Washington Commanders

The Washington Commanders are returning to their former home.

Let’s bring this franchise back to DC pic.twitter.com/iGb7u6dbvB

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) April 28, 2025

The team also released a rendering of the new stadium, which will feature a view of the U.S. Capitol:

NEW: Rendering of the new RFK Stadium with a glass roof and views of the US Capitol. Timeline to open stadium in 2030. pic.twitter.com/ZJOLUf3ecy

— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) April 28, 2025

ESPN's John Keim first reported on Sunday that the Commanders agreed to a deal with the District of Columbia to build a new stadium where RFK Stadium still stands. The franchise played at RFK Stadium from 1961 to 1996 and won all three of its Super Bowls during that span.

While terms of the deal have yet to be announced, Keim stated that "multiple outlets reported earlier this month that the cost would exceed $3 billion."

Keim noted that Commanders owner Josh Harris previously expressed a desire to open a new stadium in 2030. The team's contract with Maryland to play at Northwest Stadium runs through 2027, but the Commanders own the land and stadium and can extend the deal as long as necessary until a new stadium is built.

Washington reportedly considered remaining in Landover, Maryland, and building a new stadium at the site of Northwest Stadium. Virginia was also once considered an option, as the team has practiced in Ashburn since 1992 and has a facility in the second year of a three-year upgrade that includes renovated locker rooms and expanded space for a player's lounge and meeting rooms.

However, Keim stated that RFK Stadium "remained a favorite spot for longtime fans," both for its central location and for its era of success. Washington mayor Muriel Bowser has long desired to build a stadium, housing, parking facility, hotels, retail space and a potential recreational facility on the 174-acre site.

Any taxpayer money used for this project must be approved by the D.C. Council, though opinions on the matter have been split throughout the years.

"My position has been that there should not be public dollars -- the D.C. treasury should not be paying toward a stadium," D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson (D) told the Washington Post earlier this month, per Keim.

The Washington Commanders selected UCLA EDGE Kain Medrano with the No. 205 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft.

Kain Medrano is a high-level athlete who has the potential to become a decent coverage linebacker in the NFL. He has the movement skills to be effective in man coverage and is solid at reading the quarterback's eyes when playing zone, too.

However, Medrano's tackling could be his fatal flaw in the NFL. He has a bad habit of lunging or not bringing his feet, leading to far too many misses last season.

Medrano has the athleticism and speed to carve out an NFL career as a coverage 'backer and special teams ace, but he must become a more consistent tackler for that to happen.

MEASUREMENT AND WORKOUT RESULTS

HEIGHT: 6'3"

WEIGHT: 222

HAND: 9⅛”

ARM: 32

WINGSPAN: 77¼”

40-YARD DASH: 4.46

3-CONE: 6.96

SHUTTLE: 4.26

VERTICAL: 38"

BROAD: 10'5"

POSITIVES

— Great athlete who earned a 9.83 RAS at the NFL combine. Solid length, too.

— Decent at reading the quarterback's eyes when playing zone coverage and has the movement skills to tighten throwing windows and take away reads from the quarterback.

— Has the athleticism to cover tight ends in man coverage.

— Plenty of speed to carry running backs and tight ends in man or take away the middle of the field when playing Tampa 2.

— Flashed decent instincts when on the playside of outside runs.

NEGATIVES

— Wiry build. Could afford to add some size and strength to avoid getting pushed around against the run.

— Subpar instincts versus inside runs. Hasn't shown the ability to crash downhill and attack gaps.

— Gets stuck on blocks, lacks the strength to stack and shed.

— Poor tackler, missed a lot of tackles last season because he lunges and doesn't bring his feet. Gives up extra yards after contact, as he doesn't have much force behind his pads.

NOTES

— Born Feb. 16, 2001

— 3-star recruit in the 2019 class, per 247Sports

— Injuries: 2022 (Undisclosed, missed 4 games)

— 2023 Honorable Mention All-Pac-12

— 2024 Third-Team All-Big Ten

— Three-time Honor Roll member

OVERALL

Kain Medrano is a high-level athlete who has the potential to become a decent coverage linebacker in the NFL. He has the movement skills to be effective in man coverage and is solid at reading the quarterback's eyes when playing zone, too.

However, Medrano's tackling could be his fatal flaw in the NFL. He has a bad habit of lunging or not bringing his feet, leading to far too many misses last season.

Medrano has the athleticism and speed to carve out an NFL career as a coverage backer and special teams ace, but he must become a more consistent tackler for that to happen.

GRADE: 5.8 (Backup/Draftable — 6th-7th Round)

OVERALL RANK: 254

POSITION RANK: LB16

PRO COMPARISON: Jake Hummel

Written by B/R NFL Scout Matt Holder

The Washington Commanders added Louisville WR Ja'Corey Brooks as an undrafted free agent after the 2025 NFL draft.

Ja’Corey Brooks has good size for an outside receiver. 

Brooks attacks off-coverage with intent and urgency. He gears up and puts pressure on corners without tipping his hand. His vertical stems open space for underneath routes such as curls, hitches, and comebacks. He does work downhill back to the ball. Brooks’ short-area quickness is above-average and helps him win at the line of scrimmage against press coverage. 

Brooks is a strong contested-catch target. He tracks the ball well and flashes late hands at the catch point. He has a good, reliable catch radius to high-point and extends from his frame. Brooks has good body control to adjust to slightly less accurate passes and back-shoulder fades. 

In the run game, he is a willing blocker. He gives effort and plays with adequate strength upon contact.

