We’ve already discussed the guys on offense who need to have a big year, so of course, now we flip to defense.

You know the drill. This list is composed of the top Washington Commanders that must perform at a high level in 2026. Whether it be for contract purposes, individual development, or simply all-around team success, these guys have to get the job done.

Let’s talk about them for a quick minute.

Five Commanders players who have to have a good year on defense

1. EDGE Odafe Oweh

This one is obvious. The Commanders signed Oweh to a 4-year, $100 million deal to be the top option in the pass rush, and there’s no time to ease into that role. Washington’s pass rush was solid in 2024 but fell off in 2025, and for any competent defense to function, a consistent and effective pass rush is non-negotiable.

Oweh brings youth, speed, and a great mix of pass rush moves to the position. He’s solid against the run, though he could improve there. He may not be a true every-down threat since most edge rushers don’t exceed more than 80-85% of defensive snaps per game, but he has to be the No. 1 guy in Washington’s pass rush this year.

And he has to do it by winning his matchups, not getting schemed into production. That’s the key, here: If Oweh can’t do it himself, well then why are the Commanders paying him so much money?

2. DT Daron Payne

Payne lands on this list for both personal and team reasons. Personally, this is the final year of his contract, and he’s set to become a free agent unless he and the Commanders reach an extension beforehand, which seems unlikely unless he has a tremendous season.

That honestly sets up a win-win if everything ends positively. If Payne gets back to the 11.5-sack version of himself we saw a few seasons ago, good things follow for everyone.

Interior pass rush is the most effective way to disrupt an offense, and a dominant Payne would open things up for the rest of the front seven and give Daronte Jones more freedom with how he deploys the front seven.

The trade-off is clear: Payne has a big year, he earns a big contract (whether from Washington or elsewhere), and the Commanders defense becomes an effective unit in return.

3. CB Mike Sainristil (or any CB)

I’m cheating a little here, but this applies to both Sainristil and the entire cornerback room. While Adam Peters and Dan Quinn did a good job retooling the defense, the secondary remains a huge question mark, and it’s impossible to debate otherwise.

We don’t know if we’re going to get the 2024 or 2025 version of Sainristil, who is the team’s best corner when healthy and on his game. The same goes for Amik Robertson, who regressed in 2025 after a good 2024.

Trey Amos has the most upside, but he’s yet to practice after last year’s season-ending injury and even before that, he was playing just okay. Akhello Witherspoon and Antonio Hamilton Sr. are depth players at this point, and the remaining options are unproven guys you don’t want to rely on.

If Sainristil can get back to his 2024 form, he gives Washington a legitimate top option at corner with good versatility. But it’s the cornerback room as a whole that needs to deliver in 2026.

4. S Nick Cross

This is where player development shows up on the list and it’ll lead to success if Cross can take a big step in his coverage abilities this year.

Including Cross, Washington has plenty of guys who can perform in the box and make plays near the line of scrimmage. However, when it comes to range outside of Quan Martin, it’s questionable at best. And when you consider Martin’s fall-off last season, it’s easy to see why Cross needs to develop that side of his game.

If Cross can’t improve at playing center field, splitting the field in half, or simply extending his range in coverage, the Commanders will be very vulnerable at safety. It might not be the most valued position across the league, but poor safety play leads to big-time passing plays and explosive scores. And as we all saw last year, that can lead to a lot of Ls in the record book.

5. LB Leo Chenal

The Commanders will rely heavily on their free agent additions to make an impact and Chenal is in line to be one of the more impactful players.

That’s because he can do so many different things. He can blitz, cover, defend the run, tackle, and contribute on special teams. Being able to boost two of the three phases would be absolutely huge for this team.

The Commanders already have a solid special teams unit, so Chenal adding to that group only raises the floor. But the real value is what he brings to the second level of the defense. Given what Washington is paying him, Chenal needs to have a productive year to make that linebacker corps as impactful in games as it looks on paper.

Honorable mentions: LB Sonny Styles, DL Javon Kinlaw