As the 2026 Washington Commanders Training Camp kicks off next week, I am going to give the status of the team as it stands today. This will be a three part series: 1. The Offense, 2. The Defense, 3. The Special Teams and Coaching Staff. Yesterday I looked at the offense. To read that please click here. Today let’s take a look at the defense.
Defensive Line
The hiring of Daronte Jones facilitated roster changes at all levels. The defensive line last season had moments but overall was a disappointment. However individually the players were not that bad. Da’ron Payne was solid but not spectacular, Javon Kinlaw was as well. Kinlaw started every game last season but too often was double teamed without support. Jer’Zhan Newton also improved but the line added more size. The additions of Charles Omenihu and return of Tim Settle added size and speed. With Dorance Armstrong returning the line has more versatility and power. I expect this line to be more in control of games in Jones’ defense.
Grade- B+
Linebackers
This was the part of the defense that struggled the most in 2025. All time great Bobby Wagner had a very good statistical season, however he was routinely targeted and led to the Commanders not bringing him back. Frankie Luvu regressed and was usually schemed out of the play or forced to be a rush end and lost his effectiveness. The Commanders rebuilt the position adding Leo Chenal from the Kansas City Chiefs and drafting Sonny Styles from Ohio State in the first round. The biggest upgrade is speed. Jones’ defenses are predicated on speed and Washington now has that all at the linebacker position. With Jordan McGee and free agent signing K’Lavon Chaisson we will see multiple groupings and formations. All signs point to a huge improvement.
Grade- A
Cornerbacks
By transformative property with the front seven struggling the cornerbacks did as well in 2025. Sometimes it was quarterbacks had so much time to find receivers down field, others it was players severely out of position, no matter the cause the season wasn’t the best. Adam Peter took a shot on Marshon Lattimore and ultimately it missed. Trey Amos was drafted to learn and take over but ended up starting and both him and Lattimore ended up with season ending injuries. Mike Sainristil played all over but he is smaller and struggled in the scheme. Free agent signings Amik Robinson, Ahkello Witherspoon, and Rasul Douglas enter the picture. The scheme will help but Amos is not 100% ready to start camp which might have been planned for with the Douglas signing.
Grade- C+
Safety
One of the least talked about positions is the safety position. The rookie Caleb Downs was thought to be the Commanders choice in the draft but they ended up with a player they wanted more in Sonny Styles. Free Agent signing Nick Cross will be an instant starter with Will Harris. Cross fits into the Jones system perfectly and has a good track record of health. Now depth will be a concern with Quan Martin and Percy Butler and of course Jeremy Reaves. Malik Spencer is an interesting rookie who I see contributing this year.
Grade- B
Overall the defense is much improved by roster and coaching. Rebuilding the defense had to be the number one priority and Washington definitely achieved that. This defense should definitely keep Washington in games and that is the priority. The offense can stay on schedule if they aren’t behind by three touchdowns. I am excited to see this defense perform in 2026. What grade would you give the defense?
