Nicki Jhabvala: Jayden Daniels, Terry Mclaurin, Trey Amos (when Healthy) “only True Locks” On Commanders Roster

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - JANUARY 18: Jayden Daniels #5 of the Washington Commanders celebrates with Terry McLaurin #17 after defeating the Detroit Lions 45-31 in the NFC Divisional Playoff at Ford Field on January 18, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) | Getty Images

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4 running back free agents that fit the Washington Commanders

Tyler Allgeier, 25

The Falcons took Allgeier in the fifth round of the 2022 Draft and proved to be a steal in his first year, rushing for over 1000 yards and finishing fifth in Offensive Rookie of the Year voting. However, the Falcons took Bijan Robinson eighth overall in the following draft, dropping Allgeier to RB2. Despite only starting five games over the next three seasons, he still rushed for over 500 yards each year and had a career-high eight touchdowns in 2025. 

The only knock on Allgeier is his limited role in the passing game. However, he’ll still have a market as a former 1000-yard rusher that is still young enough to have at least a couple more seasons of decent production. With the state of the Commanders’ running back room going into the offseason, it’s a good spot for a back like Allgeier who wants more opportunities.

Kenneth Gainwell, 26

After spending his first four years with the Eagles, Gainwell was named the Steelers’ MVP for the 2025 season. In the year he had over 1000 yards from scrimmage, with 537 on the ground and 486 through the air. He also led the team with 73 catches, with only one other teammate reaching 50.

Gainwell’s production in both the run and pass game makes him a top target for almost every team. For the Commanders, he would be a perfect complement to Jacory Croskey-Merritt, due to his production as a pass catcher, which Croskey-Merritt didn’t do much of in 2025. This would also give quarterback Jayden Daniels a safety net that is needed with the uncertainty of tight end Zach Ertz.

NFL.com

NFL rookie report cards: Grading and ranking every team’s 2025 draft class

Rank 13 – Washington Commanders

Grade: B

Draft picks:

• Round 1 (No. 29): OT Josh Conerly Jr. | 17 games/starts
• Round 2 (No. 61): CB Trey Amos | 10 games/8 starts
• Round 4 (No. 128): WR Jaylin Lane | 15 games/4 starts
• Round 6 (No. 205): LB Kain Medrano | 9 games/0 starts
• Round 7 (No. 245): RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt | 17 games/7 starts

Analysis: 

At this time last year, Josh Conerly Jr. was widely viewed as a raw prospect with enticing developmental upside. The Commanders took him in Round 1 and immediately threw him into the fire. How did the bookend blocker respond? Admirably, with visible real-time growth over the course of a 17-start campaign that didn’t see him miss a single snap.

After spending the previous two seasons as Oregon’s starting left tackle, Conerly shifted to the right side to fill the slot opposite five-time Pro Bowl LT Laremy Tunsil. The transition — to a new position and a new level of football — was rough, initially. According to Pro Football Focus’ charting, Conerly allowed six sacks and 28 pressures in his first eight games. Over the final nine games of the season, though, Conerly slashed those figures to just two sacks and 15 pressures. That’s a trend line that forecasts plenty of sunshine in Year 2.

Meanwhile, Trey Amos looked like Washington’s best cornerback before fracturing his fibula in early November, and seventh-round steal Jacory Croskey-Merritt led the team’s ground attack in yards (805) and touchdowns (eight).

ESPN

2026 NFL offseason: Free agency, draft questions for all 32 teams

Can the Commanders build a strong defense?

The Commanders started the defensive rebuild process by hiring Daronte Jones at coordinator, but they need a talent boost as well. Over the past two seasons, Washington was a combined 24th in scoring defense (24.8 PPG) and 28th in yards allowed per game (355.6). They’re top six in available cap space and have the No. 7 pick, so they have premier spots to add talent. The Commanders need an impact player or two; they need youth along the front, as only one rotational player was under 25 this season. A strong defense with a healthy Jayden Daniels at quarterback can lead to a quick resurgence.

The Athletic (paywall)

Commanders mailbag

When you talk to NFL insiders about the Commanders, do you most often hear that the team’s priority should be providing Daniels with more offensive weapons or fixing the defense? — Mike S.

