Commanders begin massive roster overhaul

The Washington Commanders are overhauling their roster, much like they did entering the 2024 season.

Don't believe for a second that Adam Peters and Dan Quinn believe their 2025 season was derailed only by injuries. Of course, there were injuries. Moreover, there were many injuries. But Peters and Quinn know the team didn't look like the 2024 team in their home opener against the Giants, and then they were completely outplayed by the Packers in Week 2 on a Thursday Night.

Peters and Quinn also know their defense stunk in 2024 and again in 2025. They made the move to rid themselves of both coordinators, hiring two first-time NFL coordinators in David Blough and Daronte Jones.

The many reserves on the Commanders this season will be new reserves. When injuries hit, the backups were a huge drop off. Quinn and Peters aren't wasting any time. They aren't bringing back Michael Deiter, Robbie Chosen, DeMarcus Walker, Gee Scott Jr, Kevon Seymour, River Cracraft, among others. Last week, Tyler Biadasz was a surprise release. The starting center for 2024 and 2025 dropped off some in 2025, and DQ and AP are determined to raise the bar this season.

The Washington #Commanders released OL Michael Deiter today - with their season over

Did Adam Peters try to do #49ers GM John Lynch a playoff solid? 👀 pic.twitter.com/aRPJmORBfP

— 49ers & NFL News 24/7 (@49ersSportsTalk) January 7, 2026

Who have the Commanders signed thus far before free agency begins next week? Punter Tress Way, G/T Andrew Wylie, C/G Nick Allegretti, DE Deatrich Wise and DT Shy Tuttle. That's it, Commanders fans. Don't be surprised if 25 players who played last year do not return to the Commanders in 2025 — or more. Hey, even kicker Jake Moody was not tendered a contract. Now, the Commanders could still choose to sign Moody later, if they desire to sign him. But for now, isn't it more evidence that DQ and AP are moving toward cleaning out much of their current house?

We don't even know if Marcus Mariota is coming back for a third season to back up Jayden Daniels. We do know that at season's end, Mariota spoke very highly of Dan Quinn. However, he also spoke very highly of Kliff Kingsbury, who is no longer with the Commanders.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Massive roster overhaul begins for 2026