Daily Slop – The Athletic on Commanders defense: “I don’t know what there is to like about this group”

PITTSBURGH, PA - APRIL 23: Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles poses for a studio portrait during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Editor's note: Each day, Hogs Haven compiles a collection of articles, podcasts & tweets from around the web to keep you in touch with the Commanders, the NFC East, the NFL and sports in general, with a sprinkling of other stuff. Enjoy!

Commanders linksArticles

Commanders.com

Rookie minicamp notebook | A Sonny' day in Ashburn

- Quinn...likes how wide receiver Antonio Williams fits into David Blough's system because of his versatility. Like general manager Adam Peters, Quinn said Williams can play on the outside and in the slot, and he's going to be used at both often. Williams has a demonstrated route running ability, and Quinn said the team is pumped" to have him.

- Although there wasn't any contact, Allen's vision and ability to weave through blockers shone through during team drills. Those traits are exactly what Quinn likes about Allen's styles. He knows where and how to hit running lanes, and that kind of knowledge is a big deal."

- Practice felt a little more loaded compared to previous years. The afternoon featured two team periods and two seven-on-seven periods - a marked increase from what the 2025 class experienced during their first rookie minicamp practice. Perhaps it doesn't mean much, but Quinn did say at the end of the season that there would be several changes to the team's operations during the week. It's possible it's the start of something new for the team.

- There have been some discussions about joint practices with other teams, Quinn said during his press conference, but nothing can be made official until the schedule is announced on May 14. Quinn has several teams on his list, and there are several reasons why he wants his team to get more work against another opponent. He likes all the different looks and situations that can be simulated in practice - something that can be difficult to predict in a preseason game - and the competition that can come from facing another team.

List of players attending the rookie minicamp including the tryout players: pic.twitter.com/9ARa7UCc9t

- John Keim (@john_keim) May 8, 2026

Last Man Standig (paywall)

Sonny Styles already looks the part as Commanders' rookie minicamp opens

Day 1 of the three-day rookie minicamp included a fair amount of 11-on-11 work despite the lack of familiarity among the mix of draft picks, undrafted free agents, practice squad holdovers and tryout players. No tackling or pads.

Several offensive players who found the 6-foot-5, 243-pound Styles lurking in their area were surely thankful for those rules of engagement.

There were moments when Styles emerged around the ball so frequently that onlookers perched above the primary practice field might have believed the offensive plan was to let the linebacker make plays.

Regardless, Quinn's Friday message regarding Styles's usage centered on getting the fundamentals down."

Camp competition

For those hoping the signing of UDFA and former Iowa kicker Drew Stevens meant an honest-to-goodness kicking competition, Quinn's one-word answer provided reason for joy.

Yes."

That's not to suggest that Jake Moody isn't the front-runner after making 10 of 11 field-goal attempts following his in-season signing, including both tries from 50-plus yards. But in an era where kickers routinely display the leg strength for boots from 60 yards and beyond, Stevens is the one to watch.

The Hawkeyes' all-time leader with 76 made field goals, Stevens went 22 of 28 last season, including 4 of 6 from 50-plus yards, with a long of 58. Not included: a successful 72-yard boot during a personal workout.

Commanders brought in tryout guys at long snap and punter so UDFA kicker Drew Stevens could get real work. Watching him now he's definitely got a big leg. Ball still on the rise going thru uprights from 45 yards out. Looks like Izzo watching him

- JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) May 8, 2026

Jersey numbers

In case you were wondering if [WR Antonio] Williams taking 14 was any kind of acknowledgment that he will emulate Detroit's Amon-Ra St. Brown role in coordinator David Blough's offense ... nope. Williams, a slot receiver with the ability to play outside much like St. Brown, said 14 was his first-ever number. I got a lot of great memories in this number and hopefully I can make a lot more great memories."

The Athletic (paywall)

NFL projection model ranks all 32 rosters following 2026 draft: Are the Commanders any better than they were in 25?

My model has compiled all the rosters as they stand after the NFL Draft and ranked them from best to worst. To do this, the model uses various metrics and assigns a projection to each player to show their impact on a single game. Of course, positional value is quite important, which means, for example, that quarterback Josh Allen is worth a lot more to his team than running back Bijan Robinson, even though both sit atop their respective positions.

