A key Washington Commanders veteran was named to the 2025 All Pro team

VALDEBEBAS, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 14: Tress Way attends his press conference during the Washington Commanders training day ahead their National Football League (NFL) 2025 Madrid Game against Miami Dolphins at Ciudad Deportiva Real Madrid on November 14, 2025, in Valdebebas, Madrid, Spain. (Photo By Oscar J. Barroso/Europa Press via Getty Images) | Europa Press via Getty ImagesCommanders linksArticles

Commanders.com

Tress Way named to Sporting News All-Pro team

Way has punted 56 times for 2,651 yards, including 29 punts pinned inside the 20-yard line. Way has a net average of 47.3 yards. Way ranked fourth in the NFC in net punting average and is tied for second in the NFC in punts pinned inside the 20-yard line this season.

Way is the franchise leader in career punt yardage (38,742), punts pinned inside the 20 (321) and net punting average (41.6). He also ranks second in franchise history in total punts (826) trailing only Mike Bragg (896). Way has the second-longest punt ever recorded in franchise history (79 yards) trailing only Sammy Baugh (85 yards).

Though a lot has changed since his high school days, @Tress_Way's still a kid at heart with the same overflowing passion for the game

@WashingtonNFL pic.twitter.com/TmRe4Tt5DZ

- NFL Films (@NFLFilms) December 10, 2020

Never forget Tress Way has more pass yards in NFCCGs than Dak Prescott does in his entire career

pic.twitter.com/GugQVHawQE

- ... (@CMNDERS) December 24, 2025

ESPN

NFL offseason: Ranking every head coaching hire since 202110. Dan Quinn, Washington Commanders

Seasons: Two
Record: 17-17 (.500)

What a difference a year makes. Twelve months ago, Quinn was fresh off a trip to the NFC Championship Game, having won as many playoff games in his first season with the Commanders as the franchise had claimed over the prior 30 years. Jayden Daniels' fantastic rookie campaign played a significant role, but Quinn nailed his fourth-down decision-making to help the offense blossom, and the former Falcons coach got the most out of the many veterans added to his roster by GM Adam Peters.

Things have changed. Daniels struggled through an injury-hit 2025, [and] Quinn's defense completely collapsed in Year 2. The Commanders ranked 30th in EPA per play and points allowed per drive, as they were easily stretched by any offense with a pulse. Quinn wasn't able to fix the problems during the season, and the Commanders shook things up by moving on from offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt.

Quinn deserves more time to prove that 2025 was an anomaly, but Falcons fans will point out that their former coach peaked early in his Atlanta tenure and never reached those heights again.

Commanders Roundtable

Commanders defensive coach takes prominent" job in AFC

After interviewing earlier in the week, Commanders defensive pass game coordinator Jason Simmons is expected to take a prominent defensive role" on the Steelers' defensive staff. Pittsburgh, who also announced Mike McCarthy as the next head coach, also reportedly went with former Raiders defensive coordinator - and brief Washington coordinator target this offseason- Patrick Graham as the team's next defensive coordinator, giving Simmons an intriguing role on the team he first played for.

The departure, though notable, was also an expected one given new Commanders defensive coordinator Daronte Jones' expertise in the secondary, while Simmons was also passed over during Washington's search that spanned nearly one month.

Jones is expected to bring additional defensive coaches with him from Minnesota, though nothing has surfaced in the days since the hire first broke.

Simmons now returns to the franchise that gave him the chance to start his NFL career. After becoming a fifth round pick with the 137th overall pick in the 1998 NFL Draft, the former safety played four season with the Pittsburgh Steelers before moving onto the Houston Texans in 2002 where he played six seasons before transitioning into coaching.

Good move for Simmons. Might have been out here regardless so a good landing spot. Washington's staff will face multiple changes now that there's a new DC. Changes were coming no matter who was hired. https://t.co/WfeUT5mpYy

- John Keim (@john_keim) January 29, 2026

Riggo's Rag

It feels like Jason Simmons jumped before he was pushed

It doesn't seem like the Commanders stopped Simmons from taking his chances elsewhere. His work on Washington's pass defense was heavily criticized last season, though injuries didn't help. This move also had a sense of jumping before he was pushed, and his familiarity with the Steelers' staff was enough to help him get another opportunity quickly.

If others also want to leave, Jones won't stand in their way.

