Commanders DL (5)
- Daron Payne, Javon Kinlaw, Johnny Newton, Tim Settle Jr., D.J. Davidson
The Washington Commanders underwent a major defensive overhaul this offseason, and rightfully so. With new coordinator Daronte Jones expected to switch to a 3-4 base scheme, the trenches will be integral to their success.
Daron Payne, Javon Kinlaw, and free-agent signing Tim Settle Jr. are expected to start. The Commanders are expecting big things from Johnny Newton, who's been nothing more than a pass-rushing force over his first two seasons. They'll probably take another through, and a slight preference would be for D.J. Davidson over Shy Tuttle at the moment.
Commanders EDGE (5)
- Odafe Oweh, Dorance Armstrong Jr., Charles Omenihu, Joshua Josephs, K'Lavon Chaisson
After going down to the bare bones on the defensive edge last season, general manager Adam Peters worked exceptionally hard to upgrade the unit throughout a busy offseason. Things look a lot more promising now, which could be the springboard for brighter fortunes if everyone stays healthy.
Odafe Oweh was the big-money signing with high expectations on his shoulders. K'Lavon Chaisson is another eye-catching arrival who broke out in 2025. Charles Omenihu offers versatility and depth. Fifth-round pick Joshua Josephs has immediate rotational upside if he transitions smoothly this summer.
With Dorance Armstrong Jr. also returning to health, this could be a formidable group if everyone meets their billing.
Commanders LBs (5)
- Frankie Luvu, Sonny Styles, Leo Chenal, Jordan Magee, Kain Medrano
The Commanders' linebacking corps got a fresh injection of youth and energy this offseason. Bobby Wagner's time in Washington had run its course, but there is real hope that this group could be one of the team's biggest strengths next season.
Leo Chenal's arrival in free agency brings optimism. The Commanders used the No. 7 overall pick on Sonny Styles, an athletic phenom with franchise cornerstone potential. Frankie Luvu is moving back to his preferred off-ball role in a contract year, and Washington remains high on Jordan Magee.
They are roster locks. The Commanders might take one more through, and Kain Medrano's youth and athleticism could be preferred to the aging Nick Bellore for special-teams value.
Commanders CBs (4)
- Trey Amos, Mike Sainristil, Amik Robertson, Ahkello Witherspoon
Washington's cornerback unit is an interesting storyline to watch over the summer. There was no real urgency to prioritize the unit this offseason, with Adam Peters believing a stronger front seven within Daronte Jones' concepts could make things easier for the entire secondary.
There is an emphasis on versatility. Trey Amos is the physical outside force, while Mike Sainristil and Amik Robertson will also have roles to play. Ahkello Witherspoon may be an asset if he stays healthy, but with Quan Martin and Tyler Owens spending time in the nickel at OTAs, four corners might be all Washington needs initially.
Commanders safeties (6)
- Nick Cross, Quan Martin, Will Harris, Jeremy Reaves, Tyler Owens, Percy Butler
Fans are slightly worried about the safety position, but that is not an opinion shared by those in the building. They believe there is enough, and Daronte Jones' need for aggression and athleticism gives those who underperformed last season a chance for redemption.
Nick Cross was signed in free agency and should be a huge tone-setter. The Commanders are experimenting with Quan Martin and Tyler Owens in the nickel, suggesting they both have roles to play next season. Jeremy Reaves brings leadership and supreme special-teams value, and Will Harris is getting the benefit of the doubt after last season's injury problems.
Percy Butler is the wild card, but his status could legitimately go either way.
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