It was a LONG 2025 season, marred with injuries, inconsistent performances and a disappointing 5-12 record.
Dan Quinn set out to change the trajectory of the team by agreeing to mutually part ways with offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury and firing defensive coordinator Joe Whitt. Washington wasted little time promoting young up-and-comer David Blough to offensive coordinator. It took Quinn a bit longer to decide on a new defensive coordinator, finally landing on local product and Minnesota Vikings defensive backs coach and pass game coordinator Daronte Jones.
Both men are expected to bring a new look to both sides of the ball in 2026, and it will be Adam Peters’ job to get them the players they need to maximize their schemes this offseason via free agency and the draft.
Free agency is set to begin March 11th, with the legal tampering period kicking off March 9th. Below is a look at our new philosophies on offense and defense, Washington’s current team needs, projected cap space and players who could fit the Commanders’ new schemes.
Offensive Philosophy – David Blough
New offensive coordinator David Blough is expected to take some of Ben Johnson’s offense and blend it with a more traditional West Coast offense that we see from the coaches under the Shanahan tree. Expect lots of quarterback movement, much more play-action with tight end involvement and pre-snap motion.
Defensive Philosophy – Daronte Jones
New defensive coordinator Daronte Jones was Brian Flores’s top lieutenant in Minnesota. He also coached under Vance Joseph and Mike Zimmer. He has experience in both even and odd fronts.
Projected $68M (based on $304 league cap)
New projected cap space – $105.5M
*Some of these players may be re-signed by their current teams
Potential NFL Roster Cuts:
Adam Peters will need to be extremely strategic this offseason. With just two picks in the top 100 of the draft, the emphasis will be on acquiring younger free agents to help turn this team around.