Brandon Coleman, Antonio Williams, Terry McLaurin in Commanders headlines – Daily Slop

LANDOVER, MARYLAND - DECEMBER 20: Brandon Coleman #74 of the Washington Commanders celebrates during halftime at Northwest Stadium on December 20, 2025 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/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!

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The Athletic (paywall)

Time for Commanders to worry about their cornerbacks? What about center? Mailbag

It all starts Wednesday. Sort of. The start of organized team activities for will offer the first glimpse of the Washington Commanders' retooled roster, but it won't provide a complete look. No pads means no hitting, which means no true evolution of the trenches and the running backs room.

The inane assessments from OTAs are yearly traditions. But the smaller details matter. The communication, the coaching, the emphasized concepts, the positional experimentation, the collection of skill sets, the missing traits - all can offer clues as to where this team may be headed.

But until then, you're stuck with me, answering your questions about the cornerbacks room, receiver depth and even fight songs. Let's get to the mailbag.

We need a starting-caliber outside corner more than anything! At this point, what is the most realistic option to get one? As for WR, what's wrong with just signing Deebo (Samuel) to a one- or two-year contract?

I agree the Commanders need to address corner, but simply saying that doesn't mean much. Elite corners in their prime aren't sitting on the open market - in general, and especially not at this point in the offseason. This year's free-agent class had a number of quality slot corners, but it was thin on outside corners.

And trading for a veteran, well, the Commanders already tried that. Their best option to get a potential starting cornerback was the draft, but the top prospect, Mansoor Delane, was swooped up by the Chiefs at No. 6 and Sonny Styles proved too good to pass up at No. 7. You'd be hard pressed to find anyone who believed the third-round options at corner were better options to start immediately over Mike Sainristil or Amik Robertson.

Their confidence in rookie Antonio Williams is obvious; they spent their second of only six draft picks on him, and they believe can be an outside threat despite spending most of his college career at Clemson in the slot. But even then it doesn't seem like quarterback Jayden Daniels has enough around him.

Any chance Brandon Coleman gets a shot at center? Or is (Nick) Allegretti really the week 1 starter at this point? - Jim S.

I would think Coleman has a better shot to start at guard than compete at center. The Commanders re-signed Chris Paul after his strong season, but they didn't have to spend much to do it. His contract is for only one year and $3 million, a reflection of how he's valued by the league. That means [left] guard is far from solidified, giving Coleman a chance to earn back the job he lost to Paul early last season.

Coleman said last season that he intended to work out with left tackle Laremy Tunsil at Auburn this offseason, a move that would likely help his development.

At this point, I would think Allegretti is the clear favorite over sixth-round pick Matt Gulbin to start at center because of experience. Washington may also add someone late in training camp, or claim a player off waivers after roster cuts. But the odds of finding a clear starter at that point aren't great.

Heavy.com

Jacory Bill" Croskey-Merritt Set for Big Leap After Commanders Change

It's not as if Croskey-Merritt needs to make a significant leap to reach the exalted 1,000-yard mark. Not after the player nicknamed Bill' amassed 805 yards and eight scores on the ground during an award-laden debut campaign.

Yet, changes made by Blough to the Commanders' rushing schemes can help Croskey-Merritt clear the 1,000-yard hurdle with room to spare. The player will first have to undergo a significant change after he ranked 21st in the league in yards per carry, with 4.3, among those with at least 50 carries in shotgun," according to Harrison.

The latter also noted how JCM finished Eighth in first down rush percentage - that's runs that produced first downs. Amazingly, [Bill] didn't convert a single third down from under center all year according to TruMedia; again, something I put more on Kliff than I do anybody else. He led all rushers in yards after contact per rush under center."

Harrison is content to lay any blame for shortcomings in Croskey-Merritt's game at the feet of Kingsbury. It's a tough take, but the numbers add up to the second-year back being more effective in Blough's system.