I get the sense the team is prioritizing both. The team’s leaders know they need a near-overhaul of the defense. It’s why they brought in a new coordinator with a new philosophy and new scheme. They also know they need to give Daniels more to work with. It’s why they changed coordinators but gave him someone he’s familiar with, and are tweaking the system to support him better. They need more pass catchers and the run game will be more of a focus.

What players does the organization view as no-question (within reason, obviously) 2026 starters going into the offseason? — Benjamin P.

My best guess: Daniels, Terry McLaurin and Trey Amos (when healthy) are the only true locks. The team may have more in mind, but in just scanning the roster, those are true locks I see.

What is the current status of negotiations with Tunsil on a contract extension? This can’t turn into another McLaurin melodrama, right?! — Jake S.

While I think people forget that he has a year left on his deal, they are talking and Peters has said flat-out that they want to get a deal done and “sooner rather than later.” Neither side wants this to drag out. Could it? I would never say never in the NFL, but this one seems pretty clear: Tunsil will likely get top dollar at left tackle — here or elsewhere. It would be hard to fathom the team not coming through when it gave up the draft haul it did to acquire him from Houston.

Commanders.com

5 takeaways from Daronte Jones’ introductory press conference

1. Washington was the right fit for him.

Prior to joining the Commanders, Jones was starting to become a hot commodity in the coaching cycle. He had interviewed with multiple teams, all of whom were interested to see if he could help elevate their defense.

Jones chose to join the Commanders for several reasons, but one of the biggest was an opportunity to come home.

“I grew up in the area. I grew up wearing the burgundy and supporting the Washington organization. I went to elementary school, middle school, literally right across the street from where the stadium is in Palmer Park, Maryland. I went to Kenmore Middle School, and I went to Matthew Henson Elementary. So, growing up a diehard fan, the family’s backing it. When the opportunity came, I thought it was a win-win situation.”

Heavy.com

Colson Yankoff : Increased work in second season

Yankoff caught two of three targets for 18 yards across 14 games in 2025. The UCLA product logged just 107 total snaps (101 on special teams and six on offense) across six regular-season games during his rookie campaign in 2024. However, he played a much larger role in his second season, logging 246 special-teams snaps and 107 offensive snaps. Despite the increased playing time, Yankoff was targeted just three times and operated in a depth role within Washington’s tight end room. Under contract through 2026, the 25-year-old is expected to compete for a larger offensive role this offseason.

Dan Quinn Clarifies Wes Welker’s Role After Commanders Coaching Changes

In his first year with the Commanders in 2025, Welker worked as a personnel analyst, but in a surprising move, he worked more with the team’s defensive and special teams units. Regardless of the reason for that decision, Welker will be moving back to the offensive side of the ball in 2026, as he will be working as an offensive assistant for Quinn moving forward.

“Wes Welker will also be somebody that will have a role on offense this year after being on the defensive and special teams side in ’25,” Quinn said when speaking to reporters recently.

Leaning into his coaches’ strengths is going to be key, especially with new offensive and defensive coordinators in town. With that in mind, it simply makes sense for Welker to be working on offense, given all his experience with that unit throughout his time in the league as a player.

Podcasts & videos

Daniels & McLaurin Breakdown, New Commanders Coordinators & Way is Here to Stay! | Command Center

Five thoughts: Helping the offense grow | John Keim Report

NFC East links

NFL.com

NFL rookie report cards: Grading and ranking every team’s 2025 draft class

Rank 5 – New York Giants

Grade: A-

Draft picks:

• Round 1 (No. 3): Edge Abdul Carter | 17 games/6 starts
• Round 1 (No. 25): QB Jaxson Dart | 14 games/12 starts
• Round 3 (No. 65): DT Darius Alexander | 16 games/2 starts
• Round 4 (No. 105): RB Cam Skattebo | 8 games/5 starts
• Round 5 (No. 154): OT Marcus Mbow | 13 games/3 starts
• Round 7 (No. 219): TE Thomas Fidone II | 7 games/0 starts
• Round 7 (No. 246): CB Korie Black | 9 games/2 starts

Analysis: 

Three of the Giants’ first four picks were essentially starting by the end of September. And all three of those players are fun. But they’re also scary. Allow me to explain each situation individually …

ABDUL CARTER

• The fun part: The edge blur led the entire league with 48 quick pressures (under 2.5 seconds, per Next Gen Stats).
• The scary part: Carter was benched twice for behavior that Dexter Lawrence termed “hard-headed,” with the three-time Pro Bowler imploring his young teammate to “just grow up, really.”

