Trent Scott - Commanders OL
The Washington Commanders haven't had many positives to speak of this season. However, the offensive line is undeniably their most encouraging bright spot amid the almost constant doom and gloom.
If the Commanders extend Chris Paul, their starting five offensive linemen will all be back. That will be a massive boost to continuity. It will also allow general manager Adam Peters to focus on bolstering the depth options rather than anything more drastic.
It'll be interesting to see what Peters decides, but things aren't looking especially promising for Trent Scott. He's done well to last this long under the current regime, especially given the fact that he was a Ron Rovera holdover. That's down to his versatility, and he was also the player who unbelievably caught Jayden Daniels' first touchdown pass in the NFL.
That will be something for Scott to tell his grandkids one day. But he should be looking for alternative employment next spring.
Noah Brown - Commanders WR
The Commanders have some difficult decisions ahead in their wide receiver room. Terry McLaurin, Luke McCaffrey, and fourth-round rookie Jaylin Lane will be on the squad in 2026. All bets are off aside from that, which is something Adam Peters has to get right.
Deebo Samuel Sr. has done enough to warrant a new deal, but much will depend on the money involved. Treylon Burks offers long-term upside, but the return to health of Noah Brown in Week 14 saw the former Arkansas standout go to the fringes.
Brown didn't do much on another difficult afternoon against the Minnesota Vikings. He'd been missing since Week 2, so there was a need to shake off some rust. But looking at how things have unfolded for the 2017 seventh-round pick, it would be a bombshell of epic proportions if he got another commitment from the Commanders.
Preston Smith - Commanders DE
When starting defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr. was ruled out for the campaign after just two games, the Commanders had to take drastic action. The edge-rushing room wasn't given the correct attention by general manager Adam Peters during the offseason, and Washington has paid a heavy price. That has to change in 2026, but until then, head coach Dan Quinn is forced to rely on subpar options.
One of those is Preston Smith. He was a Pro Bowl-caliber performer at the peak of his powers, and returning to the club that drafted him represented a nostalgic scenario that brought intrigue. Unfortunately, the performances just haven't met the required standard.
Smith has flashed promise, but nothing to warrant an extended stay beyond the campaign. The Commanders need a complete rethink of their approach to generating more pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Aside from Dorance Armstrong Jr. and maybe Jacob Martin, nobody else has done enough to return.