With multiple starters back in the trenches, what are the expectations for the Washington Commanders in 2026?
With all the questions about what the Washington Commanders will look like offensively under David Blough, the offensive line has drawn a lot less attention heading into 2026. Yet with returning starters from a unit that allowed just over two sacks per game and led the division in pressure rate allowed (36.9%), there's reason for confidence in the trenches once again.
Washington returns at least three starters in 2026 including ample confidence in a pair of its offensive tackles in Laremy Tunsil, who locked in his extension days into free agency, along with 2024 first round pick Josh Conerly, who put a premium on nutrition this offseason while training with Tunsil ahead of a hopeful consistent season. Sam Cosmi returns after starting in 58 games over the last five seasons where he adds confidence at right guard, but that's where some of the questions begin to creep in.
Maybe the biggest headscratcher of the offseason was the decision to release Tyler Biadasz ahead of free agency, watching him quickly land with the Los Angeles Chargers while the Commanders missed out on former Baltimore center Tyler Linderbaum. That left Washington to re-sign Nick Allegretti, who has welcomed the chance to become the full-time center ahead of his natural position. The Commanders turned to the draft to restock depth with versatile Matt Gulbin arriving to push Allegretti in the two deep, but all eyes are on Allegretti claiming the job through training camp as head coach Dan Quinn noted he's looking to finalize his starters ahead of the preseason finale.
As for the last spot, that's where the question lies.
Biggest training camp question: Who Becomes Starting LG?
After initially being viewed as a likely departure, Chris Paul saw his market die down to lead the seventh round pick to re-sign with Washington on a one year deal. His return adds familiarity to the left side of the line after appearing in every game and starting in 15 games after replacing Brandon Coleman in the starting rotation ahead of the week three win vs. Las Vegas.
Paul fared well, but that also materialized under Kliff Kingsbury. A scheme shift under Blough could make Coleman the better fit with a possible shift to a zone blocking making the more agile lineman an intriguing fit next to Tunsil. Does that expectation meet reality through preseason? It's a good problem for Washington to have, but Coleman will have a chance to prove his worth ahead of the final year on his contract in 2027.
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