A to Z Sports

What are Robert Henry Jr.'s chances of making the Commanders' 53-man roster entering OTAs?

The Commanders have a very crowded running back room and it's honestly pretty solid top-down. However, the one thing the room lacks is a truly dynamic runner like Henry Jr.

His skill set, alone, can really help him stand out. Especially if he can carve out a role on special teams. Because let's be real -Rachaad White and Bill Croskey-Merritt will likely be the top-2 options running the show. Sixth-round rookie Kaytron Allen and veterans Jeremy McNichols and Jerome Ford round out the rest of the room.

The team really likes McNichols. who has played well when called upon. It's his special teams prowess and tone-setting play that the coaching staff really loves, though, which should earn him a roster spot as long as he holds his usual standard of play.

That leaves Allen, Ford, and Henry Jr. as the final guys for what would be the fourth, and likely final, running back spot on the roster.

Bullock's Film Room (subscription)

How David Blough can get Terry McLaurin 10 targets a game

The highest rate he had was in his second season in the NFL back in 2020, when he averaged 8.9 targets per game. In recent years that number has gone down. In 2024, McLaurin averaged 6.8 targets per game in 2025, he managed just six targets per game, but his season was significantly impacted by injuries.

So how might David Blough go about doing it? If we look back at some of the teams and coaches that Blough played for before retiring and becoming a coach himself, we might get some ideas. We're all expecting Blough to implement his version of Ben Johnson's 2023 Lions offense. That year, Lions receiver Amon-Ra St.Brown did average just slightly more than 10 targets per game and statistically had the best year of his career.

But St.Brown is a very different type of receiver to McLaurin. St.Brown is more of a slot receiver and they tend to be a more high volume target. McLaurin can play in the slot but he's more of an outside guy. So I'm not sure studying St.Brown will give us a huge amount of info on how Blough might be looking to generate so many targets for McLaurin. But if we go back a year to 2022, Blough was part of the Minnesota Vikings team coached by Kevin O'Connell. In 2022, the Vikings had star receiver Justin Jefferson put up career high numbers with 128 catches for 1809 yards and eight touchdowns. He did that while getting 184 targets over 17 games, an average of 10.8 targets per game.

The obvious caveat here is that McLaurin isn't Jefferson, but I think that year in Minnesota could help influence how David Blough uses McLaurin, with Jefferson's target share in Minnesota being a bit of a blueprint.

The first thing that sticks out...is how Kevin O'Connell and the Vikings were able to use the run game and play-action game to isolate Jefferson in one-on-one matchups, despite him being one of the best receivers in the league and defenses wanting to double cover him.

Blough comes from coaches like Kevin O'Connell and Ben Johnson where play-action is a core part of their offensive philosophy, so we can expect to see plenty of plays like this in Washington this season. While it may sound counter-intuitive to run the ball more in pursuit of generating more targets for McLaurin, if Blough can get the run game going and set up some play-action passes like this, then McLaurin will undoubtedly benefit from it.

Quick game

An often overlooked part of getting a star receiver multiple targets in a game is the use of quick game passing concepts. We always think about shots down the field and big dig routes into the middle of the field, but we often forget about the easy quick hitters that can get an offense into rhythm. A few years ago, McLaurin was getting multiple targets and yards each game on simple slant routes, and that's something that Kevin O'Connell made sure to make use of with Justin Jefferson too.

Riggo's Rag

Commanders have too many receivers and OTAs may start sorting them out

Antonio Williams. Treylon Burks. Luke McCaffrey. Jaylin Lane. Dyami Brown. Van Jefferson Jr. They're all here, and with the exception of the first name listed - that being this year's third-round pick - all of their worlds seem to range from earning starter's snaps to only getting on the field on special teams.

As it stands, the Commanders are putting a lot of faith in Williams to be what McCaffrey and Lane have yet to develop into. He was a slot receiver in college at Clemson, but he brings the type of skillset with consistent hands and exceptional route-running that could see him explode into a receiving machine. In the best of universes, Washington could have its new Pierre Garcon.

