The 2026 offseason kicked off with a familiar buzz around Ashburn: new faces, big money, and the eternal hope that *this* is the year. After a disappointing 7-10 finish in 2025, where the offense sputtered to 24th in the league with just 19.8 points per game, General Manager Adam Peters knew he needed to be aggressive. He's been exactly that, splashing cash on a few key targets and letting some others walk.
First up, the big swing: edge rusher Brian Burns, formerly of the Giants, inked a four-year, $92 million deal with $55 million guaranteed. That's a massive investment, but Burns brings a proven track record. He recorded 11 sacks and 18 QB hits last season, a significant upgrade for a Commanders pass rush that managed only 37 sacks as a team in 2025. Paired with a healthy Chop Robinson, who showed flashes with 5.5 sacks in his rookie year, this front seven looks menacing. Real talk: if Burns doesn't hit double-digit sacks in 2026, this deal looks like an albatross. The pressure is on.
Peters didn't stop at Burns. The offensive line, which gave up 48 sacks in 2025, also got some attention. Guard Robert Hunt, a former Dolphin, signed a three-year, $33 million contract. Hunt's a road grader, known for his run blocking, which should help open lanes for Brian Robinson Jr., who averaged a respectable 4.2 yards per carry last season despite the line's struggles. That move signals a clear intent to lean on the run game, especially with a young quarterback still developing.
The secondary saw some turnover too. Cornerback Kendall Fuller, a long-time staple, wasn't re-signed and landed with the Texans. His departure left a hole, which Peters addressed by signing veteran safety Vonn Bell to a two-year, $10 million deal. Bell, most recently with the Panthers, brings leadership and a nose for the ball, having snagged 3 interceptions in 2025. He’s not a like-for-like replacement for Fuller, obviously, but he stabilizes the back end. Look, sometimes you need veterans who know how to line up and make the plays they’re supposed to make.
While the big names grabbed headlines, several quieter departures also shaped the roster. Linebacker Cody Barton, who started 13 games last year, signed with the Saints. His 78 tackles will need to be replaced, likely by second-year pro Jamin Davis, who showed improvement late in 2025. Kicker Joey Slye, after hitting only 78% of his field goals last season, also wasn't brought back. The Commanders are expected to draft a kicker or sign an undrafted free agent, a move that often goes overlooked but can swing close games. Remember that Week 15 loss to the Eagles, 23-20, where Slye missed a crucial 45-yarder? Yeah, that still stings.
Here's the thing: Peters has spent big, but there are still needs. The wide receiver room behind Terry McLaurin is still thin. Jahan Dotson hasn't consistently delivered on his first-round promise, totaling just 620 receiving yards in 2025. Another legitimate threat opposite McLaurin would open up this offense significantly. I'd argue that neglecting a true WR2 is a mistake that could haunt them, especially if defenses continue to bracket McLaurin.
My bold prediction? Despite the big spending, the Commanders will once again finish with a sub-.500 record in 2026, largely due to the continued lack of a consistent playmaking threat outside of Terry McLaurin.