Washington Commanders way too early 53-man roster projection: How 2026 NFL free agency period shakes up the roster

Taking an early look at how the Commanders’ 53-man roster can shake up after an overhaul during free agency, and the NFL Draft around the corner.

Josh Taylor — Washington Commanders News Writer
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Oct 27, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn reacts during the first half against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. © Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

The Washington Commanders shook up their roster after a very active free agency period, and we’ll see a completely different team in 2026.

There’s still plenty of moves to make, but enough have been made to take an early look at how the 53-man roster currently stands for the Commanders as they add more depth players before the 2026 NFL Draft.

Commanders’ early 53-man roster projection

Quarterback (2)

  • IN: Jayden Daniels, Marcus Mariota
  • OUT: Sam Hartman

    The Commanders were able to bring back veteran QB Marcus Mariota after he played the majority of the 2025 season due to several injuries to Jayden Daniels. They’ve also done their homework on several NFL Draft QBs who could go undrafted to take over as future backups after the season, so don’t be surprised when Sam Hartman is replaced this offseason.

Running Backs (3)

  • IN: Bill Croskey-Merritt, Rachaad White, Jerome Ford
  • OUT: Jeremy McNichols

    The running back room looks different, and it’s improved with the major addition of Rachaad White, who I think could lead the team in touches. They lost Chris Rodriguez Jr. to the Jaguars, and replaced him with Jerome Ford, who I think is a sneaky option to win a roster spot. I also have them drafting a RB later in the NFL Draft, and they could also take over as RB3.

Wide Receivers (6)

  • IN: Terry McLaurin, Luke McCaffrey, Jaylin Lane, Treylon Burks, Dyami Brown, Van Jefferson
  • OUT: Ja’Corey Brooks, Jacoby Jones, Nick Nash

    Brandon Aiyuk isn’t a Commander yet, but the WR room is still very ugly as it stands. They desperately need to add a top WR, which they’re poised to do with the No. 7 overall pick now. Aiyuk and the WR they draft will kick two off Dyami Brown or Van Jefferson off the list. This is the position on offense that still has the most work and movement ahead.

Tight Ends (4)

  • IN: Chig Okonkkwo, Ben Sinnott, Jon Bates, Colson Yankoff
  • OUT: Lawrence Cager

    New offensive coordinator David Blough will likely run more 13 personnel this season, which means three tight ends in the formation, so I’m expecting four tight ends to make the roster. Chig Okonkwo will be an explosive threat in the receiving game, Ben Sinnott will continue to be a high-end blocker while expanding his receiving role, and Jon Bates will move people at the line. Colson Yankoff was a surprising player last year with over 350 snaps, and he also plays special teams.

Offensive Line (10)

  • IN: Laremy Tunsil, Chris Paul, Nick Allegretti, Sam Cosmi, Josh Conerly Jr, Andrew Wylie, Brandon Coleman, Trent Scott, Timothy McKay, Julian Good-Jones
  • OUT: Tyler Cooper, Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu

    The Commanders made a notable change at center after releasing Tyler Biadasz, and they’re likely not done at the position. They did get an early deal done with franchise left tackle Laremy Tunsil, which extended him another two seasons. The Commanders also extended Nick Allegretti, who could be the center, and veteran Andrew Wylie, but they still lack depth. Expect another addition in the NFL Draft.

Defensive Tackle (5)

  • IN: Daron Payne, Javon Kinlaw, Johnny Newton, Tim Settle, Shy Tuttle
  • OUT: Ricky Barber

    The Commanders added a nose tackle by bringing Tim Settle back to Washington, but this position absolutely needs to play to its potential next season. Daron Payne is sticking around for possibly his last season with a hefty price tag, and he has to play motivated. Charles Omenihu and Deatrich Wise could also play inside, so it wouldn’t surprise me if they only keep four defensive tackles.

EDGE (5)

  • IN: Odafe Oweh, K’Lavon Chaisson, Dorance Armstrong, Charles Omenihu, Deatrich Wise
  • OUT: Javonte Jean-Baptiste, Drake Jackson, T.J. Maguranyanga, D.J. Johnson, Andre Carter II

    Daronte Jones will use both 3-4 and 4-3, and Leo Chenal is expected to play a lot of EDGE as well, so I only kept five EDGE players. There’s a ton of versatility across the line, so realistically, 10 players give them a ton of options, and that’s not counting Chenal and Frankie Luvu. Odafe Oweh would be the only player under contract after next season, so maybe they will draft another.

Linebackers (5)

Cornerbacks (6)

  • IN: Amik Robertson, Trey Amos, Mike Sainristil, Tyler Owens, Darius Rush, Car’Lin Vigers
  • OUT: Tre Hawkins III, Qwuantrezz Knight

    The cornerback room is almost as bad as the WR room on paper, though Amik Robertson will be a great addition as a nickel corner. There’s too much unknown around Mike Sainristil for me to feel confident at the outside corner, though. They need another depth player, and possibly another strong starting-caliber corner in the NFL Draft. Tyler Owens had positive looks at corner last year, so I’m leaving him there.

Safeties (4)

  • IN: Nick Cross, Will Harris, Quan Martin, Jeremy Reaves
  • OUT: Percy Butler, Robert McDaniel

    The Commanders still need a true free safety after adding Nick Cross in free agency. I’m still very worried about the safety room, and both Quan Martin and Jeremy Reaves need to be replaced before the season. I have the Commanders draft a safety on Day Two in April, and maybe add more competition after the draft. They have to get this group right.

Specialists (3)

  • IN: Jake Moody, Tress Way, Tyler Ott
  • OUT: Nobody

    The Commanders brought back kicker Jake Moody, which was the right call after an impressive stint with them at the end of the season. They still need to bring in competition for training camp, which they failed to do last season, and it backfired.

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