Of course, there's also the chance of a McCaffrey or Lane breakout.

[A]t least a couple of them will need to set themselves apart; then, general manager Adam Peters' decision regarding the rest will become easier.

Commanders Roundtable

Offseason Moves Adds Versatility to Washington Commanders LB Room

Washington will get a chance to use them all" - which includes Luvu.

You'll see three backer packages a good bit of the time. All three of them have the length and speed and demeanor to blitz, which is a big advantage when you can bring different people from multiple spots," he added.

#Commanders HC Dan Quinn made sure to point out Frankie Luvu when asked about the 2026 LB room:

"We want to use them all & that's Frankie [Luvu] as well. You'll see some three backer packages a good bit of the time. All three of them have the length & speed & demeanor to blitz" pic.twitter.com/tyRcRk9rZZ

- Commanders on Roundtable (@WSHRoundtable) May 24, 2026

The linebacker room will have depth to lean on around them with Odafe Oweh, K'Lavon Chaisson and Tim Settle restocking the top of the front seven after the front office brought back others like Dorrance Armstrong and Drake Jackson.

How the linebacker snap count distribution ultimately plays out through the 2026 season could be an underrated storyline as Chenal and Styles look to serve as unofficial co-leaders of the unit. The duo will look to anchor a defense that will be tested early with four of the NFL's top ten scoring offenses from last season among the first eight opponents on Washington's 2026 schedule.

Washington will get a chance to turn up the tempo with offseason installs with OTAs set to begin next on Friday, May 29 for the first of three weekends, but Dan Quinn was quick to point out how the additional depth adds different versatility at different spots."

You're going to see that on the edges from Odafe and [K'Lavon Chaisson] and [Dorrance Armstrong], you'll see it at backer with the three of the guys we just mentioned, and Jordan Magee. So, in the front seven, we've got real versatility to move guys into different locations, different spots, and Leo is very much in the forefront of our thinking regarding that as well."

Commanders Wire

How much did the Commanders spend on injured players in 2025?

Via Sports Info Solutions, the injured Commanders missed a combined 222 games in 2025. While other teams had more missed games, only the Arizona Cardinals had more total points missed. Arizona players missed 296 games, resulting in 266 total points lost. Using the SIS data, Washington had 230 points missed.

A recent study from Casino Guru revealed that NFL teams lost a combined $540 million to injuries last season. Washington came in at No. 6 with $24.2 million in salary tied to injured players' costs.

In reviewing the Commanders' 2025 salary cap, McLaurin had the team's third-highest cap hit at $17.2 million. He missed seven games, which cost Washington over $7 million. Daniels had the Commanders' sixth-highest cap hit at $8.6 million. He missed 10 games, which cost Washington over $5 million.

Sports Illustrated

Robert Griffin III explained the importance of Jayden Daniels staying healthy

Regardless of the improvements the Commanders have made this offseason, everything will come down to whether Daniels can play or not.

Allowing him to just go and prove it. We saw what happened in Jayden's rookie year when he was healthy; the Commanders are in the NFC Championship game. And we saw happened last year when he wasn't healthy and the season fell apart," Griffin III said. The season really boils down to whether or not Jayden Daniels is going to be able to stay healthy."

I believe he will. I've had conversations with his mom about how much he has been doing this offseason to ensure that he can stay healthy, and he's getting the best training possible," Griffin III added. When I saw him at the Fantatics Flag Football Classic out in California, he looks happy, he looks mobile, he looks like he's having fun again. I think that's ultimately what it becomes. Have fun, stay healthy, and I think, not think, I know the Washington Commanders will have a great season."

At the end of the day, Jayden Daniels has so much talent," Grffin III said. You don't want to just rely on one thing that he can do. I think that's what David Blough is going to end up doing, allowing Jayden Daniels to show his full talent while they continue to work on the things they feel like he needs to work on to become an all-around great quarterback."

