The Commanders' 2026 Offseason: A Make-or-Break Year for Harris
It's early February 2026, and the dust is still settling on a Commanders season that saw them finish a respectable, if unspectacular, 9-8, missing the playoffs by a single game. Again. Josh Harris and his ownership group are now entering their third full offseason, and the honeymoon period is officially over. Last year's big splash, signing defensive end Montez Sweat to a five-year, $110 million extension, paid dividends with Sweat racking up 13.5 sacks, but the offense sputtered too often. They need to find a way to consistently win in the NFC East, a division they haven't topped since 2015.
Thing is, the salary cap situation isn't as dire as some might think. Washington is projected to have around $45 million in cap space, depending on how they handle a few existing contracts. That's enough to be players in free agency, but not enough to buy an entire new roster. The core is there, but the edges need sharpening.
The QB Question (Still) Looms Large
Look, we've been here before. Sam Howell's rookie contract is up, and while he showed flashes – like that four-touchdown performance against the Giants in Week 10 – consistency was his killer. He finished the year with 28 touchdowns and 19 interceptions, throwing for 4,100 yards, which isn't terrible. But those five games where he completed under 55% of his passes? Unacceptable for a team with playoff aspirations. The Commanders could franchise tag him at roughly $30 million, but that feels like kicking the can down the road.
I'd argue they need to let Howell walk. It's a tough pill, especially after investing a second-round pick, but sometimes you just have to cut bait. There are too many mid-tier veteran QBs hitting the market this year. Think about a Kirk Cousins reunion, if he doesn't re-sign with Atlanta, or even a shot at someone like Justin Fields if Chicago finally moves on. A change of scenery, a proven veteran, might be exactly what this offense needs to complement Terry McLaurin, who still put up 1,150 receiving yards despite the QB carousel.
Re-signing the Right Pieces
Before they go chasing shiny new toys, Washington has some internal business to handle. The biggest name is definitely running back Brian Robinson Jr. He's been the workhorse, grinding out 1,000-yard seasons for three straight years, including 1,080 yards and 9 touchdowns in 2025. He's entering his prime and a new deal needs to get done. I’d offer him a four-year, $38 million deal with $20 million guaranteed. That keeps him in burgundy and gold and still leaves room to maneuver.
Another critical piece is safety Kamren Curl. He's been a rock in the secondary, playing over 90% of defensive snaps for the past two seasons and racking up 90+ tackles each year. Losing him would create a huge hole. A three-year, $27 million contract should get it done. Beyond those two, depth pieces like linebacker Jamin Davis, who had 88 tackles last season, and interior offensive lineman Sam Cosmi are also unrestricted free agents. They need to prioritize Robinson and Curl, then see what's left for the others.
Where to Spend Big?
Assuming they address the quarterback position and retain their key internal free agents, the biggest need is on the offensive line. The right guard spot was a revolving door last season, and the unit gave up 45 sacks. That's simply too many. Look for them to target a top-tier guard in free agency. Someone like a Quinn Meinerz from Denver, if he hits the market, would be a huge upgrade. He’s a mauler and would immediately improve their run blocking and pass protection. Paying $15-18 million a year for a proven guard is expensive, but it's a necessity.
My bold prediction? The Commanders will sign a veteran quarterback, trade up in the first round of the draft for a tackle, and finally make the playoffs in 2026, winning at least one postseason game. The window for Josh Harris to make his mark is closing, and he knows it.