The Washington Commanders entered the 2026 offseason with a clear mission: get faster. After a disappointing 2025 campaign plagued by injuries and a defense that often looked a step behind, the front office knew it was time for a transformation. And if one word sums up their efforts, it's speed.
The struggles of last season weren't just about bad luck on the injury front. The defense, in particular, needed a serious overhaul. The phrase "younger and faster" became a recurring theme, and the Commanders took it to heart. General Manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn went to work, reshaping the roster with an emphasis on athleticism and quickness across all three levels of the defense.
Free agency was the first wave of this speed injection. The Commanders added a host of defenders who bring explosive playmaking ability: edge rushers Odafe Oweh and K'Lavon Chaisson, versatile linebacker Leo Chenal, cornerback Amik Robertson, and rangy safety Nick Cross. Each of these players is expected to either start or play a key rotational role, and they all share one thing in common—the ability to fly to the ball.
Then came the 2026 NFL Draft, where Washington made its biggest statement yet. With the first-round pick, they selected Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles, widely regarded as the top linebacker in this year's class and one of the most talented overall prospects. A former safety, Styles brings rare coverage skills and blazing speed to the middle of the defense. He's the kind of player who can run with wide receivers and tight ends, making him a nightmare for opposing offenses.
CBS Sports' Zachary Pereles recently summed up each team's offseason in a single word. For the Commanders, that word was speed. "It's hard to watch Styles' 40-yard dash overlay with him beating CeeDee Lamb and Kyle Hamilton and not think speed," Pereles wrote. "But it wasn't just Styles who Washington added to bring speed to a defense that desperately needed it. Odafe Oweh and K'Lavon Chaisson bring speed to the edge rush unit, and Leo Chenal brings it to the linebacking room alongside Styles. Add in safety Nick Cross, and the Commanders got better, more athletic, and much faster across all three levels of the defense."
For Dan Quinn, a defensive-minded coach who values aggression and athleticism, this offseason must feel like a dream come true. The Commanders have not only added talent—they've added the kind of game-changing speed that can transform a unit. If this defense can stay healthy and gel quickly, Washington might just be the surprise contender nobody saw coming.