Bobby Wagner - Commanders LB
The Washington Commanders' culture shift going so well last season wouldn't have happened without Bobby Wagner. His calming influence, assured leadership, and exceptional on-field communication became a driving force for the team during their memorable run to the NFC Championship game. He led by example and instantly won the respect of teammates, fans, and coaches alike, earning another one-year deal from the franchise along the way.
Wagner's previous credentials need no introduction. But at 35 years old, age is finally starting to catch up to the future first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Famer.
There are glaring coverage flaws that opposing offenses attack at will. Perhaps more concerning is Wagner's regression to the contact point and in pursuit. He's still getting his tackle numbers, but there is more to this than meets the eye.
The Commanders cannot continue like this for much longer. And when the 2026 offseason arrives, finding a younger linebacker to man the second level is imperative.
Marshon Lattimore - Commanders CB
The Commanders were right to make their bold trade for veteran cornerback Marshon Lattimore. Adam Peters recognized the need to find a lockdown presence with Washington at 7-2, looking to make a surprising postseason push. Unfortunately, this hasn't gone according to plan.
Lattimore was one of the league's best once upon a time. Those days look long gone, and the New Orleans Saints must be laughing their way to the bank. He's a liability, getting burned downfield for lofty gains or conceding frustrating defensive pass interference penalties in crucial moments. Fans are growing tired, but the Commanders reportedly don't have any plans to bench the four-time Pro Bowler right now.
That's a confidence boost for now. But if Lattimore doesn't raise his performance levels in the coming months, a situation could emerge where the Commanders either trade the player or release him entirely with $18 million in salary-cap savings attached.
Zach Ertz - Commanders TE
The theme of wanting to get younger has been prevalent throughout this article. Washington had to rely heavily on experience after some woeful drafting over Ron Rivera's four-year tenure. However, there is no doubt that this team is looking slow in the more explosive environment that the NFL has become.
Zach Ertz is another who could be playing out his final season in Washington. He's still performing relatively well as a valuable pass-catching asset in the short to intermediate areas of the field. His four touchdowns through seven games are evidence of his red zone threat, but the player's ability to create separation is slowly waning.
Ertz will also be 36 years old midway through the 2026 season. That is pretty long in the tooth for any tight end, so the Commanders could use this offseason to find another dynamic presence if Ben Sinnott doesn't raise confidence in his chances to fill the void.