The 2026 Free Agency Thread

[CapsCommies]

All those folks that think every young high pick quarterback has immediately been handed a bevy of weapons is mistaken.

Bo Nix was drafted in 2024 along with Daniels and his best receiver is Courtland Sutton. Solid but not among the best, not elite. Most would probably take Terry over Sutton, right?

In New England Vrabel and Co. gave Drake Maye good backs and a defense but his best receiver last year was 31 year old retread Stefon Diggs. Again, a guy who puts up solid numbers but lower on the WR scale than Terry McLaurin.

We could see in the Super Bowl that the Patriots LT and LG combination were inferior to the performance of Tunsil and Paul here in DC.

Of the recent picks Caleb Williams has probably received the most support.

But some of that was already in place with DJ Moore and Cole Kmet on the roster.

Kennan Allen was a nice pickup but he’s looking again for a new job at 33.

Here in Washington when you throw in Okonkwo and White in as pass options in this offense Daniels really is only a WR2 away from having a full complement of weapons.

And we are less than a week into the offseason.

It's having such a putrid defense that's made it so hard for Jayden relative to his draft peers

 

[ES1974]

Here in Washington when you throw in Okonkwo and White in as pass options in this offense Daniels really is only a WR2 away from having a full complement of weapons.

I personally think Jayden got a bit of a free pass last season for a significant drop off in his own performance. Never a popular take that one. He just didn’t look as clinically focused in year 2, in my opinion.

It is also a fact that his supporting cast was average at best. There is no doubting that either. Bit of work still to do this offseason.

 

[36ST21]

Championship!!! 🏆🏆🏆

Watch Peters turn around and package Dyami and a 5th round pick to JAX for BTJr. He's playing 3D chess on the Millenium Falcon while these other fools are playing checkers!

 

[ES1974]

Doing a bit of a back track on Jennings. Feels like money is a major issue, and he may just have a preference that isn’t there, but he really would bring us that RZ threat, as well as being a pretty good compliment to Terry, rookie WR, Chig, White.

 

[Boone]

I think the other thing folks don't think about when it comes to QB sophomore slumps... DCs have a season's worth of tape at that point and at least have some idea how to attack a young QB. The lack of surrounding talent certainly didn't help but I think that played a role in JD looking less JD-ish last season.

 

[burgold]

I think the other thing folks don't think about when it comes to QB sophomore slumps... DCs have a season's worth of tape at that point and at least have some idea how to attack a young QB. The lack of surrounding talent certainly didn't help but I think that played a role in JD looking less JD-ish last season.

In addition to this, they have a season's worth of tape to discover how to attack the offensive coordinator. We heard over and over how defensive coordinators slow walked their defense stressing the play clock. Some strategies that worked beautifully in Year One were negated in Year Two. I think the one dimensional run game was also exploited. Defenses, more or less, only had to defend a dive play despite us having a really fast, quick cutting running back. We just never varied it up. Defenses predicting the play won't stop a play, but it requires perfect execution. Perfect execution while starting fifth string receivers is hard to achieve.

 

[burgold]

I personally think Jayden got a bit of a free pass last season for a significant drop off in his own performance. Never a popular take that one. He just didn’t look as clinically focused in year 2, in my opinion.

It is also a fact that his supporting cast was average at best. There is no doubting that either. Bit of work still to do this offseason.

In fairness, his supporting task would need the Hubble Telescope to locate average. They were awful.

 

[DWinzit]

In fairness, his supporting task would need the Hubble Telescope to locate average. They were awful.

In fairness you could say that of the OC too. At the end of the day, they both had it tough but some of the play calling was detrimental regardless

 

[skinsinparadise]

Not going to disagree with any of it, my confidence level if our WR group is this come week 1 is not exactly beaming in that unit. That said I don't think it needs to be. If we had THIS defense in 2024... phew. If we had this defense in 2025 i think it's a dynamically different conversation. There clearly is an argument that we would have preferred to do things surrounding Jayden a bit faster, but we're here now. 1st full offseason we overhauled the O-line. Now we have what appears to be a pretty stable unit for at least 2 more years. Now his 2nd full offseason, the defensive front 7, and it now looks like we have it locked up for more than just one rental season. I've said before and i'll continue to say... we can't fix it all in a single offseason, so I am doing a little convincing myself that he's doing things in phases based on whats available..... we'll see if it continues

He's killed it everywhere but WR and RB, so got no complaints YET. But at least at WR, he tried.