After summing up the impact of each roster, we can then rank them 1-32:

22. Washington Commanders

I was low on the Commanders heading into last season, and I'm low on them again this year. My model is not a fan of their wide receivers room, and the offensive line grades out as average.

But, as has been the case for some time now, my real concerns reside with Washington's defense. I don't know what there is to like about this group - the defensive line is below average, and the cornerbacks group is one of the worst in football. Yes, rookie linebacker Sonny Styles should provide immediate help, but I'm not sure he'll be enough to make this unit better than 25th or so in the league.

Riggo's Rag

Commanders UDFA kicker Drew Stevens caught the eye on Day 1 of rookie minicamp

The Commanders wanted to take a look at Drew Stevens. However, when the kicker was reportedly generating interest from elsewhere, general manager Adam Peters upped his offer from a tryout to a formal undrafted contract.

That is how much Washington believed in Stevens. They didn't want veteran Jake Moody to get the starting job without a legitimate competition for his spot. And based on the reports emanating from the first day of rookie minicamp, the former Ohio State standout might have a real fight on his hands.

Washington brought in a long-snapper and punter for a tryout to give Stevens everything he needed to put in a good workout. JP Finlay of NBC Sports was among those in attendance, and he highlighted the Iowa product's leg strength as something that caught the eye during the first minicamp session.

Finlay also noted how closely special teams coordinator Larry Izzo was watching Stevens. It's another sign of the Commanders seeing something in the player, but there is a long way to go and a lot of hard work ahead before his chances of securing the No. 1 spot improve.

Obviously, tempering expectations is prudent for now. Stevens is an undrafted rookie looking to make his way, starting from the bottom and looking to work his way up. But unlike other UDFAs in Washington, there is only one obstacle standing between him and being on the Week 1 roster.

It's reportedly a positive start from Stevens, but no more than that. Nothing is decided in one rookie minicamp practice, but Stevens seems to have made his mark nonetheless.

Podcasts & videos

A first look at the Commanders' rookies: what stood out about Sonny Styles, Antonio Williams Kaytron Allen and more. @espnrichmondhttps://t.co/7BC2mObw3I

- John Keim (@john_keim) May 8, 2026

Episode 1,321 - Guest: @MattHarmon_BYB. Elite WR analysis regarding the Washington Commanders.
- why he's high on Antonio Williams
- how Williams is slot-mostly but not slot-only
- More appealing - Brandon Aiyuk or Stefon Diggs?
- Terry McLaurin analysishttps://t.co/C8JO2frLbF

- Al Galdi (@AlGaldi) May 8, 2026

It's Football Friday w/ @StevePalazzolo_ & @Gcarmi21NFC East linksAll-Access: Inside the Eagles 2026 NFL DraftNFL league linksArticles

ESPN

Sources: Seahawks sale drawing softer-than-expected interest

[T]he franchise hasn't generated the interest the NFL hoped for when the estate of Paul G. Allen put the team up for sale in February, according to an owner, two team executives and another executive with direct knowledge of the state of the sale.

It's soft," a team owner said of the market for the Seahawks.

There isn't as much action as there was with Denver and Washington," another executive said, referring to the most recent past two franchise sale

[T]here are doubts among NFL owners and executives about whether the Seahawks sale - after sports business insiders speculated that it would spark a bidding war and that the franchise would fetch up to $11 billion - will eclipse the $10 billion mark. They said they believe that the team will sell for slightly above $9 billion, which would still be a record price for an NFL team.

The Seahawks have been owned by Allen's estate since the former owner and Microsoft co-founder died in 2018 from complications of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. His sister, Jody Allen, has controlled the team as the executor of the trust, with a directive from her brother to eventually sell and donate the proceeds to charity.

Right now, the pool of potential buyers is small, the sources told ESPN.

The reasons the bidding has been unexpectedly quiet are varied, sources said, beginning with the expected price range. Few interested buyers are liquid enough to pay $9 billion for a team or have the 30% in cash that a major owner must make as a down payment, according to NFL rules. The Seahawks might also need a new stadium in coming years. While a new venue could open up additional revenue in the long term, the politics and cost could be a fight in the short term.

Additionally, the NBA's board of governors recently approved the league to explore bids for an expansion team in Seattle. Some potential Seahawks buyers could have interest in that as a less expensive option, and that new owner will be greeted as a local hero who is reviving professional basketball in the city.

The Athletic (paywall)

NFL to announce 2026 schedule on May 14: Who will Seahawks open against?