Photos

Commanders.com

PHOTOS | Pre-Memorial Day weekend - another week of work

The Washington Commanders took the field for a week of their offseason workout program. Check out the top photos from the work they put in.

View LinkView LinkView LinkView LinkPodcasts & videosCommanders OTAs Are Here... What Fans Need to Know | ft. David Harrison

Episode 1,333 - Guest: @BenStandig. Breakdown of Washington's offseason position battles as OTAs begin - C, LG, WR, TE, RB, QB3, LB. Who is this year's Brian Robinson? We also talk Jayden Daniels, including whether he should/will play more in the preseason.https://t.co/CoRkKF02aY

- Al Galdi (@AlGaldi) May 26, 2026

NFC East links

Blogging the Boys

3 Cowboys entering make-or-break years

Tyler Guyton

When the Cowboys took Tyler Guyton with the 29th pick in 2024, there was an expectation that he was going to be a project, with some even considering Guyton a reach. However, because the Cowboys had such a reputation for finding elite offensive line talent in the first round of the draft for the better part of the last 15 years, we figured the Cowboys knew better. However, at this point, Guyton has been underwhelming at best. Although he's only 24 years old, his play up to this point has been alarming.

He commits a lot of penalties and has had many challenges in pass protection, which should be his calling card given his above-average athleticism relative to his size. It doesn't help that injuries have been another hurdle stunting his development. The team is losing their patience as Guyton has shuffled in and out of the line because of not only injury, but also performance.

As things are, the likelihood of the team picking up his fifth-year option the next offseason is in question, and with the addition of Drew Shelton in the fourth round this year, the Cowboys could already be looking at his replacement in the near future.

Big Blue View

6 free agent WRs the NY Giants could pursue who are not Odell Beckham Jr.

Sterling Shepard

Wouldn't this be fun? Shepard was expected to retire after the 2023 season, his eighth with the Giants. He decided, though, to join Baker Mayfield with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Shepard had two productive seasons, catching a total of 71 passes.

If the 33-year-old wants to continue to play, maybe it could be Shepard who returns to finish his career with the Giants rather than Beckham.

JuJu Smith-Schuster

Smith-Schuster is a useful player who doesn't turn 30 until November. If you are looking for someone who can help your offense until Nabers gets healthy you can do a lot worse. Smith-Schuster has 481 receptions in a nine-year career, 53.4 per season.

Pro Football Talk

Vic Fangio: Jalen Carter's shoulders are fine"

Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter missed a month of football late in the 2025 regular season after undergoing surgical procedures on both of his shoulders. With the offseason program in full swing - and with defensive coordinator Vic Fangio meeting recently with reporters - it was time for an update on Carter's health.

I think his shoulders are fine," Fangio said last week in response to a question about Carter's health. He's had a good offseason of lifting. I think he started that earlier than normal for him and you can see the difference in that regard. I think he's in a better spot now than he was."

With Carter's early-career exploits putting his 2027 fifth-year option at $27.1 million, a new deal quickly becomes very expensive. His franchise tag number for 2028, based on his fifth-year option, would be at least $32.52 million.

aBit o'Twitter

Jayden Daniels has more career games with 0 punts & 0 turnovers than Tom Brady, Joe Montana & Patrick Mahomes combined. #RaiseHailpic.twitter.com/pNTNHo9hlX

- Nick Kerns (@nicktkerns) May 26, 2026

Another guy I'm really high on is Joshua Josephs. I think he's a sleeper that's going to turn into a dominate DE in the league. #RaiseHailhttps://t.co/kqAsQjxVfx

- Roman (@rome_nolimits) May 25, 2026

What will Year 3 of #Commanders WR Luke McCaffrey look like in 2026?#RaiseHailpic.twitter.com/CrpL76oTII

- brandon (@JayDanielsMVP) May 25, 2026

Luke did more with his limited playing time than maybe anyone else on the team in a tough year.

