Key Season Ahead for Washington Commanders

The upcoming season is crucial for several members of the Washington Commanders. Jayden Daniels, selected as the No. 2 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, aims to make a strong comeback after dealing with injuries in 2025. His performance this fall is essential as he approaches contract negotiations at the season’s end.

Head coach Dan Quinn, who guided the Commanders to the NFC championship in 2024, faces challenges ahead. The team saw a decline last year, and with two new coordinators, improvements are needed in Quinn’s third season.

For Commanders punter Tress Way, the season holds a different significance. As the longest-serving player on Washington’s roster, Way informed both General Manager Adam Peters and Quinn that this might be his final season in the league.

“Pro Bowls are sweet. Having that the rest of my life, a few jerseys hanging up with that will be really special for me,” Way said in a video posted to X by JP Finlay of NBC Sports. “And this year too is special because I am pretty sure this is going to be my last season.”

Way added that he had a conversation with Ap and DQ, wanting to provide a heads-up rather than surprise them with his decision. The emotional note of the season makes it feel like “everybody’s cutting onions all the time around here.”

Before the season start, Way was named a team captain alongside Daniels, wide receiver Terry McLaurin, linebacker Frankie Luvu, and safety Jeremy Reaves. Way entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Chicago Bears in 2013 and joined Washington in 2014. The former Oklahoma Sooners standout achieved second-team All-Pro honors in 2019 and garnered three Pro Bowl nominations, including last year.

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