Commanders 'contenders again' in these latest NFL power rankings
· Yahoo Sports
The Washington Commanders had a mission entering the offseason: get younger and faster. That's what GM Adam Peters said in January at the season-ending press conference. It wasn't lip service from Peters, who has signed 12 outside free agents, most of whom are younger and faster than the players they replaced.
Mission accomplished. The Commanders attacked multiple positions, especially on defense, where Washington was arguably the NFL's worst in the second half of last season. Peters signed edge rushers Odafe Oweh, K'Lavon Chaisson and Charles Omenihu, while adding linebacker Leo Chenal and safety Nick Cross, among others. These players, particularly Chenal at linebacker, make Washington much faster than previous seasons.
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The Commanders also made some moves on offense, adding three running backs behind Jacory Croskey-Merritt, including Rachaad White, and brought back wide receiver Dyami Brown. The biggest move on offense was signing former Titans tight end Chig Okonkwo to a three-year deal. Okonkwo fives Washington something it has lacked at the position, and should be a prime weapon for quarterback Jayden Daniels.
It's almost unanimous: the Commanders have had a strong offseason so far. Conor Orr of Sports Illustrated recently released his post-free-agency power rankings, in which he says "Commanders are contenders again," ranking them 13th.
I was critical of the Commanders' offseason last year. This year, I feel like the team’s moves better align with the franchise’s growth rate. Tight end Chig Okonkwo could be a menace in this offense if used correctly, and adding both Leo Chenal and K’Lavon Chaisson shows me that Dan Quinn plans to really alter how Washington is going to pressure opposing quarterbacks next season. I see Washington slotting right back into contender mode, having added the right pieces rather than splashy ones this winter.
Most of the power rankings we've seen have Washington much lower coming off a 5-12 season. Injuries played a significant role in the Commanders' regression last season. So did age and a lack of speed, hence getting "younger and faster."
Washington's successful free agency allows Peters to focus on the best player available at No. 7 in next month's 2026 NFL Draft, which could very well be an offensive player, such as Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love or Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Contenders again in new NFL power rankings