I do think his first two years were underwhelming for Jayden and looks borderline pathetic when you compare it to the urgency of the Bears to do whatever they can to help Caleb shine and to some degree the other teams who took QBs in the 2024 draft. This year is underwhelming, too on that front so far but not as bad as 2024 but close -- but I don't think he's finished. As I like to say you can walk and chew gum at the same time, Patriots rebuilt their defense last year, Denver built a killer defense, Falcons rapidly improved their pass rush while also having great weapons for Penix. Bears not as much on defense but at least they create turnovers.

So it took Peters 3 years to arguaby finally put good talent together on defense. That's not hot. But if I am judging him purely based on this off season, awesome job. Took 2 seasons to build an O line -- that's good. 3 seasons thus far to still not build a support cast for your young QB -- that's bad. Yes, you can't do it all in one off season but he's had three off seasons to do it. And had plenty of draft picks to draft or for trade capital and plenty of cap space.

Drafting Wrs in the late third, and late 4th, and taking a RB in the 7th round, with WRs off the street littering the team shows that weapons for Jayden isn't a high priority for Peters compared to other spots. And yeah I'd forgive it if he killed it with the other spots, but he didn't do so save the O line.

And loved the ride in 2024 but also the hype that bled into the 2025 off season. And Peters IMO helped sqaunder that with how little he did for Jayden and it was glaring when you compare it to the Bears among other teams. As I said before when you got Kurt Warner running a video about how Jayden regressed and then days later you got Sheehan and Keim hearing from the team that the video is wrong because yeah Jayden may look to have regressed but those poor habits are just a function of the WRs not being up to snuff. That's nauseating to me. To see some analyists I like say Jayden is the third best QB now from that class. To see another say Doubs chose the Pats over Washington because Maye >> Jayden. To hear a Giants reporter say their team has a franchise QB but doesn't think Washington does. What a come down both in performance and perception about Jayden and this team and Peters has his fingerprints all over it.

If this current configuration of the WR and RB corp is who they go to battle with, I give Peters a C for this off season. Yes he finally addressed the defense the right way or so it seems it took him 3 years that's a long time. the Pats rebuilt their defense in 2 years. Denver saddled with bad cap issues and lack of draft picks built their defense fast. So cool that he did finally get to it but its about time.

Having said that I don't think Peters is done at WR and RB. So for now its an incomplete grade. But I don't think Peters is dumb so i don't think he's going to double down on giving Jayden a meh to worse supporting cast three years in a row. He at least showed that he's williing to swing at the WR position this off season. And while I think the current WR-RB group is arguably in his current configuration even worse than 2025. I doubt he's resting on this where its job done.

Right now I'd say the 2026 RBs is a weaker group than what they started with in 2025. The starting WRs 2026 currently a weaker crop than 2025 -- but depth way better. But I don't think the season will start with McCaffrey as the startiing slot. And Van Jefferson as the starting Z. I think more is to come.

But that's my long winded way of saying love what Peters has done this off season. I think three years is plenty of time to rebuild the roster. So whatever he doesn't rebuild its on him. So while I agree tough to rebuild a crap roster overnight -- its his crap roster, his mistakes he's fixing. After three years, I can't blame the previous regime. And if he rebuilds the supporting cast, he will get me back in a big way. I am not as negative on Peters as some. I think he's shown some savvy in his endeavors among his mistakes and some of his mistakes are understandable but I am as negative as anyone when it comes to the topic of helping Jayden with a running game/WRs.

Peters has done a very nice job fixing his mistakes on defense this off season. Three off seasons in I am not blaming Ron anymore. And I like a lot what he's done on the O line. But when these other teams with young QBs to use a cooking metaphor will import the best ingredients they can find to make it hard for their chefs to screw up the meal and work to build their confidence on that front by giving them high end products that make it almost impossible to screw up the meal. Peters took the opposite approach, our young chef is so good we will prove it by giving him some powdered mash potatoes and ramen noodles and he wll crank out a gourmet meal anyway just you watch! -- I hate that. I can let go of all of Peters mistakes but not that.

Does a defense help Jayden you bet. But its not like these other teams with young QBs haven't addressed that issue, too -- Peters is late to that party but at least he joined it now. Now finish the job and give Jayden some weapons for a change. I am not interested in seeing if Von Jefferson can revive his career as the starting Z. Or the time has come for us to trust McCaffrey as the slot. That's the rodeo Peters has been on for the last two years. It did work in 2024 but failed in 2025. This corp in its current configuration IMO is closer to the bad 2025 group then the mediocre 2024 one. But again I don't think he's finished so I'll judge it when he's finished. And considering he swung at Pierce and Doubs, he gets it. So I am feeling good that it will happen, will see.

