The Washington Commanders made some significant investments in their roster this offseason. General manager Adam Peters had little choice after how things unfolded in 2025, and fans expected an immediate return on these investments.
Some have thrived early in the season. Others haven't met their targets yet, and with the Commanders sitting at 0-2 and star quarterback Jayden Daniels set for another spell on the sidelines, things don't look especially promising.
They still have a long way to go. The Commanders are teetering, and things could completely spiral without Daniels leading the charge. They just have to keep plowing forward, one week at a time. But with some difficult games ahead, it's hard to say how things will go from here.
Based on the first two games, we put together an investment audit of the Commanders' major signings and draft picks this offseason. It's not all good, but there is still time to turn things around.
- How the Commanders' investment audit works
- Premium returns
- Money or draft pick well spent
- Early dividends
- Return still pending
- Value in decline
- Costly miscalculations
How the Commanders' investment audit works
We factored in the money behind free-agent signings, contract extensions, re-signings, and draft picks against players' performance levels and their spot on the depth chart through two weeks of the campaign.
More is expected of the big hitters, while others are providing much more bang for their buck or outperforming their draft status. This is reflected in the audit, and though the sample size is relatively small, it indicates where things stand moving forward.
Let's get to it.
Premium returns
Stefon Diggs, WR
The Commanders may not have hit the heights expected so far, but wide receiver Stefon Diggs has been as advertised. He's a high-level competitor and a real difference-maker in the passing game. While his days of putting up All-Pro-caliber numbers are long gone, the former Maryland standout has produced on the field and quickly established himself as a supreme leader in the locker room since joining the club.
Amik Robertson, CB
Much has been made about Washington's problems in the secondary, but cornerback Amik Robertson isn't among them. The undersized yet feisty defensive back has been assured in coverage, never backing down from the fight and giving the Commanders much-needed stability with Trey Amos on injured reserve. If the same trend continues, this will be a huge offseason steal.
Sonny Styles, LB
While it's not perfect just yet for Sonny Styles, the tape through two weeks is pretty solid. His exceptional athleticism has come to the fore almost constantly, and his coverage ability is something else working in his favor. There are some pre-snap communication issues without veteran linebacker Frankie Luvu alongside him, but they should be rectified with more experience.
Odafe Oweh, OLB
The Commanders were expecting big things from Odafe Oweh, and the edge rusher has delivered so far. He's got some work to do against the run, but with three pressures and a sack from 74 percent of defensive snaps, there are signs he can become a legitimate three-down force if the defensive front can do a better job of clogging up space on the interior.
Money or draft pick well spent
Nick Cross, S
The Commanders thought they had a bargain signing in safety Nick Cross. He's not let them down so far, providing a tone-setting presence on the back end while also making his presence felt closer to the line of scrimmage for good measure. Though he is currently dealing with an undisclosed internal injury, the defensive back can hopefully return soon and resume his place as a big part of the defensive plans.
K'Lavon Chaisson, OLB
K'Lavon Chaisson bet on himself this offseason. The Commanders are paying him well, but he's highly motivated to put together another strong campaign. Based on his efforts so far, he's on track for a big payday in Washington or elsewhere, showing the explosiveness and bend around the edge that fits well with Daronte Jones' schematic concepts.
Antonio Williams, WR
When wide receiver Antonio Williams somehow fell into the third round, the Commanders didn't hesitate to bring him on board. Adam Peters believed he was getting a first-round talent, and though the sample size has been small so far, the pass-catcher has already proven himself as a dependable option in the passing game who can come through in the brightest moments. He just needs more reps.
Charles Omenihu, DL
Charles Omenihu was an overlooked signing, especially compared with Washington's other offseason acquisitions. Even so, the veteran defensive lineman is proving to be a valuable rotational piece capable of causing disruption in the backfield when his number is called. Becoming more consistent against the run is his next challenge, but the early returns are positive.