The NFL announced that the 2026 regular-season schedule will be unveiled at 8 p.m. ET Thursday. Viewers can watch it live on the NFL Network, ESPN2, the ESPN App and NFL+.

As Super Bowl LX champions, the Seattle Seahawks will host the season opener on Wednesday, Sept. 9. It's only the second time in league history that a season will kick off on a Wednesday instead of a Thursday, with the other time being in 2012. That year, President Barack Obama was set to speak Thursday night of opening week at the Democratic National Convention.

Teams that are options for the Seahawks to open against include the Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears, Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers, New England Patriots, New York Giants, and Arizona Cardinals.

The NFL will announce its remaining 2026 International Games at 9 a.m. ET Wednesday on Good Morning Football" on the NFL Network. This season, a record nine international contests will be played across four continents, seven countries and eight stadiums.

NFL has confirmed that the schedule release will be next Thursday, May 14. pic.twitter.com/mEfhHKKR2m

- Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 8, 2026

NFL Schedule Release Week

Each network is expected to announce select games ahead of the full release on the day of their Upfronts:

Monday, May 11
NBC/Peacock - 10:30 AM
FOX - 4:00 PM
Amazon - 6:30 PM

Tuesday, May 12
Disney - 4:00 PM

Wednesday, May 13
NFL Network - 9:00 AM...

- Ozzy (@OzzyNFL) May 8, 2026

ESPN

Referees Association, NFL ratify 7-year CBA to avoid work stoppage

The NFL Referees Association ratified a new 7-year collective bargaining agreement Friday with the NFL, concluding a multiyear negotiation and eliminating the possibility of a work stoppage prior to the 2026 season.

Full details of the agreement were not immediately available, but the NFL tied the negotiations into several initiatives for improving officiating and, according to sources, the league will get increased access to officials in the offseason for a formal training program during minicamps, training camps and joint practices. The NFL will also develop a bench of officials and will have greater latitude to use performance metrics for postseason assignments rather than seniority.

.@JFowlerESPN reacts to the seven-year collective bargaining agreement with the NFL and NFL Referees Association pic.twitter.com/DrpRrB1mWD

- NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) May 8, 2026

From Front Office Sports:

The new agreement contains a series of provisions that enhance performance monitoring and referee training. Among the key terms:

• The creation of a formal development program for officials that will include a training camp of their own and practices.
• Increased access for league officials to referees during the offseason-something the NFL was particularly interested in to help aid in further development.
• The creation of a bench" of additional officials that will backstop the existing group of referees.

The NFL and the NFL Referees Association have reached a seven-year collective bargaining agreement that will run through the 2032 NFL season. The current deal was scheduled to expire on May 31. pic.twitter.com/goAXAxEB4Y

- Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 8, 2026

NFL.com

Cardinals RB Jeremiyah Love signs rookie contract, makes history with $53M guaranteed

Yet to take an NFL snap, Jeremiyah Love has already made league history.

The Notre Dame running back, taken third overall in the 2026 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals, signed his four-year, $53 million rookie contract on Friday. The deal features the most guaranteed money ever paid to a running back in NFL history.

Love's $13.25 million average per year ranks seventh among current running backs.

The Athletic (paywall)

Packers release veteran kicker Brandon McManus

The Packers signed McManus to a three-year, $15.3 million extension before the 2025 season with $5 million guaranteed and a $1 million roster bonus paid earlier this offseason, according to Over The Cap.

"The Green Bay Packers have released Brandon McManus..

The drafted Trey Smack in the sixth round of the draft" ~ @AdamSchefter#PMSLivepic.twitter.com/fNed4pRNZw

- Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) May 8, 2026

The Packers traded up in last month's draft to take Florida kicker Trey Smack, sending both of their seventh-round picks (Nos. 236 and 255) to the Seattle Seahawks and selecting Smack with the final pick of the sixth round (No. 216).

The Packers signed McManus in Week 7 of the 2024 season after an experiment with undrafted rookie Brayden Narveson failed (he had replaced 2023 sixth-round pick Anders Carlson and veteran Greg Joseph). McManus provided stability to the Packers' post-Mason Crosby musical chairs at kicker, hitting 20 of 21 field goals for the rest of the 2024 regular season (3-of-3 from 50-plus and 3-of-4 from 40-49 with his lone miss coming from 46 yards in the rain at Lambeau Field against the Detroit Lions).

