The 2026 Free Agency Thread

[Primus Porcus]

I am totally good with the Blough hire.

My issue is some in the local media who are sold on this Wr room, are making part of their package of their point that Blough's scheme will elevate that Wr room.

I am good with riding with a newbee wildcard at O coordinator. But the idea of counting your chickens that he will be a stud lol feels a bit crazy to me. It would be like me writing a Yelp review of a restaurant and saying the food is killer before I even try the food.

I do want to clarify that I've never believed the WR was 'set'... just that I have my reasons for not necessarily holding Peter's feet to the fire because it isnt,

 

[skinsinparadise]

I do want to clarify that I've never believed the WR was 'set'... just that I have my reasons for not necessarily holding Peter's feet to the fire because it isnt,

OK, cool, I wasn't thinking of you when making my point. Your point is you don't love the WR room but people are giving Peters an unneccssary hard time because it wasn't that easy to fix.

I am zoned in on those who think the WR is fine or is better than we are giving it credit for -- in the media, that's Grant Paulsen, Logan, JP Finlay and Bram. All of whom I like to listen to but I disagree with their point.

And when some throw in the mix that fans are discounting what Blough will do to improve that room and elevate it -- that point to me is beyond cringe. It's cringe to me not because its not possible. But because its a complete unknown. And Sean McVay saying he wasn't hot in his first year as an O coordinator but thankfully he had Jay to help him work through it and was much better in year 2 -- and to assume Blough unlike McVay will experience no growing pains, seems a bit nuts to me.

 

[skinsinparadise]

 

[Ashburn Dave]

It is wishful thinking to say that the rookie offensive coordinator who has not coordinated a single game in his life has already developed and put into action a system that makes players look better than they are. Nobody has seen this system. Nobody has played in it. They have played in the offenses of Blough's past employers. If past employers were reliable indicators of success, Beanenemy would have lit the league on fire.

If the team really does think that the players suck, but Blough in all his 5 months of experience is going to make players look better than they are and depend on that to hold the offense together.... God help Blough, because his GM won't.

This gave me a little bit of hope for us regarding a new OC. While it doesn't say what their success rate is for first timers, it does mention that more than 65% of the teams have a new OC. At least we're not on an island alone here.

Success Rate of First-Year NFL Offensive Coordinators​

The success rate for first-year NFL offensive coordinators can vary widely. For the 2026 season, more than 65% of NFL teams hired new offensive coordinators, indicating a significant turnover in coaching staff. This high rate of change suggests that teams are looking for fresh strategies and leadership to improve their performance.

Factors Influencing Success​

Several factors can impact the success of first-year offensive coordinators:

• Team Dynamics: The existing team culture and player relationships can affect how well a new coordinator is received.
• Player Performance: The talent and performance level of the players can significantly influence the effectiveness of a new offensive scheme.
• Coaching Experience: Coordinators with prior experience may adapt more quickly than those who are new to the role.
• Support from Head Coach: The relationship between the offensive coordinator and the head coach can determine how effectively the coordinator can implement their strategies.

Overall, while the turnover rate is high, the actual success of these coordinators will depend on how well they can adapt to their new roles and the specific circumstances of their teams.

 

[Dlts20]

If you watch the first 1:40 of this video which is all against an elite Georgia team and one more after that game, he is on the outside in basically every play, cooking them with elite route running, shiftiness, and separation. He will get better there the more he plays but I feel like he can be a starting outside receiver.

 

[Primus Porcus]

OK, cool, I wasn't thinking of you when making my point. Your point is you don't love the QB room but people are giving Peters an unneccssary hard time because it wasn't that easy to fix.

I am zoned in on those who think the WR is fine or is better than we are giving it credit for -- in the media, that's Grant Paulsen, Logan, JP Finlay and Bram. All of whom I like to listen to but I disagree with their point.

And when some throw in the mix that fans are discounting what Blough will do to improve that room and elevate it -- that point to me is beyond cringe. It's cringe to me not because its not possible. But because its a complete unknown. And Sean McVay saying he wasn't hot in his first year as an O coordinator but thankfully he had Jay to help him work through it and was much better in year 2 -- and to assume Blough unlike McVay will experience no growing pains, seems a bit nuts to me.

I know (and i'm assuming you meant WR room, not QB room), I just read your post and wanted to clarify after we have all been going over it for the last handful of days going back and forth between what was / wasn't available and stuff.

 

[skinsinparadise]

If you watch the first 1:40 of this video which is all against an elite Georgia team and one more after that game, he is on the outside in basically every play, cooking them with elite route running. He will get better there the more he plays but I feel like he can be a starting outside receiver.

