The Washington Commanders enter Year 3 of the Jayden Daniels, Dan Quinn, and Adam Peters era with high hopes for a bounce-back campaign. There is also more at stake for some than others.
Their roster is full of younger, fresher faces. They now employ new, first-time coordinators on both sides of the ball, looking to leave last season's 5-12 disaster in the rearview mirror.
A major ingredient in the Commanders' quest for a return to the postseason will be improvement from their homegrown draft picks. Peters' 2024 class, aside from Daniels — and last year, even that was debatable — has largely been disappointing thus far. But there is still time for that to change.
Brandon Coleman cannot afford to waste another chance with the Commanders
For one overlooked young contributor, the 2026 season will provide a much-needed reset.
Third-round offensive lineman Brandon Coleman had a promising rookie season for Washington in 2024, entering the starting lineup for 12 games at left tackle and providing relatively consistent play. But the Commanders traded for Laremy Tunsil the following offseason, which moved the TCU product to left guard.
It did not go well.
Coleman was benched for Chris Paul after two weeks and scratched out of Washington's active lineup entirely for five games. He finished out the season relieving an injured Tunsil at his original position, but suffice to say, it was not the sophomore campaign anybody had envisioned.
It was speculated throughout the year that Coleman's lack of use was related to an injury more severe than the team had let on. Washington had better hope that proves to be the case and that his third campaign can get his development back on track.
Even if so, he is going to have his work cut out for him.
Paul did an admirable job stepping in for Coleman last year, and re-signed back with the team to reclaim his starting role. Tunsil hasn't gone anywhere either, having been extended long-term, and Josh Conerly Jr. is the present and future at right tackle.
Unless Paul regresses, it will be difficult for Coleman to find many chances to get on the field in 2026. There is no guarantee he even plays for the Commanders again. If Washington can find any suitors, he could be an intriguing trade candidate if his slump becomes something more concerning.
If Coleman does get another opportunity to see significant snaps in Washington, he can't waste it. He needs to show again why he was once viewed as a key piece of the Commanders' youth movement.
Nothing else will suffice.
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