The Washington Commanders are looking to make quarterback Jayden Daniels' life a lot easier this offseason. While their offensive line looks relatively stable, especially with the starting left guard Chris Paul coming back on a one-year deal, general manager Adam Peters is still seeking more firepower at the skill positions.
Washington is getting there gradually. The franchise signed tight end Chig Okonkwo to a three-year, $30 million deal, providing them with a long-term option at the position. Rachaad White agreed to a bargain deal to reunite with Daniels. The Commanders also acquired Dyami Brown and Van Jefferson Jr. to potentially give their wide receiver room a lift.
Just how big a role either pass-catcher will play is debatable. But with speculation rising around Brandon Aiyuk and others, fans are expecting more additions in the not-too-distant future.
Commanders may not have room for Deebo Samuel Sr. in 2026
This all but confirms what Commanders fans are starting to figure out about Deebo Samuel Sr.
The Commanders' trade for Samuel went better than expected, despite the team plummeting overall. Peters only had to give up a fifth-round pick for the versatile pass-catcher, who became the one stable option as all around him crumbled in a contract year.
Though the Commanders didn't rule out an extended stay for Samuel, it's starting to look like he'll be free to take his chances elsewhere. No team has taken the plunge yet, so there is a chance he'll return on a team-friendly deal. But he'll eventually get an offer from a club looking to fortify its receiver options at some stage.
Washington now has Terry McLaurin, Luke McCaffrey, Jaylin Lane, Treylon Burks, Brown, and Jefferson in their wideout unit. That won't be enough, but if Aiyuk joins when he is inevitably released by the San Francisco 49ers, and an explosive option is acquired during the 2026 NFL Draft, that may suffice to raise standards and competition over the summer.
Trading for Samuel signified Washington's intent to win now. Even though he was productive, he's on the wrong side of 30 now. And judging by how Peters approached McLaurin's contract extension last summer, the chances of him allocating decent money to the South Carolina product on his next deal are remote.
It'll be interesting to see where Samuel ends up. He's still got a couple of good years left to give, but expecting him to reach the All-Pro-caliber levels of old is unrealistic. Still, he's a solid complementary piece, but it seems the Commanders are going in a different direction.
That may be disappointing to some fans, but the time for relying on aging veterans is over.