He can play some Z. But his strength IMO is short area quickness and seperation, curls, hitches, digs, shallow crosses, screens. And he's good catching in stride-YAC. So IMHO his niche would be playing the slot.

And for the beggers can't be choosers thought which seems to reign supreme with this WR room under Peters -- he by default would likely be their best Z on the current roster. Heck if they can make Jaylin Lane play some Z, they can do the same with Antonio.

 

[skinsinparadise]

I know (and i'm assuming you meant WR room, not QB room), I just read your post and wanted to clarify after we have all been going over it for the last handful of days going back and forth between what was / wasn't available and stuff.

Yeah sorry misspoke Wr room, not QBs. I just edited that, good catch.

 

[bowhunter]

Yeah sorry misspoke Wr room, not QBs. I just edited that, good catch.

Fuggit. We don't have a Athan vs Jayden controversy yet and it's the slow news time of year. Who's ordered their "I like Jayden/ I like Athan" bumperstickers yet?

 

[NickyJ]

This gave me a little bit of hope for us regarding a new OC. While it doesn't say what their success rate is for first timers, it does mention that more than 65% of the teams have a new OC. At least we're not on an island alone here.

Success Rate of First-Year NFL Offensive Coordinators​

The success rate for first-year NFL offensive coordinators can vary widely. For the 2026 season, more than 65% of NFL teams hired new offensive coordinators, indicating a significant turnover in coaching staff. This high rate of change suggests that teams are looking for fresh strategies and leadership to improve their performance.

Factors Influencing Success​

Several factors can impact the success of first-year offensive coordinators:

• Team Dynamics: The existing team culture and player relationships can affect how well a new coordinator is received.
• Player Performance: The talent and performance level of the players can significantly influence the effectiveness of a new offensive scheme.
• Coaching Experience: Coordinators with prior experience may adapt more quickly than those who are new to the role.
• Support from Head Coach: The relationship between the offensive coordinator and the head coach can determine how effectively the coordinator can implement their strategies.

Overall, while the turnover rate is high, the actual success of these coordinators will depend on how well they can adapt to their new roles and the specific circumstances of their teams.

I don't mind a new OC at all. I mind that the new OC has been given the command to cook a Ben Johnson 5 star premium Michelin chicken bruschetta, but he has been supplied with an excellent sous chef in Jayden Daniels and chicken bones as the most plentiful ingredient. And the restaurant will be closed tomorrow if it isn't sold out.

Give the man some premium supplies to cook with on his first day. Or at least make a quick run to Costco.

 

[Riggo44]

Every coordinator was a first time coordinator the first time. I’m not going to praise or pan the move on that basis. Time will tell if it was genius or stupidity.

 

[Anselmheifer]

I wonder how likely it is that Diggs resigns with New England. Or even, in what time frame he might sign anywhere. I wonder if he could be a post 6/1 type addition for some team.

 

[Commander Wraith]

I am totally good with the Blough hire.

My issue is some in the local media who are sold on this Wr room, are making part of their package of their point that Blough's scheme will elevate that Wr room.

I am good with riding with a newbee wildcard at O coordinator. But the idea of counting your chickens that he will be a stud lol feels a bit crazy to me. It would be like me writing a Yelp review of a restaurant and saying the food is killer before I even try the food.

I totally get your point, but I’m not sure that’s your best analogy, lol. Yes, we have question marks about this “restaurant” we haven’t eaten at yet, but there’s also a lot we do know (as opposed to a random “restaurant” we know nothing about).

Seems to me the better analogy would be a first time head chef at a new restaurant that is implementing the same cooking style and philosophies as a highly regarded restaurant he previously worked at as a line cook. The sous chef at the new restaurant is better regarded, but the line cooks are less experienced.

To your point though, there’s definitely uncertainty. Acting as though it’s a foregone conclusion the new restaurant will be good and the line cooks will be fine or better… that’s a stretch. Believing it will be good/fine… I don’t have a problem with that.



On a separate note, I came across an interesting blurb from Ben Johnson after he took over as the Lions OC. Said the priority that offseason was finding/adding an x receiver that could demand double teams/bracketing to draw the coverage.

Also, on the latest Take Command, one point that stood out to me was when Logan was talking about an improved defense taking pressure off Daniels. I’ve not been super keen on that factor, but he also pointed out that it takes pressure off Blough, in part because it allows Blough (and this style of offense in general) to commit more to the run.

 

[Riggo44]

On a separate note, I came across an interesting blurb from Ben Johnson after he took over as the Lions OC. Said the priority that offseason was finding/adding an x receiver that could demand double teams/bracketing to draw the coverage.