 

[KDawg]

I really think it’s way under appreciated what having your lead back being a 7th rounder who isn’t well rounded can do to an offense. Now couple that with injuries and everything is out of sync.

With Bill’s lack of vision, but his super power being as a home run threat, and not being a great receiving threat or a good pass protector teams were able to stack the box every time he was in the game.

That is killer.

Bill needs developmental time and signing White is going to help significantly in that department.

But we need more well rounded backs. Honestly, I’d add McNichols if there aren’t younger well rounded options. He can do everything.

And I’d draft Love if available.

That’s three well rounded backs. You can use various personnel groupings with them.

I’d also toy with the idea of Njoku if we aren’t sure we’re going to be able to add another receiver to our depth group.

Gives us depth and personnel flexibility.

WR2 and RB are still code red for me. But adding a pass catching threat can ease that a bit.

 

[skinsinparadise]

I don’t want to get into individual players because it will sound a lot more negative than I intend it to. But none of the guys on the roster have put up significant numbers. We can make every excuse in the world for them but I tend to think they just aren’t that talented.

Aiyuk isn’t on the roster and I don’t think it is guaranteed he will be. I don’t know if he’ll be a #2 caliber guy after his injury. Diggs is a legal mess. Hill maybe? Keenan Allen signed elsewhere. I hope we do draft a starter.

I think they are likely boxed in to take a WR either at 7 or worst cast 71.

No way, I see them going with McCaffrey in the slot and Van Jefferson at Z.

Arguably it would be an an even worse configuration than the pathetic 2025 version because that one at least had Deebo.

I do think if they sign Jauan Jennings it elevates the unit up to so so. That would help. I'd like Aiyuk but he's such a wildcard..

I don't think its an accident that the first 30 visit we are aware with is with M. Lemon. I am guessing unless they sign Jennings AND Aiyuk, WR almost has to be taken early.

 

[skinsinparadise]

WR2 and RB are still code red for me. But adding a pass catching threat can ease that a bit.

Absolutely. I'd add Y WR. I like that Okonkwo is almost sort of a Y WR. But they need a legit slot WR.

I love what Peters has done so far but if it stops here and the WRs are this and RBs are this -- he's getting a C grade from me.

Help your franchise QB. Look at what the other teams are doing for their franchise QBs.

You got Jayden's mom and his close friend liking social media posts that criticize the WRs Jayden has had to deal with. It has to be frustrating for him and I don't blame him.

If this is what he goes to battle with in year 3, its a joke. They aren't going to a SB with Croskey-Merritt-White (both #2 RBs IMO) and throwing the ball to Van Jefferson and McCaffrey while hoping 31 year old Terry can stay healthy.

 

[skinsinparadise]

I'll say not only WR but RB is a code red spot now in the draft too if this is where they stop after FA.

I've started to dive into the RBs in this draft. Months back I didn't think I'd need to. And I like Rachaad White, he was one of the backs I pushed for but not as a #1.

 

[KDawg]

Absolutely. I'd add Y WR. I like that Okonkwo is almost sort of a Y WR. But they need a legit slot WR.

I love what Peters has done so far but if it stops here and the WRs are this and RBs are this -- he's getting a C grade from me.

Help your franchise QB. Look at what the other teams are doing for their franchise QBs.

You got Jaydens mom and his close friend liking social media posts that criticize the WRs Jayden has had to deal with.

If this is what he goes to battle with in year 3, its a joke. They aren't going to a SB with Croskey-Merritt-White (both #2 RBs IMO) and throwing the ball to Van Jefferson and McCaffrey while hoping 31 year old Terry can stay healthy.

I think White is a 2. I don’t think Bill is yet. That will come across as shade but it is not. The guy needs time to develop his game. He was injured his senior year and got forced to be in a lead back role as a seventh rounder.

Guy needs to develop.

Receiver wise, Dyami helps. So does Jefferson. But we went from being a UFL receiving group to a bottom tier NFL group.

Aiyuk helps. Brings us to just below par.

I think we need to add another tight end so we can use Chig more as a slot. That brings us to a baseline NFL mediocre level of receivers.

But we were never going to fill all of these holes this offseason.

And I am very high on our overall offseason so far. But the stated goal was to surround JD with weapons. We tried. And so far we have failed that goal.

If this was last offseason I’d be more okay with it.

We’re a year behind.

 

[Voice_of_Reason]

I personally think Jayden got a bit of a free pass last season for a significant drop off in his own performance. Never a popular take that one. He just didn’t look as clinically focused in year 2, in my opinion.