He was 2nd in kick returning. That will solidify his spot on the roster.

And so far, he's made plays when he gets his reps at wr.

Could be a breakout year. #RaiseHail

- Tony Carpio (@betboytonyc1) May 26, 2026

In his 7 starts last season Jayden threw to the slot at a top 10 rate. Big season coming for Antonio Williams. #RaiseHailpic.twitter.com/F9Qxd5VQXM

- Nick Kerns (@nicktkerns) May 26, 2026

#Commanders GM Adam Peters emphasized getting younger and faster" this offseason

Leo Chenal (#54) checks those boxes. Not only is he young at 25, but also posted the 3rd highest combine score for a LB in NFL history. He scored a RAS score of 9.99 out of 10.00. #RaiseHailpic.twitter.com/mE0CV46bkB

- brandon (@JayDanielsMVP) May 25, 2026

It's finally going to be so nice having some pressure on QB's. I think we ranked pretty low last year in pressures. Odafe Oweh breakout season incoming? #RaiseHailpic.twitter.com/wenp1a7qMz

- Roman (@rome_nolimits) May 24, 2026

#Commanders added an young & rising pass catching athlete TE in Chig Okonkwo this offseason. Expect Chig to be a major part of Washington's offense.

In two seasons, Jayden Daniels targeted his primary TE Zach Ertz 125 times. Ertz had 89 receptions for 11 TDs. #RaiseHailpic.twitter.com/3lnJdRqS7C

- brandon (@JayDanielsMVP) May 21, 2026

He's still only 22.

Still a few years away from his physical prime.

He's going to be a staple of the OL for many years to come. #RaiseHailhttps://t.co/B8kMkQBdgB

- George Carmi (@Gcarmi21) May 24, 2026

Washington Commanders DL DJ Davidson (@TheFaceOfAZ) is wearing number 77. Last assigned to George Fant. #RaiseHailpic.twitter.com/qovNuaoDWw

- NFL Jersey Numbers (@nfl_jersey_num) May 25, 2026

These uniforms might be the best alts in the league, argue with ya mama #RaiseHailhttps://t.co/8BaNVsZK6a

- Roman (@rome_nolimits) May 25, 2026

Hail Raiser vibes. #RaiseHailpic.twitter.com/qA2ZXWsd6n

- Chris Bryant (@HogfarmerChris) May 24, 2026

- NFL hashtags -

NFC East:#DallasCowboys#RaiseHail#BigBlue#FlyEaglesFly

NFC West:#FTTB#Seahawks#RamsHouse#RiseUpRedSea

NFC South:#DirtyBirds#KeepPounding#Saints#WeAreTheKrewe

NFC North:#OnePride#DaBears#Skol#GoPackGo

AFC East:#JetUp#PhinsUp#NEPats...

- (@KORPhillyFan) May 25, 2026

You just had to be there. pic.twitter.com/VJb8eKwrFa

- Last of the Fullbacks (@TheLastFullback) May 25, 2026

The Nationals just crushed the Guardians 10-2. They're 17-11 over their last 28 and they've won 3 straight over two of the hottest teams in MLB.

Zach Littell threw 7 innings of 1-run ball. WSH's No. 1 ranked offense bashed 15 hits and 6 HRs.

They are 28-27 and over .500. pic.twitter.com/VZIz1PrXG9

- Grant Paulsen (@GrantPaulsen) May 26, 2026

That time a THE PRICE IS RIGHT contestant (Alene Glover) blacked out after winning the Showcase, so the show just ran the credits while they tried to revive her lol (1976) pic.twitter.com/igKQNjacqs

- Todd Spence (@Todd_Spence) May 25, 2026

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Manny Fernandez. pic.twitter.com/nh0xcQ0YIX

- Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) May 26, 2026