He'll have his own ideas on how to assemble the best possible staff team - one that can implement his schematic demands and help the players pick up these nuances before the 2026 campaign gets underway. Simmons didn't fit into the puzzle, and his hasty departure from Washington suggests he knew it, too.

Very few fans will shed tears over Simmons leaving the club. The entire defense was an absolute abomination last season. It wouldn't be a surprise to see Jones completely gut his staff and bring in people he trusts. A couple might be retained for continuity purposes, but removing the stench of failure is far more important.

Commanders Roundtable

Insights on new Commanders defensive coordinator Daronte Jones

ESPN's Kevin Seifert, who covers the Vikings, pointed to Jones not just being retained by Brian Flores, but materializing into his right hand man.

Brian Flores is not an easy guy to work for; he's very demanding, very exacting, and Daronte Jones was his right-hand man," he told ESPN's John Keim. Every great coordinator got their first job somewhere. The degree to which Flores does the unexpected or unconventional is impossible to replicate, but I'd be shocked if Jones doesn't try to be aggressive and not sit back and let the offense dictate terms."

Riggo's Rag

Commanders have money to spend, and Adam Peters needs every cent

The shift in Adam Peters' roster-building strategy during his second offseason as Washington Commanders general manager was based on one basic reality.

Jayden Daniels had exceeded expectations in 2024. Peters seemed determined to take advantage of his elite quarterback while he was still playing under his rookie contract.

[D]espite missing on his biggest free agent signing, Peters did not hamstring himself moving forward. He has shown discipline in controlling his salary cap, avoiding tying up large chunks of it in just a few players.

The bulk of [Commanders cap] is going to active players, and not tied up in failed contracts from the past.

Regardless of how he handles extensions, trades, and releases, Peters will have money to spend. The money will be there. Peters and his scouts just have to spend it wisely.

Commanders Roundtable

Is Deebo Samuel's time with the Washington Commanders done?

Samuel was also projected by one prominent outlet to head back to the West Coast in free agency where he'd serve as the newest weapon for Justin Herbert, but whether that comes to fruition, it's clear his market may end up exceeding the Commanders' price range even with the ample cap space.

The question is cost: Samuel made $17.5 million last season, but that's a steep price to pay for someone who just turned 30 and isn't the primary receiver,"John Keim of ESPN wrote.

Bill Barnwell of ESPN cautioned that a multiyear guarantee may not come to fruition while noting he's likely to take a pay cut from the $17.5 million he made this season."

Samuel has missed exactly one game in each of the last three seasons though is coming off a season with his most catches and targets since his breakout 2021 season with the 49ers, though his injury history, problems holding on to the football and age (he turns 30 in January) will limit his market," Barnwell added.

Podcasts & videosLucky Number 7 + Logan Live from Shrine Bowl + Smoot's Big Decision | Command CenterNFC East links

Bleeding Green Nation

Sean Mannion hired to be the Eagles' new offensive coordinator

The Eagles have opted for the 33-year-old former NFL quarterback to be the new OC in Philly

Mannion will be calling plays for the Eagles, according to a report from The Athletic.

Despite the fact his coaching career only began in 2023, there is some buzz that he could be a future head coach. Mannion was credited for the development of Jordan Love, who finished the 2025 season with a 101.2 passer rating. He also had backup quarterback Malik Willis ready to play in relief on Love.

As a former NFL quarterback, Mannion as on a roster as recently as 2023 with the Vikings, but he hasn't played a game since 2021. Mannion ultimately had an eight-year playing career, and should be someone that can relate to Jalen Hurts and help him develop in different ways than some of his previous coordinators.

The Eagles, like the Commanders, have hired a former NFL QB only two years removed from playing as their new OC.

Differences:

* Mannion was QB coach last year (Blough AQB until last 4 games)

* Mannion's head coach is also on the offensive side. https://t.co/urV2Malg7d

- Ben Standig (@BenStandig) January 29, 2026

Big Blue View

NY Giants interviewing 2nd former backup QB for offensive coordinator

The Giants have requested permission to interview Colts' passing game coordinator Alex Tanney. That news came on the heels of a report that the Giants had also requested permission to interview Colts' offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter for their vacancy.

The Giants have also requested permission to interview Denver Broncos quarterbacks coach and two-time Giants backup quarterback Davis Webb for their offensive coordinator job.

