There are plenty of questions about the Washington Commanders for 2026. Can quarterback Jayden Daniels rebound after last season's disappointing second season due to injuries? Will new offensive coordinator David Blough struggle? Do the Commanders have enough offensive weapons outside of Terry McLaurin? What about the defense?
Did you notice there was one group we didn't question? That's right, Washington's offensive line doesn't appear to be an issue ahead of the new season. That group has a new coach, too, as former ***** istant offensive line coach Darnell Stapleton was promoted to replace Bobby Johnson. Stapleton is a proponent of a zone-based scheme, which Blough plans to employ. Under Johnson, the Commanders ran more of a gap-based scheme.
The good news for Stapleton is his personnel. Left tackle Laremy Tunsil signed a two-year extension this offseason, making him the NFL's highest-paid offensive lineman for the third time in his career. Josh Conerly Jr. enters his second season. While his career got off to a rough start, he looked like a different player in the second half. He's also reshaped his body this offseason, working with Tunsil. Right guard Sam Cosmi returns. Cosmi is a borderline Pro Bowler. Also back is left guard Chris Paul. Brandon Coleman returns and will compete with Paul at left guard. Coleman has been extremely valuable over his first two seasons, showing versatility by playing guard and tackle.
One name is missing from last season: center Tyler Biadasz. The Commanders surprisingly released Biadasz ahead of free agency. Veteran Nick Allegretti is back for his third season in the burgundy and gold and will likely start at center. Veteran Andrew Wylie also returns. Wylie has plenty of starting experience at tackle and guard.
With this many returning starters and key contributors, you'd think Washington's offensive line would be more highly regarded across the NFL. That's not the case, as several outlets rank the Commanders as having the 22nd-ranked offensive line or worse.
Did you notice there was one group we didn't question? That's right, Washington's offensive line doesn't appear to be an issue ahead of the new season. That group has a new coach, too, as former ***** istant offensive line coach Darnell Stapleton was promoted to replace Bobby Johnson. Stapleton is a proponent of a zone-based scheme, which Blough plans to employ. Under Johnson, the Commanders ran more of a gap-based scheme.
The good news for Stapleton is his personnel. Left tackle Laremy Tunsil signed a two-year extension this offseason, making him the NFL's highest-paid offensive lineman for the third time in his career. Josh Conerly Jr. enters his second season. While his career got off to a rough start, he looked like a different player in the second half. He's also reshaped his body this offseason, working with Tunsil. Right guard Sam Cosmi returns. Cosmi is a borderline Pro Bowler. Also back is left guard Chris Paul. Brandon Coleman returns and will compete with Paul at left guard. Coleman has been extremely valuable over his first two seasons, showing versatility by playing guard and tackle.
One name is missing from last season: center Tyler Biadasz. The Commanders surprisingly released Biadasz ahead of free agency. Veteran Nick Allegretti is back for his third season in the burgundy and gold and will likely start at center. Veteran Andrew Wylie also returns. Wylie has plenty of starting experience at tackle and guard.
With this many returning starters and key contributors, you'd think Washington's offensive line would be more highly regarded across the NFL. That's not the case, as several outlets rank the Commanders as having the 22nd-ranked offensive line or worse.
3 months ago