McManus struggled while kicking through a right quad injury last season but found consistency once healthy, finishing the year 24-of-30 on field goals but with 13 consecutive makes to end the regular season (only 1-of-1 from 50-plus during that stretch). However, McManus has faltered in Green Bay's biggest moments, missing a 38-yard field goal against the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2024 wild-card round and missing two field goals (44 and 55 yards) and an extra point during January's wild-card collapse against the Chicago Bears in a 31-27 defeat.

aBit o'Twitter

With Sonny Styles & Antonio Williams counting in the top-51 contracts, the Washington Commanders, with $43.7m, now rank 4th in available salary cap space in NFL per Over the Cap.#RaiseHailhttps://t.co/1DjiSVpn6Dpic.twitter.com/aO0lLQVGPL

- Bill-in-Bangkok (@billhorgan2005) May 9, 2026

Commanders UDFA kicker Drew Stevens from Iowa said he had interest from the Bills and Titans but thought Washington was best option. Said his FG range is comfortable to at least 60 pic.twitter.com/sLKYDj22Ad

- JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) May 8, 2026

Talked to a rep that was at Commanders RMC today who praised Sonny Styles and how he moves different" up close and personal.

Loved his tape, but seeing 245 move like that up close - special.. he could even be a special TE in this league if he wanted to... different type of guy,...

- Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) May 8, 2026

Antonio Williams returned 39 punts for Clemson, averaging 9 yards per return over his 4-year career. https://t.co/j5YOcA3SL7

- COMMANDERS FOOTBALL (@HogsHaven) May 8, 2026

Chris Hilton Jr staying late and hitting Jugs machine. UDFA WR out of Louisiana played w Jayden at LSU. Same hometown as Doug Williams pic.twitter.com/GskS3Nbdwx

- JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) May 8, 2026

Good clip of the learning for young QBs in a new offense. Takes some extra time to get the call in the huddle, TE lines up wrong, have to reset and start again.

If Blough is using West Coast terminology, that play would be something like West Right Slot F Left 19 Wanda F Sift" https://t.co/HHHWh8IUJl

- Mark Bullock (@MarkBullockNFL) May 8, 2026

Looks like he could be Cooley's son https://t.co/ARDCjKAyjn

- Marshall (@MarshW_7) May 9, 2026

Athan Kaliakmanis says Jayden Daniels texted him after Washington picked the Rutgers QB to congratulate him pic.twitter.com/ylA0FMNC8o

- JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) May 8, 2026

Commanders UDFA Chris Hilton catching a 50yd TD from Jayden Daniels at LSU pic.twitter.com/wnUjESSJRL

- Mitchell Tischler (@Mitch_Tischler) May 8, 2026

Washington Commanders WR Chris Hilton Jr. is wearing number 10. Currently shared with Tress Way. #RaiseHailpic.twitter.com/Pw1Em5Llqe

- NFL Jersey Numbers (@nfl_jersey_num) May 8, 2026

Washington Commanders WR Jaden Bradley is wearing number 86. Last assigned to Zach Ertz. #RaiseHailpic.twitter.com/5Q8W379HST

- NFL Jersey Numbers (@nfl_jersey_num) May 8, 2026

Washington Commanders OL Tanoa Togiai (@TanoaKaio) is wearing number 62. Last assigned to Tyre Phillips. #RaiseHailpic.twitter.com/5866y3hVbG

- NFL Jersey Numbers (@nfl_jersey_num) May 8, 2026

Washington Commanders DL Jeffrey M'ba (@jeffrey_mbaa) is wearing number 60. Last assigned to Michael Deiter. #RaiseHailpic.twitter.com/XPbENBRnge

- NFL Jersey Numbers (@nfl_jersey_num) May 8, 2026

Washington Commanders TE Quentin Moore (@Quentinmoore88) is wearing number 40. Last assigned to Tyler Owens. #RaiseHailpic.twitter.com/mfgeSubmGC

- NFL Jersey Numbers (@nfl_jersey_num) May 8, 2026

Washington Commanders DB Fred Davis II (@__FredDavis) is wearing number 38. Last assigned to Chase Edmonds. #RaiseHailpic.twitter.com/s0A9fBycEW

