Did Commanders set up Jayden Daniels for success in 2026?

[ASFN Admin]

The 2026 NFL Draft is securely in the rear-view mirror, free agency movement has stalled, and teams are ramping up for minicamps, OTAs, and training camp. This is the perfect time to break down rosters and see where players landed and how that impacts their new teams.

The Washington Commanders had several questions to answer during the offseason, and general manager Adam Peters did a decent job of answering those questions. Now that the draft has concluded, what is the biggest question the Commanders should be asking themselves? CBS Sports recently asked one glaring question for each NFL team and answered it.

Question: Does Washington have enough at receiver for Jayden Daniels?

Washington did a solid job this offseason of addressing its biggest weakness -- the defense. The Commanders brought in pass rushers Odafe Oweh and K'Lavon Chaisson, while using the No. 7 overall pick on Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles. That should certainly help the unit be more respectable in 2026 after a 2025 campaign where they allowed the most total yards in the NFL. While that box is checked, there is a question now looming over the offense. Specifically, whether or not they have enough around Daniels. Of course, Terry McLaurin is still the established WR1, but there are no set-and-forget options behind him on the receiver depth chart. Washington did select Antonio Williams in the third round, but it's hardly a guarantee he makes an impact in Year 1.

Given his relationship with Daniels, the Commanders are a likely suitor for Brandon Aiyuk if/when he's released by the 49ers, so that could be an option to deepen the room, but that shoe has yet to drop.

This is a valid question for the Commanders. Looking at the rest of the roster, only the cornerback position and the offensive line lack true depth. The Commanders added veteran tight end Chig Okonkwo, who provides a reliable target near the line when a play breaks down. They brought in running backs Jerome Ford and Rachaad White while retaining Jeremy McNichols and drafting Kaytron Alen.

There are a few new faces in the wide receivers' room in 2026, and Brandon Aiyuk may yet join them, but there was no significant shift in the talent around Daniels this offseason. That doesn't mean those positions haven't been upgraded, but we don't really know what the impact will be, so it's hard to determine if the Commanders have set Daniels up for success this season. On paper, there's mild improvement, but we'll have to wait and see how that translates on the field this fall.

The key for Daniels is health. If he's healthy, the Commanders are confident in a bounce-back season for the offense. Meanwhile, Washington did plenty to help Daniels defensively, overhauling one of the NFL's worst units, which is good news for the rising third-year quarterback.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Is Jayden Daniels set up for success in 2026?

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