Nobody needs to tell head coach Dan Quinn how important this offseason is for the Washington Commanders. Nothing much went right for the club in 2025. Now, it's all about strengthening the squad to ensure they're more competitive next time around.
The Commanders only have six picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, and only two of those are in the first four rounds. General manager Adam Peters has plenty of cash to expend in free agency, which could reach the $100 million mark and beyond if further moves are made.
Having so much money available doesn't guarantee success. Peters still needs to find the right recruits. Hopefully, they will be younger and more explosive, especially considering how the Commanders were the oldest and slowest team in the league during the previous campaign.
Dan Quinn sends strong message over his Commanders' shopping list in free agency
It's going to be an enthralling offseason with significant changes expected. Quinn delivered a clear message during an appearance on The Team 980 with Kevin Sheehan about what he wants the Commanders to prioritize. And fans were nodding in agreement.
"If it was offense, someone that is adding touchdowns. And defensively, a rusher that affects the QB, knowing that you've got to go after the head of the snake. Or a defensive player who can really guard people tight in the moment of truth throws — third-down, two-minute, into those spaces. So, those would be the three most important factors to me."Dan Quinn via The Team 980
Dan Quinn tells @kevinsheehanDC what kind of players he wants to bring to Washington pic.twitter.com/CN5VgO2yxA
— The Team 980 (@team980) February 12, 2026
Finding a dynamic pass-rusher is something fans were clamoring for this time last year, too. Peters knows what's required, especially with new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones bringing his own scheme that demands more quality. Marshon Lattimore's pending release means the Commanders need a shutdown cornerback to go alongside Trey Amos and Mike Sainristil. Giving quarterback Jaydenn Daniels another prolific weapon isn't going to hurt, either.
Peters and Quinn are still aligned, so the coach's demands will not go unnoticed.
Jones and the new offensive coordinator, David Blough, will also be consulted, and pressure is building. This is the time to spend. The Commanders need to be active and aggressive in equal measure. That's the only way their current predicament will improve.
Fans are demanding action. They want younger players with long-term upside and proven production. They do not want Peters to be penny-pinching with past-their-prime veterans looking to squeeze out one more year of their careers. That didn't work last time, and it certainly won't work this time.
Quinn drew a line in the sand. And it would be a massive surprise if Peters didn't grant his wishes.