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ESPN
What is their top offseason priority? Hire a defensive coordinator. Coach Dan Quinn took over playcalling duties from Joe Whitt Jr. for the final seven games, but his preference in the past has been to have someone else run the defense. Whitt, hired in 2024, did not have prior playcalling experience, so it’s possible Washington will want someone who has done so in the past.
What is one secondary priority to watch? Add impact players on defense. Washington desperately needs them, otherwise simply changing coordinators won’t have a strong enough yield. The Commanders need more speed and youth in their front seven, as well as a starting corner and safety. — John Keim
Early draft outlook: As mentioned above, improving the defensive front seven will be a core need for Washington, especially with linebacker Bobby Wagner set to hit free agency at 36. Ohio State’s Arvell Reese would solve a lot of problems in the middle of the defense, but some scouts think he can be an edge rusher in the NFL. That’s another priority for Quinn’s unit. — Miller
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TE Adam Trautman
With Ertz nearing retirement the Commanders could use another depth piece at tight end. Bates and Sinnott have proven to be productive in certain situations but whether they can make the leap to top options remains to be seen. Adam Trautman has been a versatile, productive tight end for his entire career and he seems to never get his flowers. He is a willing blocker and helped the Broncos offense tremendously in that department and he had incredible efficiency as a receiver in 2025. On 23 targets he had 20 receptions for 195 yards and a score giving him a catch percentage and yards per target rate well above the league average. The Commanders have some decent tight ends in place but bringing in a productive player like Trautman couldn’t hurt.
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Stefanski has also done his homework on Jeff Ulbrich with a view to keeping him on as defensive coordinator, according to ESPN‘s Jeremy Fowler. The Falcons would like to keep him around, which represents a blow to the Commanders if this scenario becomes reality.
“[Kevin] Stefanski has done research on potentially working with Falcons DC Jeff Ulbrich in Atlanta, per sources. Owner Arthur Blank would like to keep Ulbrich, who would be a top coordinator candidate on the market if available.”Jeremy Fowler
Most beat writers believe Ulbrich is high on Quinn’s shortlist. He hasn’t had the chance to speak with him yet, due to the previous uncertainty in Atlanta. And if the Falcons opt to retain his services, the Commanders have to look elsewhere.
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