Noah Brown - Commanders WR
Adam Peters opted to run it back with the large majority of veteran players who helped the Washington Commanders on their memorable run to the NFC Championship game. But the juice quickly ran out, and the injury problems exposed the complete lack of depth throughout this threadbare roster.
Noah Brown was among those who simply didn't make a lasting contribution thanks to several health concerns. The Commanders gave him another one-year deal despite ending the 2024 campaign on injured reserve. A knee complication during the summer hindered his preparations. He also suffered a problem in Week 2 that he never got over.
The wide receiver made his triumphant return later in the campaign. However, Brown went to the shelf again almost immediately, ending a deeply frustrating second campaign in Washington.
Changes are expected with the introduction of new offensive coordinator David Blough. Brown should not get a reprieve this time around.
Marshon Lattimore - Commanders CB
The Commanders' trade for four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Marshon Lattimore signified their return to the national spotlight. Adam Peters thought this project was further along than expected, and his shutdown coverage capabilities could get Washington over the hump much sooner than anyone expected.
Lattimore entered the club with a hamstring injury he never fully shook off in 2024. The Commanders gave him the benefit of the doubt, believing a full offseason to heal and learn the scheme could be enough to bounce back. This didn't go according to plan either.
Instead, the former Ohio State standout became a weak link opposing offenses actively looked to exploit. Lattimore had lost a step, and his poor technique resulted in several defensive pass interference penalties in critical situations.
Ending the campaign with a torn ACL was a microcosm of his disastrous time in Washington. Peters needs to cut the cord this offseason, saving the Commanders $18.5 million on their salary cap.
Austin Ekeler - Commanders RB
The Commanders' running back dynamic took several twists and turns throughout the season. It was a solid, if unspectacular, effort from the group overall, but it's also something Adam Peters must address when the 2026 recruitment period officially commences.
When the Commanders traded Brian Robinson Jr. to the San Francisco 49ers, veteran Austin Ekeler was thrust into the RB1 role. He was expected to be a pass-catching option once again in Year 2 with the club, but Washington thought his experience could be an asset in a prominent role.
Ekeler started the campaign relatively well. This momentum came screeching to an abrupt halt when the former Western Colorado standout tore his Achilles tendon in Week 2 against the Green Bay Packers, ending his season almost before it began.
Although Ekeler plans to play somewhere in 2026, it probably won't be in Washington when it's all said and done.