What is the Commanders' most improved position in 2026?
The defense, as a whole, looks much better, but one position stands above the rest.
When the Washington Commanders finished 5-12 last season, it exposed many flaws in an aging roster that had won 12 games the year before. In 2024, the Commanders were one of the healthiest teams in the NFL, but that injury luck went in the opposite direction in 2025. General manager Adam Peters said his goal this offseason was to get "younger and faster.
" Peters said this two days after the end of a disappointing season. It wasn't just lip service from Peters. In free agency, the Commanders signed over a dozen outside free agents, most of whom were coming off their rookie contracts.
The Commanders had multiple positions to address this offseason, but one stood out: edge rusher. When Dorance Armstrong went down in Week 7 last season, Washington struggled to get to opposing passers. And, remember, the Commanders were looking for edge rushers before the 2025 season, inquiring about the availability of Trey Hendrickson and Myles Garrett.
ESPN recently released its post-NFL draft power rankings , placing Washington at No. 19. When asked which position the Commanders improved the most this season, John Keim said edge rusher.