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The Washington Commanders' mission this offseason was to get "younger and faster." Over two weeks into free agency, that mission is accomplished, with Washington signing over a dozen players in an effort to overhaul a 5-12 roster.
You could make the case that the Commanders' most significant needs heading into free agency were edge rusher and wide receiver. Washington tripled down on edge rusher, signing Odafe Oweh to a $100 million contract, and K'Lavon Chaisson and Charles Omenihu to one-year deals. The Commanders also signed receivers Dyami Brown and Van Jefferson.
No offense to Brown and Jefferson, those were depth signings to ensure that the Commanders don't go into the 2026 season with Chris Moore, Robbie Chosen and River Cracraft, among others, filling out the depth chart. Brown and Jefferson are quality NFL receivers, but weren't signed to start opposite Terry McLaurin.
Washington was aggressive at wide receiver, pursuing Alec Pierce, before he chose to re-sign with the Colts. The Commanders were also involved with Romeo Doubs until he signed with the Patriots. After missing out on both, GM Adam Peters brought back Brown, a 2021 third-round pick and Jefferson, a former second-round pick of the Rams.
Now, the attention turns to the 2026 NFL Draft. Washington could target a receiver with the No. 7 overall pick. Someone like Carnell Tate, Makai Lemon, or Jordyn Tyson. However, if the Commanders choose to wait, they could target a receiver on Day 3 of the draft.
Washington was recently present at Oregon's pro day, meeting with Ducks receiver Malik Benson, per NFL draft analyst Tony Pauline.
Benson wouldn't address Washington's immediate need for a starting receiver, but he'd bring speed. Benson was timed at 4.37 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the 2026 NFL combine. The 6-foot-0, 189-pound Benson began his career at Hutchinson Community College before enrolling at Alabama in 2023. After one season with the Crimson Tide, he transferred to Florida State in 2024, and Oregon in 2025. It was with the Ducks where Benson enjoyed a breakout season, catching 43 passes for 719 yards and six touchdowns. He averaged almost 17 yards per reception.
A former high-school sprinter, Benson could give the Commanders a deep threat opposite McLaurin almost immediately.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders meet with speedy Oregon WR Malik Benson
Continue reading...
You could make the case that the Commanders' most significant needs heading into free agency were edge rusher and wide receiver. Washington tripled down on edge rusher, signing Odafe Oweh to a $100 million contract, and K'Lavon Chaisson and Charles Omenihu to one-year deals. The Commanders also signed receivers Dyami Brown and Van Jefferson.
No offense to Brown and Jefferson, those were depth signings to ensure that the Commanders don't go into the 2026 season with Chris Moore, Robbie Chosen and River Cracraft, among others, filling out the depth chart. Brown and Jefferson are quality NFL receivers, but weren't signed to start opposite Terry McLaurin.
Washington was aggressive at wide receiver, pursuing Alec Pierce, before he chose to re-sign with the Colts. The Commanders were also involved with Romeo Doubs until he signed with the Patriots. After missing out on both, GM Adam Peters brought back Brown, a 2021 third-round pick and Jefferson, a former second-round pick of the Rams.
Now, the attention turns to the 2026 NFL Draft. Washington could target a receiver with the No. 7 overall pick. Someone like Carnell Tate, Makai Lemon, or Jordyn Tyson. However, if the Commanders choose to wait, they could target a receiver on Day 3 of the draft.
Washington was recently present at Oregon's pro day, meeting with Ducks receiver Malik Benson, per NFL draft analyst Tony Pauline.
Benson wouldn't address Washington's immediate need for a starting receiver, but he'd bring speed. Benson was timed at 4.37 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the 2026 NFL combine. The 6-foot-0, 189-pound Benson began his career at Hutchinson Community College before enrolling at Alabama in 2023. After one season with the Crimson Tide, he transferred to Florida State in 2024, and Oregon in 2025. It was with the Ducks where Benson enjoyed a breakout season, catching 43 passes for 719 yards and six touchdowns. He averaged almost 17 yards per reception.
A former high-school sprinter, Benson could give the Commanders a deep threat opposite McLaurin almost immediately.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders meet with speedy Oregon WR Malik Benson
Continue reading...
