What is the Washington Commanders biggest offseason need for 2026? According to ESPN’s Aaron Schatz article today on what each NFL team’s “biggest hole” – Wide Receiver is the Commanders’ biggest hole.
Is that really true?
That isn’t to say that Washington wouldn’t jump at a chance to get better at receiver. It’s just to say that they may have a bigger hole or three.
From Aaron Schatz’ article:
Wide receiver
There is a collection of players behind Terry McLaurin waiting for someone to break out. Is Treylon Burks ready to be a starter after three seasons of struggling in Tennessee followed by a few notable catches in 2025 for Washington? Can Luke McCaffrey expand past the 11 catches for 203 yards and three touchdowns that he had in his second season? Or is rookie third-rounder Antonio Williams ready for the big time? The Commanders also have Jaylin Lane, who had 16 receptions for 225 yards as a rookie last season, and veteran Dyami Brown, who had 227 yards in Jacksonville in 2025.
None of this is inaccurate.
At first blush, Washington could definitely benefit from an addition to the wide receiver corps.
It might come in the form of Brandon Aiyuk. It might not. Certainly much has been made about whether or not the disgruntled 49ers receiver and friend of Jayden Daniels will be coming to D.C. How healthy will he be? Will San Francisco stop being petty and just move on from the entire debacle?
All of what has transpired so far creates issues like even if Aiyuk is healthy, what is a reasonable timeframe for him getting on the field for the Commanders?
Regardless of the Aiyuk situation, Washington have a bona fide number one in McLaurin, and there are pieces that can play. Terry was drafted a whole round later than Clemson rookie Williams too, so who knows what the young receiver can or will contribute?
Still, the Commanders biggest offseason need isn’t at wide receiver, it’s the secondary.
The Secondary: Washington’s Biggest Offseason Need
Corner
Washington enters 2026 with Mike Sainristil and Trey Amos as their starting corners. Amos has the athleticism to be a legitimate starter. Sainristil has shown genuine promise, but definitely struggled more from the outside in 2025, than the success he saw at slot in 2024. However, is there a true number two corner on this roster capable of handling a top opposing receiver week in and week out? Ahkello Witherspoon and Amik Robertson provide veteran depth and experience, but were signed as a stopgap, not a solution. Darius Rush and Fred Davis II round out the depth — neither of whom has established themselves as a reliable NFL starter. If the season started tomorrow, it is probable that Mikey would be the CB2.
Safety
The safety picture raises similar questions. Nick Cross starts at strong safety, and Will Harris lines up opposite him at free safety. Both are serviceable, but neither commands the kind of respect that makes opposing quarterbacks think twice. Harris, in particular, is a veteran presence rather than a playmaking threat. Quan Martin and Percy Butler offer depth behind them, but Washington is one injury away from a genuine problem at the position.
The unit as a whole allowed too many explosive plays in 2025. Opposing coordinators found the soft spots repeatedly — particularly over the middle and down the sidelines. New defensive coordinator Daronte Jones will bring a fresh scheme, and that matters. But scheme alone doesn’t cover receivers. Players do.
Washington has young pieces to work with. However, the Commanders need either a legitimate free agent addition at corner or safety — ideally both — before they can feel confident about defending the NFL’s best passing attacks in 2026.
Free Agents Available
Among cornerbacks, these are some of the better unsigned names still available:
- Stephon Gilmore — older now, but still a savvy outside CB with strong man-coverage instincts.
- Rasul Douglas — physical ballhawk who can still start in zone-heavy systems.
- Mike Hilton — one of the better veteran slot corners/blitzing nickels available.
- Tre’Davious White — injuries are the concern, but upside remains if healthy.
- Shaq Griffin — experienced outside corner who can help a secondary immediately.
- Adoree’ Jackson — still has speed and return versatility.
- Kendall Fuller — smart veteran DB who can play inside or outside.
- Jeff Okudah — former top draft pick who’s still viewed as a reclamation project with upside.
Gilmour, Griffin and Douglas are probably the best options outside. Hilton and Fuller are decent inside options but a solid outside addition would likely allow Sainristil to move back to the slot where he is more effective.
At safety, there are also a few legitimate contributors left:
Adrian Amos, Jabrill Peppers, Donovan Wilson, Quandre Diggs, Taylor Rapp, Jordan Poyer, Jamal Adams, and Jordan Whitehead. Diggs and Poyer feel like decent fits. They provide deep safety help as opposed to box safety help.
It seems like a safe assumption that if the Commanders liked any of the current players available, they would have already made a move. No disrespect intended to the incumbents. Signing unrestricted free agents can count against a team in the NFL’s compensatory pick formula, so teams do sometimes wait. Plus, a player’s contract leverage shrinks and shrinks as the new season approaches, so contract demands can diminish as well.
Not Yet Available Free Agents?
Adam Peters and the Commanders brain trust will assuredly scouring waiver wires from now until the start of the season. There are often final cut day surprises that can yield positive results. Deals can also be made.
After the last trade Washington made for a cornerback, they are sure to be leery.
Offseason Need Notes:
For argument’s sake, there are some really decent names remaining at wide receiver:
- Stefon Diggs — still probably the highest-upside receiver available if healthy. Route-running and separation ability remain elite, but age and injury recovery are concerns.
- Jauan Jennings — one of the better all-around starters left. Tough, reliable chain-mover who blocks well and fits playoff-caliber offenses.
- Tyreek Hill — technically available in some free-agent/trade-market discussions depending on his contract situation; still explosive but carries age and volatility concerns.
- Keenan Allen — aging slot technician who can still produce in the right offense.
- DeAndre Hopkins — no longer dominant, but still a strong red-zone and possession target.
- Tyler Lockett — savvy veteran deep threat and slot option.
- Brandin Cooks — speed still plays, though role is shrinking.
- Curtis Samuel — gadget/slot hybrid who can still help creative offenses.
- Hunter Renfrow — bounce-back slot candidate after disappearing the past couple seasons.
- Gabe Davis — boom-or-bust vertical threat with starter traits
Definitely a better selection of talent than the secondary has available.
Who would you choose?