Tanney played in only two games and threw just 15 passes in an NFL career that began in 2012 and ended in 2020. Tanney spent 2018-2020 with the Giants, and then retired to go into coaching.

Tanney joined the Philadelphia Eagles' coaching staff in 2021 as an offensive quality control coach. He stayed with the Eagles through the 2023 season, advancing to become the team's quarterbacks coach. He spent the last two seasons as passing game coordinator for the Colts.

Blogging the Boys

Cowboys 2026 free agent profile: S Donovan Wilson

Free Agency Outlook: Wilson picked a bad time to have arguably the worst-performing season of his career, as his three-year extension signed in 2023 has come to an end. For the first time in his seven years as a pro, Wilson will hit the open market.

After such a disappointing season, it's hard to project how teams will view Wilson as a potential free agent addition. Will prospective teams look at what he did in Dan Quinn and Mike Zimmer's defenses and see a player who can be productive if you put them in the right situations? Or will last season's lapses and struggles in coverage turn teams off from adding the veteran safety?

While there is no denying that there were some ugly moments last year, Wilson has put together enough of a proven track record that some team will be willing to take a chance on him, betting on a bounce-back campaign in 2026. Spotrac projects Wilson to earn a three-year, $20M contract on the open market, almost identical to the extension he signed with Dallas back in 2023.

While this projection does seem a bit high, teams are always looking for safeties. Wilson may be able to take advantage of this and earn himself a multi-year deal, even after such a poor season.

NFL league linksTweets

Eyes on Klint Kubiak for the Raiders job, but Panthers DC Ejiro Evero is still in the mix there. Some candidates have been eliminated but he has not. He conveyed detailed QB/offensive plan in in-person meeting with Raiders. Raiders regime and Evero have Denver ties.

- Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) January 30, 2026

Discussion topics

ESPN

2026 NFL free agency: Ranking top 50 players

2. George Pickens, WR

2025 team: Dallas Cowboys | Age entering 2026 season: 25

What he brings: With 22 receptions of 20 or more yards in 2025 (fourth most in the league), Pickens has the explosive ability to flip the field. That skill will lead to big money in the open market if he isn't franchise-tagged. Pickens also finished third in the NFL with 1,429 receiving yards. His ability to run routes at all three levels boosts his free agent profile even more.

5. Jaelan Phillips, Edge

2025 team: Philadelphia Eagles | Age entering 2026 season: 27

What he brings: With his long 6-foot-5 frame, Phillips can play as both an edge setter and pocket disrupter. After being traded to the Eagles on Nov. 3, he had two sacks and 27 pressures in coordinator Vic Fangio's system, flashing improved range to the ball. Over his five-year career, Phillips has accounted for 28 sacks and 150 pressures.

6. Alec Pierce, WR

2025 team: Indianapolis Colts | Age entering 2026 season: 26

What he brings: A vertical stretch target at 6-foot-3 and 211 pounds, Pierce averaged a league-best 21.3 yards per catch in 2025. He also topped the 1,000-yard receiving mark and brought in six touchdowns. Pierce has the straight-line speed to lift the safeties, creating open coverage voids underneath for other targets. With more volume and an increased role, he has the skills to produce as a multilevel route runner.

7. Breece Hall, RB

2025 team: New York Jets | Age entering 2026 season: 25

What he brings: He's a fluid mover with good contact balance and the vision to find daylight, and he brings a dual-threat element to the backfield. Hall has 188 receptions in his career, while averaging 90 total yards per game. He also has 87 rushes of 10 or more yards over four seasons, serving as a three-down back who can rattle off a big play.

9. Odafe Oweh, Edge

2025 team: Los Angeles Chargers | Age entering 2026 season: 27

What he brings: An explosive pass rusher who gets off the ball in a hurry, Oweh can also flatten his path to maneuver around offensive tackles. After getting traded from the Ravens on Oct. 7, Oweh had 7.5 sacks and 27 pressures in Los Angeles. Plus, he recorded three sacks in the team's wild-card loss to the Patriots.

12. Alontae Taylor, CB

2025 team: New Orleans Saints | Age entering 2026 season: 27

What he brings: Taylor's versatility and urgent play style show up on tape. He has the speed to cover receivers on the perimeter, but he can also play a disruptive role in the slot. In four seasons with the Saints, Taylor has 4 interceptions, 40 pass breakups and 7 sacks.

