Everyone will get a chance to impress throughout the Washington Commanders' preparations for the 2026 campaign. It's been a busy offseason on the recruitment front, with general manager Adam Peters eager to raise the level of competition and avoid the complacency that crept into the franchise this time last year.
And a Commanders insider believes there is a looming position battle that everyone has seemingly overlooked.
Organized team activities are the first chance for players to stake a claim. The page has firmly turned the page on last year's failings, and the focus is on making the improvements needed to avoid similar issues this time around. Places must be earned, and nothing will be given. That goes for almost everyone on head coach Dan Quinn's squad currently.
Commanders insider highlights left guard position as far from certain
Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic highlighted the left guard position as an intriguing area to watch closely. Chris Paul was re-signed, and he'll be the favorite to man the role again. However, the insider thought Brandon Coleman could also push his way into a starting job alongside Laremy Tunsil, with whom he's been working out over the offseason.
"I would think [Brandon] Coleman has a better shot to start at guard than compete at center. The Commanders re-signed Chris Paul after his strong season, but they didn’t have to spend much to do it. His contract is for only one year and $3 million, a reflection of how he’s valued by the league. That means [left] guard is far from solidified, giving Coleman a chance to earn back the job he lost to Paul early last season.
"Coleman said last season that he intended to work out with left tackle Laremy Tunsil at Auburn this offseason, a move that would likely help his development."
This is certainly interesting.
Paul played well last season when installed into the starting lineup. He tested the free-agent market but decided to bet on himself again in Washington. It didn't cost much to re-sign him either, so there wouldn't be anything to stop Quinn from giving the spot back to Coleman if the right progress is made.
Coleman's second campaign was a disaster. He switched to the interior but was benched after just two games. The TCU product wasn't seen much after that, which represented a step back in no uncertain terms.
Injuries also played a part, so Coleman needs a positive response this offseason. Paul won't be giving up his position without a fight, especially after working so hard to get it. Quinn also wants to see what the 2024 third-round pick can do from the center position, which is under a cloud after Tyler Biadasz's shocking release.
What comes next is down to Coleman. The best players will play, but it's hard to look at this potential roster battle and not think Paul has the upper hand right now.
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