Dan Quinn gives injury updates, talks competition at center and the new defense

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 24: Dan Quinn of the Washington Commanders speaks to the media during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 24, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Lauren Leigh Bacho/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Dan Quinn is at the NFL Owners meetings in Phoenix, Arizona and he spoke to local reporters. He was asked about releasing center Tyler Biadasz, and he confirmed that the team didn't try to trade him. Quinn said Biadasz's replacement at the end of the season, Nick Allegretti, wins and is a guy that they trust. He's the only center on the roster besides Julian Good-Jones, but Quinn said they need to see what happens over the next month with the draft and free agency still available.

Tight ends came up with Chig Okonkwo being added in free agency, and expected to be a big receiving weapon for Jayden Daniels. Quinn loves his speed, and said you can see it on deep over routes and during play-action. Quinn also praised practice squad TE Lawrence Cager and said he's been putting the work in and has a unique skillset.

Quinn was happy that Adam Peters added some edge rushers in free agency, a position that was decimated by injuries last season. Dorance Armstrong was one of those injured players, but Quinn said he's making good progress in his recovery from a torn ACL, and he's sending him rehab videos.

Bobby Wagner wasn't re-signed, though that door wasn't closed for later in the offseason. That still leaves the question of who will be wearing the green dot on defense this year. Quinn said it would depend on who's in the most formations, and it could be a linebacker or a safety.

The Commanders only added one cornerback in free agency, Amik Robertson from the Lions. Quinn said they would be lining him and Mike Sainristil up inside and outside since they both have experience there. They will work on different formations in OTAs and then training camp.

Nick Allegretti:

Getting ready to talk to Dan Quinn this morning at the league meetings...
One topic: center.
On Saturday, Quinn said of Nick Allegretti: "Nick wins.We won a lot of games with Nick, so have other teams...We're up for the competion and he is too. But he's a guy we trust."

- John Keim (@john_keim) March 30, 2026

Competition at center:

Quinn said as of now the C battle would be between Allegretti and Julian Good-Jones. However, Quinn said need to see what happens over the next month, whether it's adding a draft pick or someone else (possibly someone who becomes free).

- John Keim (@john_keim) March 30, 2026

Didn't explore a trade for Tyler Biadasz:

Dan Quinn said the Commanders did not explore a trade for Biadasz.

- Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) March 30, 2026

Versatility and speed on the roster:

Dan Quinn says he likes the versatility and speed on the roster right now and is looking forward to the competitions that will take place within it when the time comes.

- David Harrison (@DHarrison82) March 30, 2026

Adding edge rushers in free agency:

Dan Quinn, on Adam Peters saying edge rusher was a priority at the start of free agency: "Amen. He delivered."

- Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) March 30, 2026

Chig Okonkwo:

Quinn, on TE Chig Okonkwo: "I love the speed. You see it on deep over routes and ones that build up speed on play-action."

- Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) March 30, 2026

Lawrence Cager:

Dan Quinn said TE Lawrence Cager is one player who could take a leap this season. Said he's been putting in the work this offseason and has a "unique" skill set. Cager spent last season on the practice squad.

- Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) March 30, 2026

Dan Quinn said they're high on TE Lawrence Cager...."Interesting to see where it goes with Cager." Not the first time I've heard someone with the team mention Cager this offseason.

- John Keim (@john_keim) March 30, 2026

Dan Quinn gets asked about the TE room, Chig Okonkwo specifically. Then dips into Ben Sinnott talk before bringing up his intrigue with practice squader Lawrence Cager's "unique" skill set.

- Ben Standig (@BenStandig) March 30, 2026

Dorance Armstrong:

#Commanders HC Dan Quinn said DE Dorance Armstrong, who suffered a season-ending ACL injury last year, has been making good progress. Armstrong has often been checking in often with Quinn and sending him rehab videos. Seems like there's strong optimism about his return to form.

- Tashan Reed (@tashanreed) March 30, 2026

Green dot:

Quinn said the green dot could be worn by someone who will be on the field the most in all the packages. He said the other day that it could be Luvu, could be Chenal, could be a safety. It's just about relaying the plays; not about calling the on-field checks etc.

- John Keim (@john_keim) March 30, 2026

Dan Quinn said they green dot on defense will go to whoever is involved in the most packages. Doesn't necessarily need to be a LB or S, and doesn't mean this person would do the most communicating or make all the checks, but they'd obviously be on the receiving end of it.

- Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) March 30, 2026

Mike Sainristil and Amik Robertson:

Quinn said the #Commanders will likely line up Amik Robertson and Mike Sainristil inside and outside once OTAs get underway. Each player has started games at both nickelback and outside corner during their careers.

- Tashan Reed (@tashanreed) March 30, 2026

Best Player Available:

I asked #Commanders HC Dan Quinn his philosophy/approach on Best Player Available vs Best Player Available on the team's board. Also confirming if there's a difference, to him, in the approaches.

Take a watch/listen:

@DHarrison82pic.twitter.com/HjW2ZgTF4R

- CWallSports (@cwallse) March 30, 2026