Brandon Coleman Eyes Re-joining Washington Commanders Starting OL

The Washington Commanders return ample familiarity along the offensive line, though the ongoing center competition gives the unit a chance for an in-house option to solidify what should be a strength in 2026. But there's still work to be done, and according to head coach Dan Quinn, two spots are still up for grabs.

As Washington closed out minicamp on Thursday, Quinn admitted the center competition is all about “assignment and alignment” as Nick Allegretti looks to capitalize on his aspirations of becoming a full-time starting center in the NFL after primarily playing guard. Rookie Matt Gulbin was the second of the two sixth round picks on day three of the 2026 NFL Draft where he serves as the primary competition, while Quinn previously noted Julian Good-Jones is also in the mix in the ongoing competition that will stretch into training camp.

Yet Brandon Coleman is also in the midst of a competition, though not a center.

Washington brought back Chris Paul in free agency on a one-year deal that many questioned would materialize with the early outlook that the former seventh-round pick would be in line for a payday this offseason. The lack of activity that ensued allowed Washington to lean on its retention with a chance to finalize the left side of the line, but Coleman has a chance to disrupt that by becoming the starting left guard once again.

Offensive line coach Darnell Stapleton credited Coleman as versatile enough to play along the offensive line while Quinn pointed to a screen play in practice when the former third round pick joined Javon Kinlaw "flying out of the stack," later adding that Coleman can "run like a defensive lineman."

"Could he be a center and climb to the next level? He's already demonstrated guard and tackle ability," Quinn added while noting Coleman will stick at guard into preseason just like he's been through the spring into minicamp.

After materializing into the starter as a rookie and playing in 100% of the snaps in eight straight games, Coleman is also looking to turn the page from a 2025 season that saw him demoted as the starter just two weeks into the season in favor of Paul before starting the final three games, all at left tackle, while appearing in 12 total games. 

"Let's give him the chance to say, alright, what does left guard look like with you and Chris [Paul] much like we're doing at center," Quinn added.

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