Five Strongest Positions on Washington Commanders 2026 Roster

The Washington Commanders have addressed several needs this offseason and while some positions still need to be addressed, we take a look at what we view to be the five strongest positions on the current makeup of the 2026 roster.

This is the obvious one with quarterback Jayden Daniels preparing for year three, stabilizing the top of the room. Sure, he'll enter the 2026 season - and year three in the NFL - looking to prove he can stay healthy after playing just four full games following multiple injuries at multiple points during the 2025 season. The same could be said, frankly, for any player coming off an injury, but Daniels will look to settle into a more run-oriented offense under David Blough. Behind him, the room has stability with veteran Marcus Mariota back for his third season with the organization, one year removed from proving to be a critical addition to the offense.

A major need for Washington, general manager Adam Peters spent the big bucks to address the position by dishing out a $100 million contract to Odafe Oweh, a hefty investment for a former first round pick with inconsistent results, while adding Charles Omenihu and K'Lavon Chaisson as rotational pieces, though Chaisson and linebacker Leo Chenal could prove to be the best signings on defense. Tim Settle is one of the more intriguing signings by the Commanders where he adds depth as either a nose or defensive tackle, while the interior trio of Daron Payne, Javon Kinlaw and Jer'Zhan Newton return in 2026. Washington also re-signed Shy Tuttle, Drake Jackson and Deatrich Wise Jr. to improve the depth that Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn noted were needed, helping to stabilize a strong unit. How the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft plays out could add another, but maybe the bigger question is if the first pick is spent on an offensive player.

I nearly pushed the offensive over defensive line, but the question at center remains a question mark at the position. Washington elected to move on from Tyler Biadasz and didn't manage to find a replacement with options dwindling as the 2026 NFL Draft inches closer, but for now, we'll roll with the assumption that Nick Allegretti proves to be the starter who could be serviceable. But after Chris Paul re-signed on a one year deal and Laremy Tunsil finalized his status after agreeing to a two year contract extension, Washington returns the starting left side of the line. Josh Conerly will also get a chance to build a strong second half of the 2026 season, while Sam Cosmi returns as a chance to remain the starting right guard. And aside from center, there's good depth with both Andrew Wylie and Trent Scott among the several players re-signed this offseason. One could make the argument that if there was better depth at center, the unit could be Washington's top position as the roster currently stands.

A major position of need, the outlook at the position is drastically different after adding a versatile, athletic tight end in Chig Okonkwo who adds a dynamic to the passing attack that is missing in the existing room. Adding a receiving threat was a need for Washington with his signing easing the blow after missing out of Alec Pierce and eventually Romeo Doubs. Okonkwo is an underrated blocking tight end, albeit not a strength, but something he's been overlooked for as he's made it a point of emphasis ever since blossoming into a star at Maryland. Okonkwo joins John Bates and Ben Sinnott to round out the room while Colson Yankoff returns to stabilize the unit's depth.

This one is up for debate, but if there aren't any changes, Washington may still have the pieces to improve its production compared to 2025. Jeremy McNichols returned after re-signing on a one year deal, while the addition of Jerome Ford adds quality depth as Rachaad White adds pass blocking to the unit. Jacory Croskey-Merritt complements the room as a change of pace back with big play ability. It will be a committee approach in 2026 if the roster stands pat, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but the lack of a feature back will be as evident as it was in 2025. Of course, if a certain running back from Notre Dame named Jeremiyah Love becomes the Commanders' first pick, then this could be a top three unit for Washington in 2026.

You can't actually address the best units without noting the specialists, and after re-signing both Tress Way and Jake Moody, Washington enters 2026 in good hands. Way became the first player to re-sign where he's one of the league's best at the position, while he also enters 2026 as the longest tenured Commander by a wide margin. Moody, meanwhile, joined after a stint in Chicago - including drilling the game-winning kick against Washington - before heading to the Commanders to replace Matt Gay midseason. Missing his last kiss of the season left a sour taste in some fans mouths, but it also proved to be his only miss in 11 attempts with the team, including a perfect 7-for-7 on attempts 30 yards or longer.