JAXSON DART

• The fun part: His dual-threat ability and undeniable swagger, both of which were on full display in New York’s shocking prime-time beatdown of Philadelphia.
• The scary part: His proud refusal to protect himself, causing frequent trips to the blue tent in Year 1 while raising serious concerns about his long-term viability.

CAM SKATTEBO

• The fun part: A fearless play style that’s as infectious as his animated personality, with bell-cow ability as a runner and receiver.
• The scary part: A gnarly leg injury — dislocated ankle, fractured fibula and ruptured deltoid ligament — that ended his rookie campaign before Halloween, only increasing doubts about the NFL shelf life of his gutsy game.

Rank 11 – Dallas Cowboys

Grade: B+

Draft picks:

• Round 1 (No. 12): OG Tyler Booker | 14 games/starts
• Round 2 (No. 44): Edge Donovan Ezeiruaku | 17 games/9 starts
• Round 3 (No. 76): CB Shavon Revel Jr. | 7 games/5 starts
• Round 5 (No. 149): RB Jaydon Blue | 5 games/0 starts
• Round 5 (No. 152): LB Shemar James | 14 games/6 starts
• Round 6 (No. 204): OT Ajani Cornelius | 1 game/0 starts
• Round 7 (No. 217): DT Jay Toia | 5 games/0 starts
• Round 7 (No. 239): RB Phil Mafah | 1 game/0 starts
• Round 7 (No. 247): DT Tommy Akingbesote | 0 games/starts

Analysis: 

The Cowboys like to spend premium picks on the trenches, and that was the case again last April. Some questioned Tyler Booker’s athleticism in the pre-draft process, causing more than a few raised eyebrows when he came off the board in the top half of Round 1, but his rugged game translated swimmingly to the professional ranks.

Just ask Javonte Williams, who enjoyed a career year running the football in his Dallas debut. Booker went viral last draft season for talking the talk with a series of deliciously METAL quotes about breaking opponents’ will, and then he walked the walk by filling Zack Martin’s shoes at right guard with aplomb.

Donovan Ezeiruaku was thrust into a similar spotlight, as a pretty highly drafted edge rusher who arrived in Big D just before Micah Parsons departed. While Ezeiruaku certainly didn’t prove to be a one-for-one replacement for the perennial Pro Bowler — an absurd expectation, if anyone even pondered it — the second-round pick did exhibit a well-rounded game in Year 1. You’d like to see more than two sacks, especially considering Ezeiruaku racked up 16.5 in his final season at Boston College. But his pass-rush pressure/win rates check out in the advanced metrics. And he sets a hard edge in run defense.

Rank 15 – Philadelphia Eagles

Grade: B

Draft picks:

• Round 1 (No. 31): LB Jihaad Campbell | 17 games/10 starts
• Round 2 (No. 64): S Andrew Mukuba | 11 games/ 10 starts
• Round 4 (No. 111): DT Ty Robinson | 11 games/0 starts
• Round 5 (No. 145): CB Mac McWilliams | 5 games/0 starts
• Round 5 (No. 161): LB Smael Mondon Jr. | 17 games/0 starts
• Round 5 (No. 168): C Drew Kendall | 7 games/1 start
• Round 6 (No. 181): QB Kyle McCord| 0 games/starts
• Round 6 (No. 191): OT Myles Hinton | 0 games/starts
• Round 6 (No. 207): OT Cameron Williams | 1 game/0 starts
• Round 6 (No. 209): Edge Antwaun Powell-Ryland | 0 games/starts (w/ Bengals)

Analysis: 

The Eagles made just two top-100 picks, but both provided immediate returns. The only real complaint I have about Jihaad Campbell and Andrew Mukuba is that I wasn’t able to see even more of them in Year 1.

Campbell’s playing time was contingent on veteran LB Nakobe Dean’s health, but the rookie proved to be a more-than-capable replacement in his 10 starts, stacking up tackles and making some key plays on the ball. With Dean ticketed for free agency next month, Campbell could be poised for a full emergence to stardom in Year 2.

