that earned him second-team All-Pro honors in 2024. Daronte Jones is changing all that this time around, and Adam Peters has enough strength in the pass-rush after an aggressive offseason.
Jones plans to move Luvu back to his off-ball role. That would greatly benefit the franchise, but the Commanders have contingencies in place in case he cannot turn the tide.
Washington signed Leo Chenal in free agency. They took Sonny Styles at No. 7 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. Luvu will still play an integral role, but for how much longer remains to be seen.
This is a contract year for Luvu. There have been no reports about an extension ahead of time, so the Washington State product has an enormous amount on the line.
And make no mistake; the Commanders are expecting Luvu to deliver.
Add us as a preferred source on Google