Javon Kinlaw - Commanders DL
Javon Kinlaw's big-money move to the Washington Commanders has not gone according to plan so far, to the surprise of almost nobody. Most thought the three-year, $45 million deal with $30 million guaranteed represented a massive overpay at the time. The defensive lineman did nothing to quash this notion over his first season with the club.
Kinlaw always talked himself and the team up leading into games. There was very little substance attached, though his flashes against the run could be a sound platform from which to build moving forward.
The Commanders are projected to switch to a 3-4 base system under new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones. Kinlaw will be a 3-4 end, with Daron Payne and recent signing Tim Settle Jr. alongside him. This looks like a potentially prolific trio, and with the improved options on the edge, any further failings from the South Carolina product will not be tolerated.
Treylon Burks - Commanders WR
The Commanders saw enough from Treylon Burks over the second half of 2025 to give him another go-around in 2026. It's a one-year deal that could be worth up to $4 million, including incentives, but the franchise's vote of confidence will mean more to the wide receiver than any money.
Burks has always boasted physical talent. Injuries and a poor environment with the Tennessee Titans meant he never came close to meeting expectations. The pressure will be far less in Washington, but with a full offseason to familiarize himself with David Blough's concepts and get into physical shape, the Arkansas product could be a surprise most don't see coming next season.
Competition for places in the receiver room has increased, with more likely to come. However, the departure of Deebo Samuel Sr. leaves an opening in the big slot role, which Burks can fill with a better run of luck on the health front.
Jayden Daniels - Commanders QB
General manager Adam Peters rightfully focused heavily on the defense during free agency. However, the Commanders also made a concerted effort to improve the firepower around quarterback Jayden Daniels.
There is no doubt that Daniels didn't have enough last season. The injuries didn't help, but a revamp was desperately required. There is still work ahead, especially in the receiver room, but things got off to a promising start.
Daniels has a new pass-catching tight end in Chig Okonkwo. He's reunited with running back Rachaad White, a former college teammate at Arizona State. The offensive line looks stable after Chris Paul returned, and the wideout unit's depth looks much improved after the arrivals of Dyami Brown and Van Jefferson Jr.
If the Commanders can add another dynamic receiver during the draft, and Brandon Aiyuk finds his old form when he eventually joins Washington, Daniels will have everything he needs to put together a bounce-back campaign.