All options should be on the table for the Washington Commanders in 2026, especially on the defensive side of the ball. The unit that ranked last in the league in yards allowed last season figures to improve, but it will also need to get creative to perform at a high level.
New defensive coordinator Daronte Jones will have his work cut out for him. Based on reports from organized team activities, we already know there will be a few structural changes in his unit.
Jones' system is expected to run a linebacker-heavy 3-4 scheme to maximize the youth and speed Washington suddenly possesses on that side of the ball.
Don't forget about Tyler Owens in the Commanders' defensive overhaul
There will also be some adjustments to the Commanders' safety room. For one player who fans have been clamoring to see in a consistent role, this could finally be his big chance.
The Commanders' defensive backfield still isn't exactly a strength, with significant trust placed in young cornerbacks Mike Sainristil and Trey Amos. Washington also signed Amik Robertson and Ahkello Witherspoon to provide depth.
At safety, Nick Cross should be an upgrade on Will Harris, while Quan Martin will have one final chance to prove himself. All of this has buried Tyler Owens on the depth chart, but it sounds like Jones wants him to still be involved.
Owens received some cult hype as an undrafted free agent over the 2024 offseason, making Washington's 53-man roster and appearing in 12 games as a rookie. He has mostly contributed on special teams throughout his two-year career, but it hasn't stopped fans from screaming to give him a proper chance.
From the sound of it, that chance might come in 2026 — just not necessarily at safety.
With Sainristil moving back to the outside cornerback position, where he probably belongs, Robertson figures to be Washington's starting nickel. The team will need others to step in occasionally, and Jones has been experimenting with both Owens and Martin taking reps in the slot.
It's an intriguing dynamic that will have fans paying close attention to how it unfolds. It could turn out to be simply your typical offseason buzz that amounts to nothing of significance, but it could just as easily save the career of a young and hungry player who just needs the right situation.
After a year in which their lack of depth sank their season, the Commanders will need to find ways to get more players involved in 2026.
Don't forget about Owens.
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