Commanders receive disastrous projection for 2026 season

The Washington Commanders had a disastrous 2025 season. There’s not only one reason for that, as it was a combination of unfortunate events.

However, the vibes have been high this offseason, and all expectations are that the team will turn this around quickly. The team added some real difference-makers in free agency and the draft, and simply being healthier should make a major difference.

It won’t be easy to compete in the NFC East, though. The Eagles and Cowboys are both considered to be contenders, while the Giants should be vastly improved. As a result, not everybody is convinced the Commanders will be that much better in 2026.

Garrett Podell of CBS Sports recently predicted each division’s last-place finisher. For the NFC East, Podell went with the Commanders.

“CBS Sports colleague Zach Pereles watched the Commanders’ joint practice with the Baltimore Ravens back on Aug. 26, and he said Washington “didn’t even belong on the same field” as Baltimore,” Podell said. “Their defense will be much improved after all the additions they made in the draft and free agency, but that offensive line could doom 2024 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year quarterback Jayden Daniels in 2026.”

Podell mentioned a bad practice the Commanders had, but can we really judge an entire season off a summer joint practice? Podell then admits the defense should be much better, and the defense was the major problem in 2025.

It is definitely reasonable to worry about the offensive line, though. Laremy Tunsil being out is huge, and Nick Allegretti is also dealing with an injury.

“There’s a good chance Washington struggles in 2026 because Daniels doesn’t get the support he needs from his offensive line,” Podell added.

It’s definitely true that the Commanders’ season could go sideways if Daniels isn’t protected. However, the overall talent on the roster just seems too good to finish in last place. The last time Daniels was healthy, the team made it to the NFC Championship Game, so I’m not predicting a last-place finish for him in his return

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders receive disastrous projection for 2026 season