Former NFL quarterback bullish on Commanders in 2026

One former NFL quarterback and current ESPN analyst is a fan of what the Washington Commanders have done this offseason.

"I'm bullish on Washington right now," said Orlovsky. "Coming off of Jayden's (Daniels) rookie year and that kind of magical year of 2024, I was a little bit more hesitant on 2025 because '24 was so magical in the comebacks and fourth down conversions. It overshadowed where I thought the rebuild was. Some unfortunate stuff, injuries, all that stuff happens in '25."

"Now you are into '26, and Washington has had this unnoticed, untalked about, but really strong offseason." Orlovsky then praised the football background of new OC David Blough and DC Daronte Jones. He likes the two edge rushers the Commanders signed in free agency, Odafe Oweh and K'Lavon Chaisson. Did Orlovsky have anything else to say about any of the free agent additions? I mean, the Commanders gave up the most yards of any team last season, GM Adam Peters is determined to tear it up and start over in many areas.

• "I've been a Leo Chenal guy since calling his games at Wisconsin."
• "Nick Cross is a good addition, a really smart safety."
• "I'm a Chig guy (Chig Okonkwo. Put him with a good quarterback, you'll see the numbers and production go up."
• "I think that there was this almost like a second iteration in this Jayden Daniels era, in a way. The free agency (additions) is a lot of really good pieces, a lot of smart pieces added, a lot of guys that won, that were in places that won football games."
• "I think this defense is from a youth, athleticism and skills standpoint is much improved."
• "I'll go to Daronte (Jones). A huge part of Minnesota's defensive success is having a safety that was super smart, could be a great liner with coverages , understood everyone's job, and everyone says that about Caleb Downs (Ohio State). Or also that Sonny Styles change, move piece, crazy athlete. I can get him in rush situations."
• "But I could also see if a Jeremiyah Love falls to them, is available at seven, then could you replicate the Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley running attack of 2024? Also we know they have Terry McLaurin, so what happens if a Carnell Tate or Jordyn Tyson is there? Do they want that second receiver piece?"

Orlovsky wasn't done talking draft possibilities quite yet. He then contrasted the Lions' Jahmyr Gibbs and top RB prospect Jeremiyah Love. "He's (Love) three inches bigger than Gibbs, he's 15 pounds heavier and he ran the same speed...you are talking about a uniquely gifted player. I think he changes/improves any offense."

Finally, what does Orlovsky see for Jayden Daniels this season? "I would fully expect this massive step up from last year. They should move him a lot so his athleticism is part of (the offense). I still think they need to add another offensive weapon, whether that is Love (RB) or another receiver."

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Dan Orlovsky loves all of the offseason moves