Latest market-resetting contract shows which direction Commanders should take in first round of 2026 NFL Draft
The Commanders have a difficult decision to make with the No. 7 overall pick, but it should be clearer after the latest superstar reset the market.
The Washington Commanders are a month away from being on the clock with the No. 7 overall pick, where they can make a franchise-altering selection.
They’ll have plenty of options to decide between in the first round, but their decision gets clearer by the day. The Commanders drastically improved the roster in free agency, but they also missed on some key positions. There’s a great chance the best player on the board is also the type of player they need for the future after seeing one superstar reset the market at his position.
Seattle Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba got paid, and the Commanders need to take notice of finding their next young playmaker.
Commanders need to find their next superstar WR after seeing the market reset
Every year, teams take a swing at a first-round WR, and many of them pan out, while others don’t. One of the recent first-round stars was Smith-Njigba, and he just reset the WR market with a four-year, $168.6 million extension.
Now, the Commanders need to do the same and find their WR1 of the future, and on a rookie deal. The Commanders found Terry McLaurin as a steal in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft, but haven’t been able to find another one since to help him out.
They swung on some notable free agents, and even tried to find a late-round gem, but none ever panned out. Jahan Dotson was the last first-round WR Washington selected back in 2022, but he only lasted two seasons before being traded. The Commanders have to land a top WR in the NFL Draft, and they’ll have options with the No. 7 overall pick.
The Commanders need to take a WR with the No. 7 overall pick
2026 is likely McLaurin’s last season with Washington, with his contract taking a massive $34 million salary cap hit in 2027. The Commanders need to find his complement for next season, and very well his replacement for the 2027 season. Jordyn Tyson has become too much of a risk for the Commanders with his injury concerns still lingering, but they could replace McLaurin with another Ohio State WR.
Carnell Tate is their best option if they want to find the next best outside WR in the NFL Draft, and he’s just turning 21 years old. Tate is a savvy route runner, and his speed surprises defenders. If the Commanders want a dominant slot WR who is similar to Smith-Njiba, USC WR Makai Lemon is on the board as well, and has a top-30 visit with the Commanders.
No matter who they decide to take, the Commanders need their future playmaker with the No. 7 overall pick and give Jayden Daniels a weapon for years to come.