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Commanders labeled 'pretenders' for 2026 NFL season
TL;DR
The Washington Commanders are labeled as 'pretenders' for the 2026 NFL season after a disappointing 5-12 record in 2025, following a playoff appearance in 2024. Despite offseason efforts to improve their defense and add offensive talent, they face tough competition in the NFC East.
Key points
- Washington Commanders had a 5-12 record in 2025
- Team fired head coach Kliff Kingsbury and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt
- Rookie linebacker Sonny Styles drafted seventh overall
- Commanders signed key defensive players in free agency
- Analysts predict Commanders will struggle in a tough NFC East
Mentioned in this story
Kliff KingsburyJoe WhittDavid BloughDaronte AdamsJayden DanielsSonny StylesBobby WagnerOdafe OwehK'Lavon ChaissonNick CrossAmik RobertsonAntonio WilliamsTerry McLaurin
Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders' 2025 season was practically the polar opposite of how their 2024 season turned out. After making the playoffs and reaching the NFC Championship for the first time in over 30 years, the Commanders hit a brick wall. Jayden Daniels spent much of the season battling various injuries, the defense was riddled with injuries, and the rotational pieces didn't (or couldn't) step up.
That season led the Commanders to fire Kliff Kingsbury and Joe Whitt, bringing in David Blough and Daronte Adams (respectively) as their replacements. Then came free agency, where Adam Peters hit the ground hard to improve what was one of the league's worst defenses in 2025. They continued that in the draft, while adding some offensive pieces, they hope will be enough to get this team back on track.
Recently, Bleacher Report examined 12 teams that could be contenders in 2026. They did not include teams at the bottom of the league, such as the Tennessee Titans and Las Vegas Raiders (among others), nor the 2025 playoff teams. Instead, they looked at teams that missed the postseason in 2025 and have aspirations of avoiding that in 2026. At the end of their assessment, they determined if a team was real (buying) or pretending (selling). Here's what they said about the Commanders:
While the New England Patriots were going from also-ran to the AFC title last year, the Washington Commanders were hurtling in the opposite direction.
Q&A
Why are the Washington Commanders considered pretenders for the 2026 NFL season?
The Commanders are seen as pretenders due to their poor performance in 2025, where they finished with a 5-12 record after previously making the playoffs.
What changes did the Commanders make to their coaching staff for the 2026 season?
The Commanders fired head coach Kliff Kingsbury and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt, replacing them with David Blough and Daronte Adams.
Which players did the Commanders draft or sign to improve their defense for 2026?
The Commanders drafted linebacker Sonny Styles and signed edge-rushers Odafe Oweh and K'Lavon Chaisson to strengthen their defense.
How did the Commanders' performance in 2025 impact their outlook for the 2026 season?
Their disappointing 2025 season, marked by injuries and a weak defense, has led analysts to predict a challenging 2026 season, potentially finishing last in the NFC East.
