The Washington Commanders were incredibly busy over the offseason. General manager Adam Peters was under pressure to improve his roster, and he emerged from the difficult process with credit. It's not perfect just yet, but this franchise is on a sounder footing.
However, former Super Bowl-winning defensive back turned ESPN analyst Jason McCourty believes another big move is required to get the Commanders closer.
Specifically, finding quarterback Jayden Daniels another valuable weapon in the passing game.
Jason McCourty believes Commanders need to find another dynamic weapon for Jayden Daniels
During an appearance on ESPN's morning debate show First Take, McCourty named the Commanders as the team that needs to make a bold move above all else. And if Peters can upgrade the receiver position, he thought that could provide the springboard for a legitimate bounce-back campaign from Daniels.
"[Washington Commanders] are the team that I look at, if you get everybody in there, if you get another weapon, if Jayden Daniels comes back healthy, this is a team that can contend in the NFC.”
— First Take (@FirstTake) July 9, 2026
—@JasonMcCourty on the Commanders becoming a top dog in the NFC 🏈 pic.twitter.com/ch9u2dsfjS
McCourty is not alone in his opinion.
Fans are worried about the lack of proven production behind Terry McLaurin. Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic was among those concerned about some players' performance during mandatory minicamp. There is a reliance on some young hopefuls making legitimate improvements, and Peters is seemingly in no hurry to raise competition.
The Commanders will probably let things play out over the early stages of training camp. Peters and head coach Dan Quinn will find out a lot more about their players when the pads go on, and if they are not entirely satisfied with how things are going, that's when action might be taken.
What direction they'll take in this scenario is another matter.
Brandon Aiyuk is talking his way out of the league, and the Commanders may decide the baggage just isn't worth it after he threw shade at Daniels recently. If Stefon Diggs was an option, he'd probably have been signed by now. Other possibilities are also available, and good players will be released before Week 1.
Trading for a wideout is another possibility. However, Peters might decide to do nothing.
If the Commanders stand pat, the Commanders' passing attack would run through McLaurin, with tight end Chig Okonkwo and running back Rachaad White also in line for substantial roles. After that, the other receivers can make plays when called upon. And if someone like Treylon Burks, Luke McCaffrey, or third-round rookie Antonio Williams raises their influence, that might be enough for offensive coordinator David Blough to work with.
At the same time, this ambitious project is in a precarious situation. The Commanders came crashing back down to earth last season, winning five games. Any further failures will have much bigger implications attached this time around, so if there is even the slightest doubt about the quality of Daniels' supporting cast, Peters must react accordingly.
McCourty believes this is essential. However, the only opinions that matter are those in the building.
It'll be fascinating to see what unfolds. But the time for half-measures is over.
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