It's no secret that significant changes are needed to the Washington Commanders' playing personnel when the 2026 offseason arrives. Adam Peters needs a complete rethink regarding his approach to molding a contender, and aside from a few franchise cornerstones, everyone should be nervously looking over their shoulder.
There is no room for sentiment. Standards have slipped this season. One can pinpoint the constant injury problems holding the team back, but the cracks were showing long before that. Peters can see what's unfolding before his eyes, but he remains the right man to lead Washington's ambitious project for now.
The Commanders have the most pending free agents anywhere in the league. They only have six draft picks, but Peters should have north of $100 million to spend in free agency. That's a positive working in his favor, even if there is a massive amount to get through in the coming months.
Those who get a reprieve should feel an added sense of urgency. There have been very few positives to emerge from the campaign. Older players have struggled to maintain consistency, and younger breakout hopefuls have regressed at the worst possible time. Seats are getting warm, so it'll be interesting to see what enhancements or developments arrive before 2026.
With this in mind, here are five Commanders players who could be closer to trouble than anyone wants to admit.
These Commanders players are closer to trouble than anyone wants to admit
Johnny Newton - Commanders DL
The Washington Commanders have a problem on their hands with Johnny Newton. They didn't take the defensive lineman at No. 36 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft to become a bit-part player. Unfortunately, that's precisely what he looks like almost two years into his professional career.
There is no confidence in Newton's ability to be impactful against the run. One only has to look at Washington's decision to claim Shy Tuttle off waivers after Eddie Goldman went to injured reserve to see that. The Illinois product isn't making much of a difference in obvious pass-rushing situations, either, so it's going to take a considerable effort to alter perceptions before a critical third campaign in 2026.
Newton has talent. He was a dominant game-wrecker in college, and the glimpses of promise as a rookie also leave reasons for encouragement. However, something is missing right now. What the Commanders must decide is whether it's the scheme, his confidence, or the fact that the linemen might not be as good as initially envisaged.
Only time will tell, but it's not looking especially promising for Newton's long-term outlook, at least from the outside.