Mukuba was one of the most fun defensive prospects in this draft class, with a ferocious play style that belies his 186-pound frame, and he served as a capable starter for the first three months of the season. Unfortunately, a fractured ankle prematurely ended his debut campaign. Going forward, Mukuba’s edgy play fits nicely alongside 2024 rookie sensations Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, giving the Eagles an enviable collection of young talent in the secondary.

Blogging the Boys

The Cowboys must re-sign Javonte Williams to avoid having a case of the Blues

Williams was the workhorse out of the backfield, doing a little bit of everything. He was good at pass protection and could jump out and help as a receiver. Whatever was needed, he obliged, whether it was breaking off long runs or finishing off drives deep into their opponents’ territory. Williams’ yards after contact and goal-line success rate were near the tops of the league this past season.

Williams was rock solid, but now he’s hitting the open market, where his price tag is projected to be north of $7 million, more than doubling his previous discounted rate. If the Cowboys let him walk, they’ll need to have a plan B, but after last year’s underwhelming showing, the B doesn’t stand for Blue. Instead, they may need to peruse the running back aisle for free agents and see what other type of deals they can find.

The team won’t be able to use the draft to go after one of the better running backs because their premium draft resources will be dedicated to fixing the defense, and they currently don’t even have a pick on Day 2. Sure, they could throw a late-round dart, but the performance of Blue and Deuce Vaughn before him makes that more of a backup plan than a primary path to finding a new back. That forces the Cowboys to find the answer at running back in free agency.

There are a handful of free agent backs who should command a decent contract this spring, with Williams being one of them (market value projections are courtesy of spotrac).

The Cowboys have a dilemma. Either they prioritize guaranteed veteran production by ponying up some cash, or they risk leaving a massive hole on their roster.

Big Blue View

How fast can the Giants turn their defense around?

the defense has mostly been awful for the past three years…just when the NFL pendulum seems to be swinging back toward “defense wins championships.” The Seahawks provide an interesting lesson on how to reach that point, although they haven’t been worse than 7-10 (in 2021) in any year since 2009. That’s OK – Aaron Schatz’s Defense-Adjusted Value Over Average (DVOA) stat, which measures success on a play-by-play basis considering game situation and opponent, ranks Seattle’s 2025 defense as the 8th best since he started calculating DVOA in 1978. As Giants fans we’re not that greedy.

For the record, Harbaugh’s first four Baltimore Ravens teams all finished 3rd in the NFL in points allowed, long before Wink Martindale or Mike Macdonald were on the scene. (They’d finished 22nd the year before in Brian Billick’s last season as head coach.) That team still had great defensive players such as Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, and Terrell Suggs left over from the Billick era (although the Giants put a 30-10 smackdown on them in Harbaugh’s first season) but it had been 5-11 the year before. During Harbaugh’s first four years he had three different defensive coordinators: Rex Reed, Greg Mattison for two years, then Chuck Pagano for one. Didn’t matter, the defense was good every year. The point is that the Ravens immediately improved under Harbaugh just as the Seahawks did under Macdonald.

One of the interesting things is that 10 of [Seattle’s] key defensive players were already on the team in 2023, 6 of them playing a major number of snaps. That team, which went 9-8, only gave up 37 fewer points (2.2 points fewer per game) than the terrible 2025 Giants defense did, suggesting that they already had a lot of the right players but just didn’t have the coaching. A year later, Seattle GM John Schneider added two defensive pieces in the draft, DT Byron Murphy in Round 1 and ILB Tyrice Knight in Round 4. They also added a UFA, CB Josh Jobe, who started at left CB but has been a subpar player throughout his career. They now had Macdonald, but that team still lost to the Giants.

This year, Seattle only added one draftee of note on defense, safety Nick Emmanwori, who became a starter by mid-season and played well. They made one notable free agent signing, DeMarcus Lawrence

If Harbaugh and Wilson can [provide] better defensive schemes, and Schoen can hit on a draft pick and a free agent, then perhaps the 2026 Giants defense can become something like what Macdonald and Schneider turned the Seahawks’ defense into in 2024.

Maybe by 2027 we’ll look back and say that, like the Seahawks pre-Macdonald, 10 of the Giants key defensive players were already on the roster in 2025, and it just took good coaching and a couple more players to make them contenders.

If not, and WYSIWYG with the current roster, then it may be a long road to playoff contention, Harbaugh or not.

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