13. Quay Walker, LB

2025 team: Green Bay Packers | Age entering 2026 season: 26

What he brings: Walker's explosive traits create playmaking upside; he can cover ground as a run-and-hit defender. Plus, he diagnosed the run game at a quicker rate in 2025, averaging 4.9 tackles on designed rushes per game (11th highest). Overall, Walker had 2.5 sacks, 8 tackles for loss and 4 pass breakups.

19. Devin Lloyd, LB

2025 team: Jacksonville Jaguars | Age entering 2026 season: 27

What he brings: Lloyd's on-the-ball production increases his value heading into free agency. He had five interceptions on the season, returning one for a touchdown. He's a solid starter who flashed high-level ability this season.

NFL Draft

NFL.com

2026 Senior Bowl: Daniel Jeremiah's top 10 standouts from week of practice

Kaelon Black

Indiana RB Senior

I was surprised Black decided to participate in the Senior Bowl considering he had helped Indiana win its first ever national championship just a week earlier. The decision speaks to his competitiveness and won't go unnoticed by NFL teams. And somehow, he didn't look like a guy who had just wrapped up a 16-game season. Everything he did was full speed. I give the 1,000-yard rusher a lot of credit.

Bud Clark
TCU S Senior

Folks, a bona-fide ball magnet made his way to Mobile this year. Clark's one-handed interception on pass intended for N.C. State TE Justin Joly was one of the highlights of the week. I knew his production was outstanding at TCU (15 INTs in the last four seasons) and he was the same type of player in practice. Clark's stock is rising as a likely Day 2 pick.

Kyle Louis
Pittsburgh LB Junior (RS)

It felt like every time I looked up this week I saw Louis around the football. He's a playmaker. Now, he might lack prototypical NFL linebacker size (6-0, 224) but he'll be a great fit as a Will backer or big nickel at the next level. He's excellent in coverage and can fire into gaps to disrupt run plays. I like where Louis' stock is trending.

Jacob Rodriguez

Texas Tech LB Senior

Rodriguez's performance on Wednesday was probably the best individual practice showing of any player all week. He forced a fumble and had an INT, building on a senior season that left his trophy case stacked with hardware. NFL teams who interviewed him this week told me he was tremendous in that setting, as well.

My Senior Bowl team of the week

Offense:
QB: Cole Payton - North Dakota State
RB: Mike Washington Jr - Arkansas
WR: Malachi Fields - Notre Dame
TE: Sam Roush - Stanford
OT: Max Iheanachor - Arizona State
OG: Logan Taylor - Boston College
OC: Sam Hecht - Kansas State...

- Anthony Russo (@Anthony_Russo97) January 30, 2026

2026 NFL Draft prospects on the rise at the Senior Bowl, per @IC_Draft:

WR Malachi Fields, Notre Dame
WR Tyren Montgomery, John Carroll
DT Caleb Banks, Florida
QB Taylen Green, Arkansas
OL Delby Lemieux, Dartmouth
QB Cole Payton, North Dakota St.
LB Kyle... pic.twitter.com/avrgaOjJbU

- PFSN College (@PFSNcollege) January 29, 2026

aBit o'Twitter

The surgery was a procedure for a fifth-metatarsal avulsion, with a recovery time of 8-10 weeks. Fine by the offseason program. https://t.co/gSvcuoucv4

- Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 29, 2026

Bills QB Josh Allen said he had a broken bone in his foot. "Not an ideal situation, painful throughout the weeks." He said it was an older injury that was re-aggravated against Cleveland. Fifth metatarsal.

GM Brandon Beane said the procedure was done Monday in Birmingham.

- Joe Buscaglia (@JoeBuscaglia) January 29, 2026

The #Bears will not receive two 3rd-round compensatory picks for Ian Cunningham leaving, because Matt Ryan is considered the lead football executive in Atlanta - not Cunningham, officially. https://t.co/NeSJFhkDnG

- Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) January 30, 2026

Final thoughts from three days of Senior Bowl practice:

Depth at iDL/EDGE/DB is impressive. Starters will be found into Day 3 (rounds 4-7).

Lesser known names took advantage of the week: Gracen Halton, Tyren Montgomery, Sam Hecht, James Brockermeyer, Nate Boerkircher,...

- Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) January 29, 2026