The Washington Commanders recently went through a historic three-year stretch: 4-13 (2023), 12-5 (2024) and 5-12 (2025). Only the Carolina Panthers went through a similar stretch in recent NFL history.
The good news is that it was general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn who led Washington’s turnaround in 2024. They’ll both return in 2026.
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Does Quinn think the Commanders can have another quick turnaround next season? He was asked this question after Sunday’s 24-17 win over the Philadelphia Eagles.
“I’m not there yet reflectively, but I’ve got high hopes because of the locker room to see so many different pieces in,” Quinn said. “But over the last four weeks, the battle, the fight remained the same. By no means was it clean or turnovers or tackling or anything like that, but if you have your attitude and they want to fight for one another, I think that alone is a standard that you have to have to build a championship program. No one likes the roller coaster of you’re up, you’re down. But seeing that kind of fight from the guys that were able to do that tonight, that’s a big deal to me.”
It’s almost impossible for Quinn to answer that question right after a game and a season that went so horribly wrong. Injuries plagued Washington all season, beginning in Week 2 when the Commanders lost running back Austin Ekeler and defensive end Deatrich for the season. Also in that game, quarterback Jayden Daniels, wide receiver Noah Brown, and tight end John Bates were injured. It was the first of three different injuries that would plague Daniels all season, costing him 10 games.
This is expected to be a busy offseason for Washington. The Commanders have over 30 free agents, including big names like Bobby Wagner, Zach Ertz and Deebo Samuel. Fortunately, Washington has money to spend to improve a roster that needs lots of help.
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So, while he won’t say it, Quinn believes that he and Peters can turn things around in 2026. If not, he’s on the clock this time next year.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Does Dan Quinn see quick turnaround in 2026?