It is also a fact that his supporting cast was average at best. There is no doubting that either. Bit of work still to do this offseason.

Mark Bullock said one of the things which stood out in Daniels’ rookie year is that he needed a lot of reps to get comfortable, but what he was great at was the on-schedule, in the rhythm of the offense plays.

In other words, he got to read 1, 2 and 3 in the timing of the play and would let the ball go. However the number of reps allowed him to trust the recover was going to be in the place where he was supposed to be.

Bullocks assessment of 2025 is Daniels never had the reps with the offense to build that trust, starting with Terry’s holdout and the. Running through all of the injuries, his and others. And because of this he was not trusting his eyes or his receivers, and instead of throwing with anticipation, he waited to see the receiver open.

That threw off the timing and made everything less effective.

I think that’s probably very true.

And since they have gone out of their way this year to make sure there is going to be a coherent group around Daniels from OTA’s on, I am betting it won’t be a problem again.

They need to settle WR 2. But just about everything else is somewhat set

 

[SkinsNumberOne]

Kliff definitely had stretches of bad playcalls. But him not being an OC now doesn’t mean he’s not a good one. Hes the assistant HC of the Rams…

That’s not a bad landing spot, but I never heard of anyone gunning for AHC as anything but an extra role. Never the sole title.

He was aiming for one of the 20+ OC roles available in the carousel available, telling he did not get one (widely reported). He took heat for this past season which shouldn’t be surprising. Even accounting for injuries there were questions about what happened on O from respected voices.

There are plenty of cases where fired or released OCs get jobs elsewhere. Kliff has an opportunity to rehab his stock, but yes his stock is lower on the OC side than I guess he hoped.

I am not saying he was “bad” but what I think the NFL said was “unsure and maybe not good enough.” Hence he got interviews but no OC jobs. AHC makes perfect sense with that view; he is in the wings to help if problems occur (and give advice, absolutely) but you don’t make him primary.

 

[ES1974]

And since they have gone out of their way this year to make sure there is going to be a coherent group around Daniels from OTA’s on, I am betting it won’t be a problem again.

They need to settle WR 2. But just about everything else is somewhat set

I’m still unsure our IOL group is strong enough. Agree with the premise of your post though.

 

[KDawg]

That’s not a bad landing spot, but I never heard of anyone gunning for AHC as anything but an extra role. Never the sole title.

He was aiming for one of the 20+ OC roles available in the carousel available, telling he did not get one (widely reported). He took heat for this past season which shouldn’t be surprising. Even accounting for injuries there were questions about what happened on O from respected voices.

There are plenty of cases where fired or released OCs get jobs elsewhere. Kliff has an opportunity to rehab his stock, but yes his stock is lower on the OC side than I guess he hoped.

I am not saying he was “bad” but what I think the NFL said was “unsure and maybe not good enough.” Hence he got interviews but no OC jobs. AHC makes perfect sense with that view; he is in the wings to help if problems occur (and give advice, absolutely) but you don’t make him primary.

I’m not going to continue to argue this. We both have a case and neither of us have any idea why he’s not an OC. Choice, choosiness, or lack of options. Who knows.

But Kliff’s offense works.

It’s not how I’d run an offense, and not how I HAVE run an offense. But guys get open and make plays.

I don’t love the emphasis on QB designed runs, which are definitely part of his philosophy. But we also drafted a quarterback that has used his legs on designed runs and scrambles his entire career. And our backup QB is of a similar ilk.

I would have liked to use our RBs more, but Bill was too one dimensional. CRod and McNichols should have been featured much more - if they weren’t because of Kliff - that’s an issue.

I would have liked for our receivers to be productive, but with Terry’s holdout last season was basically a mailed in year for him.

I’d have liked to use more playaction, but we had no one that could win at the line of scrimmage enough to make that viable.

I’d have liked more motion, but we had too many street level receivers on the roster.

Kliff may not have done those things even if we had those guys. But we, as fans, were never able to find out.

Last year was injury riddled and blaming the offensive issues on Kliff, like many here and on the ol socials, is way off base.

That’s not to say I didn’t have issues with some of his playcalling, personnel usage or philosophies. I’m not even a huge Kingsbury fan.

But he can take mostly mediocre talent and make it fairly productive. We saw that in year one.

Year two the talent level fell off a cliff.

Why is he more to blame than the guy shopping for the groceries or the guy who is in charge?

Kliff shares that burden.

But this organization was a mess last year.

 

[Boone]

And this is the free agency thread so...

 

[ES1974]

I’d agree Njoku is absolutely worth a look in our situation.