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The Washington Commanders entered the offseason with plenty of holes to fill. Fortunately, they had plenty of money to spend and were among the top five teams in salary cap space.
Injuries ruined Washington's 2025 season. One year after going 12-5 and reaching the NFC Championship Game, the Commanders tumbled to 5-12. Injuries decimated the roster last season, with quarterback Jayden Daniels and wide receiver Terry McLaurin among the most notable players who missed significant time.
However, Washington's offense wasn't its main problem last season. It was the defense. The defense wasn't very good in 2024, but the Commanders had a healthy Daniels and McLaurin leading an offense that scored almost 30 points per game. Sure, injuries impacted the defense, but age, a lack of overall talent and speed were bigger issues.
This offseason, GM Adam Peters planned on making the Commanders "younger and faster." That's exactly what he did, adding multiple defensive starters in free agency, with most being 27 or younger. Peters specifically focused on improving Washington's pass rush, giving Odafe Oweh a four-year, $100 million contract, in addition to signing K'Lavon Chaisson and Charles Omenihu. Peters also revamped the linebacker position, signing Leo Chenal to a three-year deal and using a first-round pick on Sonny Styles.
How significant were Washington's investments in its defense this offseason? According to Warren Sharp, the Commanders have the sixth-most expensive defense in 2026 at $165.8 million.
It was smart for Peters to invest heavily in the defense. When you look back at Super Bowl LX, it featured two of the NFL's top defenses, Seattle and New England.
There has been a lot of talk about the Commanders not doing enough to support Daniels this offseason. That's simply not true. Peters' investments in Washington's defense are one of the best ways he can help his young quarterback. The goal is for Daniels not to have to carry the offense on his back again.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Have 6th-most expensive NFL defense in 2026
Continue reading...
Injuries ruined Washington's 2025 season. One year after going 12-5 and reaching the NFC Championship Game, the Commanders tumbled to 5-12. Injuries decimated the roster last season, with quarterback Jayden Daniels and wide receiver Terry McLaurin among the most notable players who missed significant time.
However, Washington's offense wasn't its main problem last season. It was the defense. The defense wasn't very good in 2024, but the Commanders had a healthy Daniels and McLaurin leading an offense that scored almost 30 points per game. Sure, injuries impacted the defense, but age, a lack of overall talent and speed were bigger issues.
This offseason, GM Adam Peters planned on making the Commanders "younger and faster." That's exactly what he did, adding multiple defensive starters in free agency, with most being 27 or younger. Peters specifically focused on improving Washington's pass rush, giving Odafe Oweh a four-year, $100 million contract, in addition to signing K'Lavon Chaisson and Charles Omenihu. Peters also revamped the linebacker position, signing Leo Chenal to a three-year deal and using a first-round pick on Sonny Styles.
How significant were Washington's investments in its defense this offseason? According to Warren Sharp, the Commanders have the sixth-most expensive defense in 2026 at $165.8 million.
It was smart for Peters to invest heavily in the defense. When you look back at Super Bowl LX, it featured two of the NFL's top defenses, Seattle and New England.
There has been a lot of talk about the Commanders not doing enough to support Daniels this offseason. That's simply not true. Peters' investments in Washington's defense are one of the best ways he can help his young quarterback. The goal is for Daniels not to have to carry the offense on his back again.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Have 6th-most expensive NFL defense in 2026
Continue reading...
