The Washington Commanders have improved their personnel this offseason. But others around the NFC East will also fancy their chances of making an impact during what should be a highly competitive season within the division.
And one NFL insider conversation with a longtime personnel evaluator just blew the door open for a Commanders' nightmare.
The Philadelphia Eagles will be in contention, as they are every year. Things didn't go well for the Commanders last season, but they are one year removed from an NFC Championship game appearance. The New York Giants are being touted as a dark horse after the appointment of head coach John Harbaugh.
Then, there's the Dallas Cowboys.
Commanders could have a strong challenge from the Cowboys in 2026
There is still drama in Dallas, but the moves this offseason have been much more strategic. Jason La Canfora of FanSided asked one NFL personnel evaluator about both the Cowboys and the Cincinnati Bengals. And he believes general manager/owner Jerry Jones may have drafted them back into the postseason if everything goes according to plan.
“I really like what they both did in the draft. They had to address their defense in big way, and they did. There was an intent to what they did. I think they both got a lot better.
"They probably drafted their way into the playoffs. They stuck to their plan.”
The Commanders are focused on themselves. But make no mistake; general manager Adam Peters will also be keeping a close eye on developments in the division to ensure Washington doesn't get caught off guard at any point.
Dallas is quietly bullish. They once again flattered to deceive last season, with the decision to trade All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers leaving a gaping hole that nobody could fill. Now, they look a lot deeper and stronger. The addition of Caleb Downs could be a game-changer, and their offense should still be potent if George Pickens' contract situation doesn't become a distraction.
Washington will be ready to meet fire with fire. There is a historically bitter rivalry between the two clubs, and their momentum has flip-flopped in recent years. This looks like a critical moment for everyone in the NFC East, and everyone will be aiming to secure supremacy.
The Cowboys will generate the most hype, and it's seemingly already begun. They are always gassed up by the national media despite achieving almost nothing over the past 30 years. Whether things will be different this time around is anyone's guess, but some around the league clearly think the tide might be turning.
And the Commanders need to match them stride for stride on their road to redemption.
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