The disappointment of the Washington Commanders’ 2025 season has been well documented in this space. The Commanders’ record currently stands at 3-9 after a heartbreaking 27-26 overtime loss to the Denver Broncos in Week 13. Quarterback Marcus Mariota played admirably, throwing two touchdown passes and evading the vaunted Broncos’ pass rush several times to keep plays alive. Washington fell short of victory again as Mariota’s two point conversion attempt in overtime was knocked down by Denver linebacker Nik Bonitto.
With the Commanders’ hopes of a playoff berth bordering between slim and none, it isn’t too early for the organization to look towards the 2026 season. If the season ended today, Washington would have the fifth selection of the 2026 draft. With five games left, there are some fans that believe the Commanders should lose the remainder of their games to improve their draft position. That is a foolish position to consider.
To quote former NFL head coach and player Herman Edwards, “You play to win the game!” The Commanders are consummate professionals whose main focus is to put forth their best effort and win football games. Veterans like tight end Zach Ertz, as well as linebackers Bobby Wagner and Von Miller are perfect examples of that mantra. Ertz, Wagner, and Miller have each won Super Bowl titles earlier in their careers. Each of them were signed by Washington in the past two years (Ertz and Wagner before the 2024 season, Miller was signed before the current season) by general manager Adam Peters to improve on the organization’s improbable playoff run in 2024. Injuries and a porous defense have relegated the Commanders to another off season without playoff football.
That said, it’s time for Peters and his staff to focus on the 2026 draft. It’s a tough position to be in considering Washington has five games remaining as of this writing. Currently the Commanders would have the fifth selection of the 2026 draft based on current team records. That pick could become a later first round pick if Washington were to win any of their remaining games. During his tenure as assistant general manager with the San Francisco 49ers, Peters helped built a talented roster that reached the Super Bowl after the 2023 season. He is highly respected as an NFL executive whom Commanders’ fans should give the benefit of the doubt to in regards to rebuilding the current roster. Commanders’ fans have to remember that the team is still in rebuilding mode, and that there’s still room for improvement heading into next season. If Washington’s injured starters can return fully healthy next season, there’s no telling how far they can go in 2026.