Can Washington’s Rebuilt Defense Hold Up in 2026?

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - SEPTEMBER 11: (L-R) General manger Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn of the Washington Commanders talk prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on September 11, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Commanders are well into their offseason workout program, and with the draft ending a couple of weeks ago, the new roster is mostly set. Washington GM Adam Peters' offseason goals consisted of getting young, really fast, exciting, and explosive" players. But did Washington do enough on defense to compete week in and week out?

On the latest Trap or Dive Podcast, we dissected the defensive moves that have happened this offseason. Let's first start with the most important name - Daronte Jones. He is a first-time defensive coordinator, but will presumably be influenced by Brian Flores, whom he left to join Washington. Jones' philosophy requires versatile players at all three levels, but the key for him will be identifying the best players in his unit and deploying them effectively. With all the turnover that's taken place defensively, roster and staff-wise, Jones shouldn't have loyalty to any player on the roster, understanding the opportunity he has in front of him as a rookie DC. There could be unfamiliar names getting their breakthrough with Jones, or a rookie thriving in a situation where a veteran wasn't able to capitalize on.

As it relates to roster additions, I believe Peters achieved the goal of getting younger, faster, and more explosive defensively. While K'Lavon Chaisson, 26, was brought in to bring a pass-rush presence undoubtedly, Washington is betting on ascending edge rusher Odafe Oweh, 27, to become a staple in Jones's system beyond 2026. Safety Nick Cross, 24, isn't an upper-echelon player at his position, but he thrives in the box and brings a sense of security on the third level. Another player they are betting on is linebacker Leo Chenal, 26, who signed in Washington to get out from under the shadows of the Kansas City Chiefs linebackers Nick Bolton and Drue Tranquill. To cap off the high-end additions, Washington selected Sonny Styles with their seventh overall draft pick. The 22-year-old linebacker is an elite, fluid athlete with the frame of a defensive end.

The front seven has had a drastic turnover, and I expect a noticeable difference in the ability to create pressure. I think Washington has done enough to be competitive on a weekly basis. Alternatively, as impressive as the additions are, the uncertainty within the cornerback room makes answering the original question difficult. If you listen to reporters and commentators, they'd like to say that the cornerback room is less of an emphasis in a Flores/Jones system, and it makes sense if they are successful in creating pressure and affecting quarterbacks' internal clocks. Trey Amos is the favorite to be the main producer, but Washington is going to need a few players to take advantage of what seems to be a subpar room.

You can listen to the full Trap or Dive episode below. We discussed:

• Cornerback concerns
• Edge depth
• Daronte Jones' influence
• Schedule preview: What caliber opponent do you want to play to start the season?

Podcast:

YouTube:

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