The Washington Commanders drew a favorable offseason grade, but how did it stack up among the NFC East teams?
While the vast majority of the Washington Commanders' 2026 roster is already in place ahead of OTAs set to begin next weekend, much of the discussion has remained centered on whether the front office has done enough to address both the wide receiver and cornerback room.
Yet with a need to replenish many other positions this offseason while also finding top-end talent to address the pass rush and tight end room among others, general manager Adam Peters had the resources to be aggressive this offseason, especially on defense.
Tyler Sullivan of CBS Sports agreed after noting the front office "rightfully operated this offseason like a team that gave up the most yards in the entire NFL" before dishing a 'B+' offseason grade.
While a high mark, it ranked as the third-best grade in the division ahead of only the Philadelphia Eagles, who received a 'B-.' The New York Giants led the way with an 'A' grade while the Dallas Cowboys drew an 'A-', though the optimism in Washington's outlook remained clear.
"Odafe Oweh and K'Lavon Chaisson should help give the Commanders more of a pass-rushing presence off the edge, while the middle of the defense should see a significant boost with the arrival of first-round linebacker Sonny Styles. Nick Cross, Amik Robertson, and Leo Chenal should also help raise the floor of the unit," he added.
One underrated signing not highlighted was the return of Tim Settle, who could serve as an integral piece in what's now a deep interior defensive line rotation alongside Daron Payne, Javon Kinlaw and Jer'Zhan Newton.
The signing of Chig Okonkwo is one that has drawn consistent feedback as a critical signing for the offense, which was void of a true receiving threat in the tight end room after Zack Ertz suffered a season-ending injury in the final weeks of the 2025 regular season. Sullivan also noted it "wouldn't be surprising" if Okonkwo finishes second to veteran wide receiver Terry McLaurin in targets given the University of Maryland product has a chance to become a key target on third downs and in the redzone.
The good news is Washington will be able to test early in the upcoming regular season which team truly did the best job restocking the roster. The Commanders are slated to face both the Eagles and Cowboys on the road through the first two weeks before hosting the Giants in week five, one week after the international game against Indianapolis in London.
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