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What will the Washington Commanders look like in 2026? Expectations are mixed for the Commanders, based on how they finished last season. Washington went 5-12 in 2025, one year after going 12-5 and reaching the NFC Championship Game.
While skepticism is warranted, there are reasons to be excited about Washington's upcoming season. General manager Adam Peters spent heavily to improve one of the NFL's worst defenses. Washington will be younger, faster and, most importantly, better in 2026. How much better? That remains to be seen.
Another reason to be excited is the healthy returns of Jayden Daniels and Terry McLaurin. Both are out to prove last season was a fluke after the pair missed a combined 17 games.
Matt Verdareme of Sports Illustrated recently gave every team a reason to hope in 2026. He wasn't done, though, also giving each team a reason to mope.
First, a reason to hope.
That sounds familiar.
Now, a reason to mope.
This one is a common criticism of the Commanders. A healthy McLaurin changes everything. Burks is having an impressive offseason, but no one can pencil him as Washington's No. 2 receiver until he does it consistently in games. Tight end Chig Okonkwo could be the Commanders' No. 2 receiver. Many believe Okonkwo is set for a huge role in David Blough's offense.
If some of the younger receivers, like Burks, McCaffrey, and Lane, all take steps forward, this position will be discussed much differently. There's also the chance that the Commanders add another well-known veteran, whether it's Stefon Diggs or Brandon Aiyuk.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Reasons to hope and mope in 2026 NFL season
Continue reading...
While skepticism is warranted, there are reasons to be excited about Washington's upcoming season. General manager Adam Peters spent heavily to improve one of the NFL's worst defenses. Washington will be younger, faster and, most importantly, better in 2026. How much better? That remains to be seen.
Another reason to be excited is the healthy returns of Jayden Daniels and Terry McLaurin. Both are out to prove last season was a fluke after the pair missed a combined 17 games.
Matt Verdareme of Sports Illustrated recently gave every team a reason to hope in 2026. He wasn't done, though, also giving each team a reason to mope.
First, a reason to hope.
That sounds familiar.
Now, a reason to mope.
This one is a common criticism of the Commanders. A healthy McLaurin changes everything. Burks is having an impressive offseason, but no one can pencil him as Washington's No. 2 receiver until he does it consistently in games. Tight end Chig Okonkwo could be the Commanders' No. 2 receiver. Many believe Okonkwo is set for a huge role in David Blough's offense.
If some of the younger receivers, like Burks, McCaffrey, and Lane, all take steps forward, this position will be discussed much differently. There's also the chance that the Commanders add another well-known veteran, whether it's Stefon Diggs or Brandon Aiyuk.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Reasons to hope and mope in 2026 NFL season
Continue reading...
