Commanders released Foster Sarell
As previously mentioned, head coach Dan Quinn wanted to send a strong message to his squad after he felt standards had slipped against the Detroit Lions. There was heightened physicality and intensity as preparations for the Baltimore Ravens began, and some were given the chop entirely.
Offensive tackle Foster Sarell joined Will Harris on the scrap heap, giving both a chance to catch on elsewhere if suitable interest arrives. This is a familiar fate for the edge protector, who also signed for Washington last season but didn't do enough to go through.
Sarell's flaws were glaring in the preseason. He fails to generate leverage effectively, and his recovery techniques aren't up to par. While the Commanders aren't blessed with great offensive line depth, general manager Adam Peters decided he had no use for the Stanford product.
Grade: A
Sarell was probably hoping for a depth role, especially when five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil sustained a torn triceps. But it wasn't to be.
Commanders signed D.J. Humphries
The reason for Foster Sarell's release quickly became apparent. Washington believed it had found an upgrade, with Pro Bowl offensive tackle D.J. Humphries joining the Commanders on a one-year deal just before final cuts.
This is significant.
The Commanders are probably without Laremy Tunsil for the entire 2026 campaign. Brandon Coleman is going to the blindside, but the addition of Humphries provides a more accomplished contingency plan if things don't go well.
While Humphries was a top-level performer at the peak of his powers, he didn't play much last season, and he's missed almost the entirety of Washington's preparations for the new campaign. Tempering expectations would be wise, but he might be an upgrade over anything else the Commanders have as a backup.
Grade: B+
This isn't going to be an earth-shattering arrival to the Commanders. But if Humphries can provide some added stability to the depth chart, that's all the Commanders are probably looking for from this transaction.
Commanders signed Stefon Diggs
It might seem like Stefon Diggs has been with the Commanders for a while, but that's a testament to how well he's fit into the locker room in a short space of time. The veteran wide receiver's preference was always for a homecoming this offseason, and it's already clear he plans to make the most of it both on and off the field.
The Commanders stayed in contact with Diggs throughout the offseason. They managed to secure his services on an extremely team-friendly deal, which could be among the offseason's biggest bargains when push comes to shove.
Diggs is already emerging as a leadership presence. He's won over the locker room, and his on-field prowess is as advertised. More importantly, his chemistry with quarterback Jayden Daniels has hit the ground running, raising optimism further about what the four-time Pro Bowler out of Maryland could accomplish in Washington.
Grade: A+
This was originally an A grade from me when the signing was confirmed. But given his early impact and the money attached, it gets bumped up.
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