Washington Commanders fans are eagerly anticipating a crucial third recruitment phase for this current regime. Things have to go well because ownership may not be as lenient if the team struggles to get out of its current slump.
Hopes are high. There is a key focus on improving the defense, especially with new coordinator Daronte Jones looking to implement a faster, more versatile scheme that demands aggression and explosiveness. However, head coach Dan Quinn was quick to remind fans what's really important this offseason.
That, of course, is continuing to build around franchise quarterback Jayden Daniels.
Building a contender around Jayden Daniels remains Commanders' top objective
This will be the key that revives the Commanders. This organization will only go as far as Daniels takes them. And Quinn believes this all starts by adding to the firepower while also making the entire football operation a little more balanced.
That's the objective those in power must meet in the coming weeks.
Pro Football Plus: Jayden will always be in mine when looking at this team and putting pieces around him. pic.twitter.com/fjYuvTQsq6
— Donna Hopkins (@DonnaHopkins_) February 25, 2026
Nothing much went right for Daniels last season. The No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft played just seven games and finished only four due to various injury problems. Something felt off from early on, and the signal-caller wasn't his typically productive self. One can also argue that Quinn mismanaged his prized possession, a mistake he doesn't plan to repeat.
Quinn promoted David Blough to offensive coordinator, giving Daniels stability, familiarity, and a scheme better suited to his dynamic traits. General manager Adam Peters must do his part to bring in talent to upgrade the ranks. Even so, the player must also go through a period of self-reflection this offseason.
Daniels is no good to anybody if he isn't on the field. A low-grade hamstring strain, knee sprain, and dislocated elbow caused his demise in 2025, which brought the inevitable questions about durability. The former LSU star has been working hard on his physique this offseason, and some minor tweaks to his style should also limit the risk of missing time.
And if the Commanders are a more efficient operation that recruits well, that's only going to help the quarterback on his road to redemption in 2026.
This will be the third year of Daniels' rookie contract. He's extension-eligible after that, which means the Commanders are firmly on the clock to maximize this window before it gets much more expensive to keep him around. That isn't lost on Quinn, so there will be urgency to strengthen the ranks and install the system needed for the dynamic dual-threat to thrive moving forward.
If this mission is accomplished, the Commanders can bounce back quickly. Anything less, and they've got a real problem.