Commanders should monitor Alvin Kamara
The Washington Commanders have a crowded running back room. General manager Adam Peters has decided to move forward with a committee approach, which keeps everyone fresh and opposing defenses guessing. But whether they have enough quality is another matter.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt is looking to build on his outstanding rookie year. Rachaad White has looked the part so far, and he has a prior connection to Jayden Daniels from their time together at Arizona State. Sixth-rounder Kaytron Allen is a powerful short-yardage option, while Jerome Ford and Jeremy McNichols will be fighting for roster spots.
This could suffice. But if the New Orleans Saints ended up releasing Alvin Kamara to ease their salary-cap burden after June 1, that might just change the conversation.
Kamara was a dynamic dual-threat force at the peak of his powers. It was a down year by his typically high standards in 2025, and the free-agent arrival of Travis Etienne Jr. makes him disposable.
Commanders should monitor Christian Haynes
Washington's offensive line was a rare source of encouragement in an otherwise underwhelming 2025 season. The unit looks like an area of strength once again, but no team can ever have enough quality depth.
The Commanders have a bookend tackle tandem in Laremy Tunsil and Josh Conerly Jr. Sam Cosmi is a prolific right guard. Chris Paul and Brandon Coleman are fighting for the left guard job, and Nick Allegretti is in pole position to replace Tyler Biadasz at the center spot. With the likes of Andrew Wylie, Matt Gulbin, and Trent Scott fortifying depth, things are looking up.
Complacency cannot become an issue. Another capable option to raise the bar even further will only help. And if Christian Haynes is let go by the Seattle Seahawks, it may provoke a discussion.
Haynes' pass protection was good in extremely limited involvement last season. But the 2024 third-round pick looks like a depth piece at best.
Commanders should monitor Malik Hooker
It was somewhat surprising to see the Commanders keep faith with their safety options. Only Nick Cross came into the franchise to bolster the defensive back end, indicating confidence in those who underperformed in the previous campaign.
Daronte Jones' scheme could bring out more from them. It's a calculated risk, but there are growing signs that nothing more will be done unless an opportunity they can't refuse falls into the Commanders' lap.
Given head coach Dan Quinn's connection to Malik Hooker from their time together with the Dallas Cowboys, he could change the conversation if Washington's bitter NFC East rival cuts him this offseason.
It would be surprising, despite the claims of some in the media. Hooker should start, but the arrival of first-round rookie Caleb Downs shifts the landscape. Much will depend on what the Cowboys have planned for the Ohio State product, but the veteran's future may no longer be clear-cut.
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