Dan Quinn is back for his third year after the Commanders took a step back from their amazing 2024 run and laid a massive egg last year. David Blough, at just 31, will take over as the new offensive coordinator. Jayden Daniels returns at quarterback. Jacory Croskey-Merritt returns as the top running back. Rachaad White will look to replace the production of the departed Chris Rodriguez. Washington lost their top pass catcher, Deebo Samuel, to the 49ers and Zach Ertz to free agency. Terry McLaurin returns to a new-look receiving room. Stefon Diggs comes over from the Patriots, and Chig Okonkwo comes over from the Titans. Washington is eager to see Clemson rookie Antonio Williams, who adds another young option to the receiving room. Brandon Coleman, Chris Paul, Nick Allegretti, Sam Cosmi, and Josh Conerly Jr. return to the offensive line. The Commanders will be without Laremy Tunsil for an extended period after he underwent surgery for a torn triceps and was placed on IR.

Daronte Jones enters his first year as defensive coordinator. The Commanders return four of their top five tacklers from a season ago. Javon Kinlaw, Daron Payne, Frankie Luvu, and Jordan Magee return in the front seven. The Commanders welcome Tim Settle from Houston, Odafe Oweh from the Chargers, K’Lavon Chaisson from New England, and Leo Chenal from Kansas City. Mike Sainristil, Nick Cross, Jeremy Reaves, and Quan Martin return to the secondary. The Commanders also welcome Rasul Douglas from the Dolphins and Amik Robertson from the Lions.

Larry Izzo is back for his third year heading up the special teams. Iowa rookie Drew Stevens will be the placekicker. Tress Way returns as punter. Jaylin Lane returns as the punt returner after scoring two touchdowns last year, and Luke McCaffrey will handle the kick return duties. The Commanders will need Jayden Daniels to catch fire again, but he alone can only do so much. Time will tell how the new receivers gel and how fast the new coordinators get their units up to speed.