Excitement is building before the Washington Commanders begin what promises to be a fascinating, high-tempo training camp. And the pressure is on to lay the foundations for a successful campaign.
Head coach Dan Quinn and his squad got off to a good start in Washington's offseason program. More is required now, and the competition for spots is fierce after general manager Adam Peters made the necessary changes in free agency and at the 2026 NFL Draft.
And there is one battle above all else finally worth arguing about.
Commanders kicking battle will be among the summer's biggest camp stories
Fans have clamored for a legitimate kicking competition for years. It's been a constant force of frustration, with failed veteran gambles bringing slight relief before fizzling out just as quickly. There was seemingly no real plan in place, certainly not for the long term, and Peters' costly gamble on Matt Gay this time last year failed to reap the desired rewards.
Gay was cut in-season after a disastrous run. He was replaced by Jake Moody, scooped off the Chicago Bears practice squad in a last-ditch attempt to provide the consistency needed. It was up-and-down, but the Commanders saw enough to give him another one-year commitment.
Most fans were skeptical about giving Moody a free run to the starting spot. Fortunately, Peters had something else up his sleeve.
Drew Stevens signed an undrafted free agent contract. The Commanders struck quickly when interest from elsewhere emerged, and the Iowa product wasted no time in leaving a big impression.
Stevens has the accuracy, leg strength, and confidence to give Moody plenty to think about. Quinn has already stated this battle will go right through the preseason before a winner is crowned. It looks too close to call right now, but the veteran is not giving up his spot willingly.
Competition breeds success. It pushes people right to their limit, and it makes everyone better. Moody has responded positively to the challenge, and though Stevens is still breathing down his neck, staying in the fight was critical before things get more intense this summer.
Who comes out on top will have an integral role to play.
The Commanders' kicking woes are well documented. Stability is everything, and the life of an NFL kicker is often precarious. Moody has the experience, but Stevens is the young upstart looking to become a long-term part of the team's plans.
Fans have a slight favoritism toward Stevens, being the shiny new toy. But if he wants to make it through onto the 53-man roster, he'll have to earn it.
Moody is at a career crossroads, which makes him dangerous. When he turns up the heat at training camp, Stevens must be ready to meet fire with fire.
And everyone associated with the Commanders will be watching events unfold closely.
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