8 Commanders players who can turn OTAs into a personal launchpad

The Washington Commanders face the challenge of turning an offseason roster overhaul into a more competitive team in 2026. The team’s recent performance required drastic changes, and the front office has created a more encouraging outlook. Progress depends on franchise cornerstones stepping up, young players developing, and improved injury luck. Several players have the opportunity to set the tone during OTAs. Treylon Burks, retained on a one-year deal after a prior stint with the Titans, is positioned for a role if he stays healthy and uses the offseason to refine his skills. Johnny Newton is expected by Dan Quinn to make the biggest leap among defensive linemen, reflecting high expectations for his impact.

"The Washington Commanders have been extremely busy throughout the offseason. Now, the onus is on head coach Dan Quinn and his staff to mold this new-look roster into a more competitive outfit in 2026. General manager Adam Peters knew the Commanders couldn't stand still. They won five games just one year removed from an NFC Championship game appearance, which necessitated drastic changes. The front-office leader delivered, and the vibes are much more encouraging as a result."

"If the Commanders want to make the desired progress, it must be a collective effort. Franchise cornerstones have to step up. Young players have to develop accordingly. And some better luck on the injury from wouldn't go amiss, either. After that, everything else should fall into place. And for these eight Commanders players, they have the chance to set the tone by turning OTAs into their own personal launchpad."

"The Commanders took a chance on Treylon Burks when the Tennessee Titans cut ties last season. His time with the AFC South club was always doomed to fail, but his contributions last season were enough for Washington to keep him around on a one-year deal worth up to $4 million with incentives. This was the vote of confidence Burks needed at an important time. A conversation with new offensive coordinator David Blough persuaded him to stay, which indicates there could be a decent role for him to play if everything goes well this summer."

"Dan Quinn is expecting big things from defensive lineman Johnny Newton in 2026. The head coach singled him out as the player he expects to take off more than any other. That's a different pressure, but it's precisel"

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