Commanders could sign Eddy Piñeiro
It seems as if the Washington Commanders might be looking for a new starting kicker once again in 2026. NFL insider Jordan Schultz revealed that general manager Adam Peters will not be triggering Jake Moody's restricted free-agent tender. Though he could still be re-signed, much will depend on what options come on the open market beforehand.
There is also the draft or undrafted free agency to consider. Either way, this carousel has gone on for long enough. The Commanders need to find a legitimate option capable of solidifying the kicking position for years to come. Taking a swing at Eddy Piñeiro could be an option, but it also comes with significant concerns.
Piñeiro is widely considered among the most accurate kickers in league history, at least statistically. However, his leg is not the biggest by any stretch, and there is a history of not coming through in the biggest moments. That should give the Commanders enough reasons to look elsewhere.
Commanders could sign Tyquan Thornton
The Commanders are looking for more firepower to place around quarterback Jayden Daniels. Terry McLaurin is the only prolific wide receiver under contract, although Adam Peters remains bullish on the long-term outlook of Luke McCaffrey and Jaylin Lane.
That won't be enough, especially if Deebo Samuel Sr. doesn't get re-signed. The Commanders don't have a burner who can take the top off defenses as a legitimate deep threat. Tyquan Thornton offers that trait, but there are also some significant red flags that must be investigated before making this move.
Thornton has missed a lot of football over the past few years due to injury. He played 14 games for the Kansas City Chiefs last season, bringing in 19 receptions from 37 targets for 438 receiving yards and three touchdowns. That was the best production of his four-year career to date, but whether this is his ceiling or not remains to be seen.
Commanders could sign Sheldon Rankins
The Commanders' defensive front is another area of the field that could use some extra quality. All signs point to Daron Payne coming back without a contract extension, and he should be highly motivated to silence some increasing doubters in the final year of his deal.
Javon Kinlaw's big-money move last year failed to yield the desired results, but new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones praised his versatility during his introductory press conference. Johnny Newton seems more like a pass-rushing specialist rather than someone capable of being a three-down force, which is deeply disappointing.
If Jones plans to move Washington's scheme to a 3-4 base front, the Commanders need a genuine space-eater at the nose tackle spot who can free up space for others. This is dirty work that goes largely unnoticed, but it's integral nonetheless.
Sheldon Rankins might be a possibility. But he'll be 32 soon, and the Commanders may want to think a little younger.