While more moves are to be made, we take a look at the five best moves that the Washington Commanders have already made this offseason
While plenty of moves are still to be made with the next wave of free agency upon the league, we take a look at the five best moves that the Washington Commanders have already made this offseason.
Free agent signing of TE Chig Okonkwo
The Commanders made a handful of moves to address the wide receiver room, though the most notable of them all to-date was selecting former Clemson starter Antonio Williams with the second of two top-100 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Commanders still have question to address at the position this offseason with all eyes on the eventual Brandon Aiyuk situation, though he'll have to prove himself as a contributor, and the front office reportedly monitoring the Jauan Jennings pursuit from teams. With one of the most pressing questions centered around upgrading the skill players for quarterback Jayden Daniels, the signing of tight end Chig Okonkwo continues to trend as easily the most pivotal move on offense. The athletic receiving threat has put an emphasis on growing as a blocker since college, yet his big play ability adds the element needed to address the biggest concern at the position. While veteran Terry McLaurin will play a feature role in the passing attack, projecting Okonkwo as second on the team in both targets and catches may not be a stretch, even if another wide receiver jumps in the fold.
LT Laremy Tunsil Extension
It was a necessity for Washington to avoid entering a contract year for Tunsil, delaying what could have been an even more expensive extension. Yet the price tag may not have been much of a concern given general manager Adam Peters was clear that Tunsil was viewed as one of, if not the best, offensive tackle in the league despite being snubbed by All Pro honors. While some questions loomed about what a timeline would materialize to after watching the Terry McLaurin saga drag all the way into preseason the offseason prior, this was a player that the new regime coveted and went out to acquire. Securing a deal was a top priority to maintain what should be one of the league's best offensive line, and that's exactly what materialized at the start of free agency. He'll team back up with Chris Paul after re-signing on a one year deal.
Free agent signing of K'Lavon Chaisson
Addressing the entire pass rush was a focus with Washington making several moves to upgrade the depth. The big fish was Odafe Oweh where the former first round pick arrives looking to put a complete season together after inking his near $100 million contract, yet the most pivotal move was adding another impact piece, which materialized into the former Patriots edge rusher. Chaisson, set to turn 27 ahead of the 2026 regular season, is coming off a career year where he posted 7.5 sacks and ten TFLs, both career highs, one year after notching five sacks and seven TFLs in his lone season with the Raiders. The quick twitch edge rusher noted he turned down longer contracts from other teams due to the Commanders' outlook, yet he'll have a chance to cash in with a chance at replicating his success en route to a hopeful playoff run.
Draft RB Kaytron Allen
Washington could watch multiple day three picks stick on the eventual 53-man roster in center Matt Gulbin and edge rusher Joshua Josephs, yet so could Allen. The shifty, physical back who poses big play ability, adding to the depth in the current room. The running back room will enter the season with a committee approach anchored by Rachaad White and Jacory Croskey-Merritt, yet Allen will be one who will get a chance to create a role for himself in what should be a competitive position battle.
Draft LB Sonny Styles
The signing of former Chiefs linebacker Leo Chenal added the athleticism that was needed in the front seven, yet the decision to turn to former Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles could be a move that pays dividends for years. It was documented through the draft process that Styles mirrors 49ers linebacker Fred Warner, a veteran who Adam Peters knows how integral he has been to San Francisco's defense through the years. Styles has green dot potential and pairs with Chenal to add what could be the most athletic starting linebacker tandem in the NFL. How defensive coordinator Daronte Jones integrates both Styles and Chenal in the pass rush will be the fun wrinkle to watch unfold through the regular season.