Five Offensive Washington Commanders with Most to Prove in 2026

The Washington Commanders will kick off training camp on Wednesday, July 29 with rookies reporting on the 24th followed by vets on the 28th, officially kicking off the final preparations ahead of a pivotal year three for head coach Dan Quinn. We take a look at five players with the most to prove on offense ahead of the 2026 preseason slate:

C Nick Allegretti

The former Chiefs offensive lineman admitted he's ready for the opportunity to take over as the full-time starting center, his natural position. 2026 marks the chance to become exactly that. His teammates have credited Allegretti's football IQ while the potential shift to more zone blocking concepts will test the athleticism of the 6-foot-4 interior lineman. 

Washington also added a backup in sixth round pick Matt Gulbin, who offers versatility also as guard yet arrives as a center where the rookie looks to get comfortable in year one to elevate the depth. Gulbin also offers a chance to shakeup next year's rotation if reality doesn't meet preseason expectations for Allegretti. If he does live up to expectations? It might not be a stretch to say the Commanders will roll out one of the best offensive lines across the NFL. 

RT Josh Conerly

This one is in a much different category than the rest, but with already one star offensive tackle locked in, could 2026 be the year to analyze whether Conerly can materialize into the next one on the opposite side of the line?

After a poor first half of the season was followed up with a stellar last eight games, Conerly has a chance to put a complete season together now. Conerly pointed to nutrition as a point of emphasis for him this offseason while maintaining roughly the same weight as last year, doing so while letting Tunsil take him under his wing. With the shift to more zone blocking, Conerly's focus on maximizing his athleticism could pave the way for a breakout year to solidify the long-term outlook of the room.

RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Washington will turn to a committee approach in 2026 with Croskey-Merritt and Rachaad White likely anchoring the room, but the former seventh-round pick might have the most to gain in the unit. Position coach Anthony Lynn pointed to the lack of opportunities rather than ability as reason why Croskey-Merritt hasn't been featured more in the passing game, so does that change in 2026?

Yet the bigger question will be whether he can take the next step as a pass blocking back, an area that both Lynn and head coach Dan Quinn pointed to as one to improve in ahead of year two. Croskey-Merritt has already shown he can be the speed back in the room, but 2026 will be about managing elevated responsibilities. Could a strong second season materialize into a feature role in 2027? It's worth noting that only Robert Henry, an undrafted free agent addition out of UTSA, is the only other running back currently under contract beyond 2026, paving an opportunity for Croskey-Merritt.

WR Luke McCaffrey

29 catches on 39 targets in 26 games over his first two seasons, the production hasn't been there for the former Rice wide receiver and younger brother of Christian McCaffrey and son of Ed. Year three will be the sign of whether that expectation coming out of college will ultimately materialize in Washington. Looking to bounce back after a broken collarbone cut his 2025 season short, McCaffrey has the short area quickness despite his 6-foot-2 frame where he offers versatility as a receiver capable of taking snaps out of the slot or as an outside receiver. He also offers value as a returner alongside Jaylin Lane, but where can McCaffrey begin to stick out?

TE Ben Sinnott

The tight end room should have quiet optimism with Chig Okonkwo now leading the unit, but some of the questions still sit with the returning pieces. That includes Sinnott, who could be viewed as the X factor in a room that could turn into a strength. Yet that's contingent on whether Sinnott's production improves as the second primary receiving tight end in an offense expected to feature two tight end sets. Sinnott had a handful of sound plays after Zach Ertz went down last year, but Washington will need more than that in 2026. With just 16 catches through two seasons, the former second round pick will have every opportunity to prove that after viewing the offense as one that fits him.

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