There was a different feeling at organized team activities this year. The Washington Commanders are looking to bounce back in 2026 after falling short of expectations in 2025. And you could sense it immediately.
Veterans who were around for last season's complete capitulation set a different tone. Practices had a higher tempo, with reporters in attendance noting it was more like what you'd see at training camp. More importantly, the complacency that crept into the building last summer has been replaced by urgency.
This is the precise response head coach Dan Quinn and general manager Adam Peters were looking for. Injuries are a viable excuse for the team's failings, but something felt off long before. Improvements have been made, and the mindset has shifted completely as the Commanders look to return to the form that saw them reach the NFC Championship game in 2024.
Some also caught the eye more than others. With this in mind, here are eight Commanders players who managed to stand out impressively at OTAs.
Supreme standouts who turned heads at Washington Commanders' 2026 OTAs
Terry McLaurin - Commanders WR
After a long contract standoff that lasted the entire summer, Terry McLaurin's 2025 season fell flat. The wide receiver struggled to gain early momentum and missed a lot of time with a quad/hip flexor injury that took a while to shake off. By the time he returned to the field, Jayden Daniels wasn't around, and Washington's race was run.
McLaurin has taken it upon himself to set a different tone this time around. He's been motivating, leading, and demonstrating the skills that make him such a prolific force. The Ohio State product is a tone-setter in every sense of the term, and a big year could be in the offing if things continue in this manner.
Amik Robertson - Commanders CB
The Commanders raised a few eyebrows by kicking off the legal tampering window with the signing of Amik Robertson. While the cornerback was highly recommended, critics wondered just how much he could really move the needle within a unit desperate for improved consistency.
Robertson heard all the chatter. His social media posts highlighted a fierce desire to prove people wrong, and he hit the ground running at OTAs.
One thing that stood out was Robertson's competitiveness. He was keen to go up against Terry McLaurin, pushing himself right to the limit. The veteran has also been a tremendous asset to young cornerbacks like Mike Sainristil, who praised his mindset and willingness to go above and beyond to help him reach new heights.
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