​The Washington Commanders are less than two weeks away from opening training camp, with rookies reporting next week and veterans scheduled to arrive on July 28. The first practice is set for July 29. In recent months, the Commanders have dominated headlines with players who aren’t even on their roster. Many assumed Washington would sign wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk after the 49ers released him, but two obstacles stood in the way: Aiyuk remains under contract with San Francisco, and his social-media activity has become a distraction, hindering his pursuit of a move. Top NFL insiders, including Adam Schefter, have suggested that Aiyuk may have squandered any immediate shot at landing in Washington—at least for now.
Another name frequently tied to the Commanders is Stefon Diggs, and this one feels more plausible. While the team’s wide-receiver need has drawn much attention, it arguably wasn’t the top priority. As July began, Washington’s cornerback group included Mike Sainristil, Trey Amos, Amik Robertson, Ahkello Witherspoon, and several others. That unit isn’t lacking in depth, but questions linger. Last week, General Manager Adam Peters addressed the position by signing veteran Rasul Douglas. Douglas has appeared in 135 NFL games, with 93 starts, and he started 28 games over the past two seasons. He isn’t a “big-name” signing, but that wasn’t necessary. His presence gives Washington five players capable of forming a competent cornerback rotation, marking a substantial improvement. The organization also believes Sainristil will rebound from a tougher sophomore campaign, and Amos shows strong long-term potential.
Not everyone shared that enthusiasm, however. Josh Edwards of CBS Sports recently identified cornerback as the top remaining need for every NFC team heading into camp. Edwards contends that eight of the 16 NFC squads still require help at cornerback. The Commanders have reworked their lineup at linebacker and along the edge, moving on from their investment at cornerback Marshon Lattimore, which in turn reduces the immediate pressure at that spot if Amos and Sainristil continue to develop early in their careers. Wide receiver remains a concern, particularly with Terry McLaurin dealing with injuries, and third-round pick Antonio Williams yet to produce in the pros. Dyami Brown, Luke McCaffrey, Jaylin Lane, and Treylon Burks are among the other options at receiver.
The notion of shifting Nick Allegretti to center and expecting flawless performance from him is optimistic at best, but the rest of the offensive line should be capable enough to manage the potential hiccups. Safety was another position Edwards touched on. While nothing he stated was incorrect, the Commanders have clearly prioritized upgrades on the edge and at linebacker, a strategy aimed at strengthening the overall defense and providing greater support to the secondary.
In sum, the Commanders head into training camp with a mix of welcomed upgrades and lingering questions. The addition of Rasul Douglas strengthens a cornerback group that needed depth, and the early signs from Sainristil and Amos offer some optimism for the future. While the receiver position remains a focal point, the improved play at edge and linebacker could have a meaningful ripple effect, potentially alleviating pressure on the cornerbacks and enabling a more cohesive defensive unit. As camp opens, fans will be watching to see how quickly the rookies adapt, how the veterans fit into the new system, and whether Washington’s adjusted roster can translate into meaningful on-field success.