March 23, 2026, 6:15 a.m. ET

The Washington Commanders entered the offseason looking to put 2025 behind them. After surprising the world and going 12-5 in 2024 and reaching the NFC Championship game, the Commanders crashed in 2025, finishing 5-12.

Sure, injuries played a major role in Washington’s downfall. So did the roster. Even before the injuries, the roster had holes. GM Adam Peters was hoping to “run it back” with the 2024 core one more time, adding some stars via trades, like left tackle Laremy Tunsil and wide receiver Deebo Samuel, to help make another push.

Injuries impacted Washington on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Jayden Daniels missed 10 games, while star receiver Terry McLaurin missed half of the season. The Commanders never get on track.

The offseason began by replacing offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury with David Blough and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. with Daronte Jones.

When free agency opened two weeks ago, Peters was busy, agreeing to contracts with 12 outside free agents, bringing several of Washington’s free agents back, and signing Tunsil to a record-breaking contract extension.

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Those moves have been praised around the NFL. Gilbert Manzano of Sports Illustrated recently named the eight most improved teams so far this offseason, and he had the Commanders at No. 5.

GM Adam Peters moved away from trading for veteran players and returned to betting on underrated players, which he did in his first season in Washington before the team made a surprise run to the NFC title game. 

It’s not a given that Oweh will continue to do what he did for the Chargers over two dominant months after being traded by the Ravens, but coach Dan Quinn has a track record of getting the most from pass rushers. Still, it wouldn’t be a bad idea for the Commanders to draft an edge rusher in the first round, even after adding Oweh and Chaisson. 

This could be a vastly improved defense with new playmakers in all three phases. 

Peters swung big in free agency. In addition to all the players he signed, he also attempted to land a pair of top-10 free agents: wide receiver Alec Pierce and center Tyler Linderbaum. While its uncertain how high Washington was in the bidding for Linderbaum, who the Raiders gave a record contract to, Peters was in on Pierce before he chose to remain with the Colts.

Next up is the 2026 NFL Draft. The good news for the Commanders is they filled several holes in free agency and do not need to be desperate when they are on the clock at No. 7 overall. A great start to the offseason for Washington, coming off a miserable season.