- NFL Jersey Numbers (@nfl_jersey_num) May 8, 2026

Washington Commanders DB Malik Spencer (@MalikSpencerMSU) is wearing number 36. Last assigned to Chris Rodriguez. #RaiseHailpic.twitter.com/l0VT3hKwA1

- NFL Jersey Numbers (@nfl_jersey_num) May 8, 2026

Washington Commanders RB Robert Henry Jr. (@robertThenry6) is wearing number 30. Last assigned to Austin Ekeler. #RaiseHailpic.twitter.com/zMM6SIvdz6

- NFL Jersey Numbers (@nfl_jersey_num) May 8, 2026

Washington Commanders K Drew Stevens (@DrewTS7) is wearing number 19. Currently shared with Nick Nash. #RaiseHailpic.twitter.com/PrCSY3TSVs

- NFL Jersey Numbers (@nfl_jersey_num) May 8, 2026

Washington Commanders WR Nick Nash (@nicknash) is wearing number 19. Currently shared with Drew Stevens. #RaiseHailpic.twitter.com/Ppsh2mR1Zq

- NFL Jersey Numbers (@nfl_jersey_num) May 8, 2026

Washington Commanders WR Ja'Corey Brooks (@c7_brooks) is wearing number 88. Last assigned to River Cracraft. #RaiseHailpic.twitter.com/ydDokHs8zi

- NFL Jersey Numbers (@nfl_jersey_num) May 8, 2026

Washington Commanders OL Tyler Cooper (@tmcoop5) is wearing number 63. Last assigned to Tyler Biadasz. #RaiseHailpic.twitter.com/RHM7dFZAOl

- NFL Jersey Numbers (@nfl_jersey_num) May 8, 2026

Here's how Sonny Styles said he landed on #52

"My dad was like 5 + 2 is 7, that's your draft pick so I was like dang, that's cool." pic.twitter.com/NXnwHwRO9B

- John Doran (@JohnDoranTV) May 8, 2026

Dan Quinn wearing the spear hat pic.twitter.com/wfqwKUf0yF

- Mitchell Tischler (@Mitch_Tischler) May 8, 2026

The #Browns have placed LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (neck) on the reserve/Physically Unable to Perform list for the second straight season.

That means he will not play in 2026. pic.twitter.com/3p6D7cCoqu

- Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) May 8, 2026

The #Jets and star RB Breece Hall have a deal, extending him long-term rather than have him play on the tag.

It's a 3-year, $45.75M deal worth $15.25M per year done by agent @AgentNicoleLynn of @KlutchSportspic.twitter.com/vJ0x90kGcF

- Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 8, 2026

Cried for the first time since I tore my ACL. This day really hit different for me man

- Breece Hall (@BreeceH) May 8, 2026

"I was told that there were a few other teams that were in on Jauan Jennings..

The Dolphins, Commanders, and the Chiefs were interested..

I believe Minnesota was the only place that he visited" ~ @AdamSchefter#PMSLivepic.twitter.com/nHquV9DprD

- Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) May 8, 2026

I've been doing this exercise with @RealJackAndrade for the last several years. It's a better reflection of my opinion than a draft grade. This is based on hard numbers vs emotions. Last year, the top 3 in this ranking: 1) CLE 2) NE 3) SEA https://t.co/76ax2CnF8G

- Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) May 8, 2026

Congrats to Heinicke for a nice career and becoming a local legend.

This is the play I knew that he was operating with some form of dark magic.

Happy retirement #RaiseHailpic.twitter.com/HjXonh05eN

- Denton Day (D-Day) (@TheDentonDay) May 7, 2026

This is the dumbest post I've ever read. What's wrong with TH4 calling the team Skins" there's plenty of Redskins alumn calling the team Commanders" now, they of course never played for the Commanders. This is dumb. https://t.co/kSgG5m4tJM

- IGGO 70 I TM (@karl_diesel) May 9, 2026

WHOLESOME: Washington #Commanders fans with an emotional thank you video for quarterback Taylor Heinicke after he announced his retirement today.

Heinicke led Washington to a playoff game and gave fans the ride of their life.

Congratulations legend.

pic.twitter.com/6neU32512i

- MLFootball (@MLFootball) May 8, 2026

close enough pic.twitter.com/acJnOmeQiv

- Washington Commanders (@Commanders) May 9, 2026

NFC East Meeting: Draft Edition pic.twitter.com/rfgKHlswOA

- Cameron Magruder (@ScooterMagruder) May 9, 2026