Washington Commanders 2026 Training Camp Preview
A Team Built to Win Now
The Washington Commanders enter the 2026 season with expectations that have not existed in the nation’s capital for years. After an aggressive offseason led by general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn, Washington has added veteran talent through free agency, infused youth through the NFL Draft and undrafted free agency, and revamped portions of the coaching staff. With quarterback Jayden Daniels entering another season as the franchise cornerstone, the Commanders are viewed as legitimate NFC contenders. Training camp officially begins with rookies reporting July 24, veterans July 28, and the first full practice on July 29.
Offseason Transactions
Washington attacked free agency with the goal of improving both lines of scrimmage while surrounding Daniels with more depth.
Key Additions
- Edge Odafe Oweh
- Defensive tackle Tim Settle
- Linebacker Leo Chenal
- Cornerback Amik Robertson
- Safety Nick Cross
- Running back Rachaad White
- Running back Jerome Ford
- Quarterback Marcus Mariota (re-signed)
- Wide receiver Dyami Brown (re-signed)
- Tight end Chig Okonkwo
- Defensive end Drake Jackson
- Defensive tackle Charles Omenihu
- Punter Tress Way (re-signed)
- Cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon
- Cornerback Antonio Hamilton (re-signed)
- Defensive end Deatrich Wise (extension)
- Kicker Jake Moody
Notable Departures
Among the biggest roster changes were the releases or departures of Marshon Lattimore, Austin Ekeler, Chris Rodriguez Jr., and several veterans from last year’s roster as Washington reshaped its defense and running back room.
2026 NFL Draft Class
Washington entered the draft looking for athletic upside and depth.
Draft Picks
- LB Sonny Styles
- WR Antonio Williams
- DE Joshua Josephs
- RB Kaytron Allen
- Plus additional developmental selections on both sides of the football to strengthen depth entering training camp.
Undrafted Free Agent Class
Washington signed nine undrafted free agents immediately after the draft:
- WR Jaden Bradley
- G Tanoa Togiai
- DT Jeffrey M’Ba
- S Malik Spencer
- RB Robert Henry Jr.
- TE Quentin Moore
- WR Chris Hilton Jr.
- CB Fred Davis II
- K Drew Stevens
Several of these players should receive extensive preseason opportunities, particularly Bradley, Hilton, Spencer, and M’Ba.
Coaching Staff
Head Coach
- Dan Quinn
Offensive Coordinator
- David Blough
Defensive Coordinator
- Daronte Jones
General Manager
- Adam Peters
The coordinator changes represent one of the biggest offseason storylines. Washington is expected to feature more multiple defensive fronts under Jones while continuing an aggressive, balanced offensive approach around Daniels.
Projected Roster
Quarterbacks
- Jayden Daniels
- Marcus Mariota
Running Backs
- Rachaad White
- Jerome Ford
- Jacory Croskey-Merritt
- Jeremy McNichols
- Kaytron Allen
Wide Receivers
- Terry McLaurin
- Dyami Brown
- Treylon Burks
- Luke McCaffrey
- Jaylin Lane
- Antonio Williams
- Van Jefferson
- Chris Hilton Jr.
- Jacoby Jones
- Jaden Bradley
Tight Ends
- Chig Okonkwo
- Ben Sinnott
- Zach Ertz
- Anthony Firkser
Offensive Line
- Laremy Tunsil
- Brandon Coleman
- Sam Cosmi
- Nick Allegretti
- Tyler Biadasz
- Andrew Wylie
- Coleman Shelton
- Trent Scott
- Cornelius Lucas and several young developmental linemen battling for reserve roles.
Defensive Line
- Jonathan Allen
- Jer’Zhan Newton
- Tim Settle
- Daron Payne
- Drake Jackson
- Charles Omenihu
- Deatrich Wise
- Joshua Josephs
- Clelin Ferrell
- Javontae Jean-Baptiste
Linebackers
- Frankie Luvu
- Leo Chenal
- Bobby Wagner
- Sonny Styles
Cornerbacks
- Mike Sainristil
- Amik Robertson
- Ahkello Witherspoon
- Antonio Hamilton
- Noah Igbinoghene
- Fred Davis II
Safeties
- Quan Martin
- Nick Cross
- Jeremy Reaves
- Percy Butler
- Malik Spencer
Specialists
- K Jake Moody
- P Tress Way
- LS Tyler Ott
Biggest Training Camp Battles
Running Back
Rachaad White, Jerome Ford, Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Kaytron Allen, and Jeremy McNichols will battle for snaps in what looks like one of the deepest competitions on the roster.
Wide Receiver
Behind Terry McLaurin, several players—including Dyami Brown, Treylon Burks, Luke McCaffrey, Antonio Williams, and Jaylin Lane—will compete for regular playing time. Antonio Williams is one of the most intriguing rookies entering camp.
Defensive End
With new additions Odafe Oweh, Charles Omenihu, Deatrich Wise, Drake Jackson, Joshua Josephs, and returning veterans, Washington has dramatically reshaped its pass rush. How Daronte Jones deploys this group will be one of camp’s biggest storylines.
Secondary
Mike Sainristil’s versatility gives Washington flexibility, while Amik Robertson, Ahkello Witherspoon, Nick Cross, and Quan Martin will determine the final starting lineup in the secondary.
Five Players to Watch
- Jayden Daniels — Expected to take another step toward becoming one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks.
- Odafe Oweh — Washington’s biggest defensive addition should immediately improve the pass rush.
- Sonny Styles — The rookie linebacker has the athletic profile to contribute early.
- Antonio Williams — One of the most exciting offensive rookies entering camp.
- Rachaad White — Could emerge as Washington’s lead back if he wins the competition.
Maryland Sports Blog Analysis
Washington enters camp with one of the deepest rosters it has fielded in years. Daniels is surrounded by improved protection, more backfield depth, and additional weapons, while the defense has added experience and versatility. The revamped coaching staff will spend August determining the best combinations, particularly along the defensive front and in the secondary.
If Daniels continues his development and the new defensive pieces quickly adapt to Daronte Jones’ scheme, the Commanders have the talent to challenge for the NFC East title and make another deep postseason run. Their training camp will be less about finding starters and more about identifying which promising young players can elevate an already competitive roster.