I'm curious who that was in that offense? St. Brown? I thought he was slot, primarily. Jameson Williams? He didn't really break out until his third year in the league...

 

[Commander Wraith]

I’m a bit of a contrarian by nature, so some of the more hardcore pessimism/skepticism is actually making me feel a bit more optimistic, lol.

I’m still really nervous about what happens if Terry misses time though, and I’m concerned about Allegretti when stopping quick interior pressure is so key to under center PA passing. And yes, there are a lot of other moving parts, so I do absolutely get the skepticism.

I’m starting to think our lack of a proven z will be pretty heavily mitigated though. They’ll put these guys in motion to minimize the impact of corners pressing, they’ll line up/flex out Okonkwo and/or White as the z at times, Williams, Luke and Dyami will compete for snaps there, they’ll use 12/13 personnel a lot, use bunch looks, run the crap out of the ball, use misdirection and play action, etc.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not not concerned, but I see a lot of potential with the offense in general. Would be thrilled if we landed a quality receiver, but I also think they want a guy that can stretch the field… and that’s not Allen, Jennings, or even Diggs at this point. A bit of a sneaky add would be a money down guy, which is probably Allen or maybe Ertz, if/when he gets healthy.

 

[Commander Wraith]

I'm curious who that was in that offense? St. Brown? I thought he was slot, primarily. Jameson Williams? He didn't really break out until his third year in the league...

Good question. I don’t know.

 

[DontTazeMeBro]

If we are truly waiting on the 49ers to cut Aiyuk, this shit is getting old. He's out of shape, hasn't played since week 7 in 2024. I'm fine on waiting to sign him. I'm not fine with not going ahead and getting weapons for Jayden. There is absolutely no reason for Peters to not try and sign one (or two) of the top remaining free agent WRs just sitting there. Bring in Jennings and Diggs. There is no way they can think Aiyuk is going to make an impact this year anyway is there?

 

[Dlts20]

He can play some Z. But his strength IMO is short area quickness and seperation, curls, hitches, digs, shallow crosses, screens. And he's good catching in stride-YAC. So IMHO his niche would be playing the slot.

And for the beggers can't be choosers thought which seems to reign supreme with this WR room under Peters -- he by default would likely be their best Z on the current roster. Heck if they can make Jaylin Lane play some Z, they can do the same with Antonio.

Idk. He will obviously be great at that but I also see a little Antonio Brown, Santana Moss in him. He runs with a forward lean which makes the defender feel like he gets on top of them quicker and when they try to retreat, he can drop his hips and cut on a dime to create separation.

I think that he can win on the outside consistently. Plus, most corners aren't used to seeing guys like him on the outside. That elite start and stop will be hard to stick with and if 5 gets back to his high level, quick pinpoint passing, he could be a high reception guy from the jump

 

[Conn]

They could have signed every available FA wide receiver last year and it wouldn't have made a difference with JD completing only 5 games. This year is more of the same. He goes down again, it's over. He completes the season, we're probably going as far as he can take us. This team is winning 0 playoff games with Mariota starting at QB.

The defense should be light years better than that garbage from last year too!

There’s some amount of cause and effect you’re ignoring here. I’m not giving Daniels a pass, but he definitely holds the ball and plays hero ball much more with worse weapons, which leads to taking hits he shouldn’t take.

Again, not absolving him of responsibility. He should throw the ball away more and make better choices on keepers at times, and he’s built slight.

But the lack of weapons he was comfortable with definitely contributed on some level to how little he played last year, it’s undeniable. They aren’t two separate things.

 

[Boone]

I imagine Peters is held in higher esteem still league wide than among Commanders fans.

Getting this franchise to the NFCCG from the moribund state it had been in after his first year after overhauling 70% of the roster in one year is impressive. People on this board often talk about him like he's among the worst GMs in league history and someone they can't wait to bounce off the team.

The NFL is parasitic and symbiotic. Bad head coaches get re-hired over and over. Ditto coordinators. Peters has made some good moves and some terrible ones. I'm not sure I give the bulk of credit for the 2024 season to him - he did a good job with a mass roster turnover - but that season was all about Jayden Daniels and Kliff Kingsbury and Dan Quinn (to the extent Quinn played to win every game in a 'nothing to lose' season). They all deserve credit - but that season doesn't insulate Peters from criticism. He deserves credit, but he also deserves some criticism for 2025.

His 'rep' in the NFL is based on personal relationships more than 'performance' imho. He hasn't been a GM long enough to have earned a real legitimate rep.