Early dividends
Rachaad White, RB
After an indifferent first outing against the Philadelphia Eagles, free-agent signing Rachaad White picked up the pace against the Dallas Cowboys. The dual-threat running back looked sharp out of his routes, was a dependable option in the passing game, and displayed sound vision and explosiveness when carrying the football. With Jacory Croskey-Merritt falling slightly out of favor, the veteran can expect a bigger workload as the campaign goes on.
Joshua Josephs, OLB
While the Commanders are taking their time with rookie edge rusher Joshua Josephs, the flashes being displayed are encouraging. He is not the finished product just yet, but nobody expected him to be. If he can impact the rotation more often as the season goes on, that will improve his chances of taking on bigger responsibilities throughout his career.
Kaytron Allen, RB
Much like Joshua Josephs, the Commanders are using Kaytron Allen sparingly so far. Not entirely unexpected for a sixth-round running back, but when carries have come his way, the Penn State product has been aggressive and powerful, absorbing contact effectively to cement his status as an intriguing short-yardage option who can gain hard yards between the tackles.
Return still pending
Chig Okonkwo, TE
An enormous amount of excitement surrounded Chig Okonkwo's arrival this offseason. He was expected to bring more dynamism to the tight end position with Zach Ertz no longer around, and that might still be the case. However, the veteran suffered a hamstring injury in Washington's season opener, missing Week 2, and his participation against the Seattle Seahawks is also in doubt.
Rasul Douglas, CB
The Commanders are struggling to find the right answers at corner. This was a concern entering the campaign, and it's only increased. Rasul Douglas has had some nice moments, but it's clear he is still adjusting to Daronte Jones' scheme. Things should improve as the season goes on, but he's got to pick things up quickly to avoid any unnecessary complications.
Marcus Mariota, QB
Washington re-signed Marcus Mariota this offseason, but they hoped the veteran quarterback wouldn't see much action. Those plans have now changed. The Oregon product will start until further notice, with Jayden Daniels suffering another dislocated elbow to his non-throwing arm. Everyone is rallying behind the signal-caller, but he has to be consistent for the Commanders to tread water.
Value in decline
Dyami Brown, WR
Wide receiver Dyami Brown made the 53-man roster after a strong summer, and fans hoped this would finally carry into the regular season. But unfortunately, things have followed a similar path to his four years with the club. He played more snaps than both Stefon Diggs and Antonio Williams in Week 2, which can't continue if the Commanders want to tread water without Jayden Daniels under center.
Tim Settle Jr., DL
The Commanders brought back Tim Settle Jr. this offseason. It was an emotional return for the defensive lineman, who was originally drafted by Washington. Confidence was high that he could provide a stout presence in the trenches, but his performance has not been up to the required standard so far. This trend needs to go the other way, especially with Javon Kinlaw dealing with a shoulder problem.
Chris Paul, OL
Washington re-signed Chris Paul to a one-year deal this offseason after his free-agent market wasn't as hot as some expected. He got the chance to start at left guard again after Laremy Tunsil's injury, but he hasn't started the season well. Stepping on Jayden Daniels' foot aside, the Tulsa product hasn't looked sharp in pass protection, and his ongoing frustrations against the run aren't exactly promising, either.
Costly miscalculations
Leo Chenal, LB
After joining the Commanders this offseason following a productive spell with the Kansas City Chiefs, linebacker Leo Chenal looked to establish himself as more than a rotational piece. Frankie Luvu's groin injury gave him the chance to do so, but the returns have not been encouraging. He struggles in coverage, and as a veteran, his pre-snap communication isn't up to par. A lot of hard work is ahead to turn things around.
Nick Allegretti, OL
The Commanders hitched their wagon to Nick Allegretti this offseason, giving him a contract extension in advance while also making him their starting center without much of a fight. Ot was a massive gamble that already seems to be failing miserably, and with right guard Sam Cosmi in concussion protocol, another position switch could be in the Illinois product's future as Lucas Patrick gets set for his chance as the offensive line's anchor.
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