Athleticism and top-end speed are Brooks' downfalls as a prospect. He lacks the athleticism to strike fear into cornerbacks down the field, which places more onus on his ability to win quickly at the line. Brooks isn’t explosive or dynamic enough to push corners off the ball and on their heels. His routes leave a lot to be desired, as he struggles to generate separation at the top of his routes. He is a high-hipped and upright route-runner, making his break less sharp and crisp. 

Overall, Brooks projects as a backup/rotational wide receiver in the NFL. He has the size and wingspan to make plays on the ball, but he must improve his separation against tight man coverage to secure more playing time against athletic defenders.

 MEASUREMENT AND WORKOUT RESULTS

HEIGHT: 6'2"

WEIGHT: 184

HAND: 9"

ARM: 31¾"

WINGSPAN: 76"

40-YARD DASH: N/A

3-CONE: N/A

SHUTTLE: N/A

VERTICAL: N/A

BROAD: N/A

POSITIVES

— Runs vertical stems with urgency and intent.

— Has the ball skills and catch radius to make winning plays at the catch point.

— Good ball-tracking down the field and late hands as ball approaches.

NEGATIVES

— Not an explosive or dynamic athlete.

— Lacks hip fluidity, which limits his breaks at the top of routes.

— Struggles to generate separation against tight man coverage.

NOTES

— Born October 31, 2001

— 5-star recruit in 2021 class, per 247Sports

— 2024: First-team All-ACC

GRADE: 5.8 (Backup/Draftable — 6th-7th Round)

OVERALL RANK: 259

POSITION RANK: WR38

PRO COMPARISON: Quartney Davis

Written by B/R NFL Scout Dame Parson

The Washington Commanders selected Ole Miss CB Trey Amos with the No. 61 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft.

Amos is a physical and fluid cornerback prospect with the size, strength, and athleticism to compete at the next level. Known for his strong press technique and ability to match up against bigger receivers, Amos has the skill set to develop into a versatile corner capable of playing both man and zone coverage schemes.

Amos excels in press coverage, using his quick feet, lateral movement, and strong hand usage to control receivers at the line. His ball skills are notable, allowing him to high-point the ball and play through the catch point. However, his aggressiveness can cause him to struggle with eye discipline, leading to separation or loss of leverage. His transitions, particularly from a backpedal, can be inconsistent, which hampers his ability to recover downfield.

Amos is a willing and physical run defender, quick to trigger and take on blockers with his hands. He consistently disengages, using both strength and quickness to attack screens or ball carriers. His tackling is inconsistent, especially against bigger runners. He sometimes reverts to arm tackles, leading to missed opportunities.

Trey Amos projects as a mid-round pick with the potential to develop into a versatile starter. His combination of size, athleticism, and ball skills makes him an intriguing prospect. However, improving his tackling consistency and refining his technique in deep coverage will be key to his success.

MEASUREMENT AND WORKOUT RESULTS

HEIGHT: 6'1"

WEIGHT: 195

HAND: 9"

ARM: 31¼”

WINGSPAN: 77¾”

40-YARD DASH: 4.43

VERTICAL: 32.5"

BROAD: 10'6"

POSITIVES

— Good functional strength. Plays to his size and length, holding up very well against bigger receivers.

— Great press technique, showing quick feet and lateral movement to mirror at the line, as well as good hand strike and placement to control receivers.

— Triggers quickly to screens and the run game. He takes on blockers with his hands and quickly disengages.

— Fluid overall athlete with loose hips and good overall speed to stay in the receiver's hip pocket down the field.

— Solid tackler who gets in the mix to play his position. Will front up ball-carriers to wrestle them down.

— Very good ball skills to track and react to the ball. Shows the ability to high point, as well as the timing needed to play through the catch point.

NEGATIVES

— His physicality and aggressiveness can cause him to be slower to get his head around and locate the ball.

— Poor eye discipline can pull him out of position, allowing receivers to out-leverage or gain a step on him downfield. Also struggles to make up ground when out of position.

— Inconsistent tackling, especially with running backs and bigger ball-carriers. He drops his head and reverts to arm tackles.

NOTES

— Born March 3, 2002

— Games Started: 36

— 2024: Transfer from Alabama to Ole Miss

— 2023: Transfer from Louisiana to Alabama

— 3 Star recruit in the 2020 class, per 247Sports

GRADE: 7.6 (Potential Impact Player — 2nd Round)

OVERALL RANK: 44

POSITION RANK: CB7

PRO COMPARISON: Carlton Davis

Written by B/R NFL Scout Cory Giddings

The Washington Commanders selected Oregon OT Josh Conerly Jr. with the No. 29 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft.

Josh Conerly Jr. is a two-year starter at left tackle inside Oregon's 52-48 run-pass split, multiple run scheme. Conerly was a high school running back until moving to the offensive line as a sophomore before becoming the top-ranked offensive tackle recruit in the nation. Conerly has a lean, well-rounded build with good arm length, athletic ability and adequate play strength.

Conerly wins as a run blocker by quickly getting out of his stance and into fits on time with proper leverage on angle-drive blocks to wall off and secure rush lanes. He is light on his feet with good burst as a puller, on screens and climbs to intersect targets. While Conerly gets into place and can stay attached to blocks well, he shows below-average power that results in stalemates and being pried open gradually to allow penetration across his face.

In pass protection, Conerly is a loose, fluid mover with efficient footwork to his spot using angled or vertical sets with the redirect skills to mirror counter moves. Conerly uses his length well with solid placement to work inside the frame of rushers and keep them at his fingertips. He runs into trouble against rushers that can weaponize tempo, stutters and hesitations that get him broken down, flat-footed and leaning into contact. This can lead to a tardy anchor against speed to power, drifting and creating soft edges that force him into recovery mode.

Overall, Conerly has good athletic ability, recovery and zone run blocking skills with the range to protect the corner in pass protection against high-side, speed rushes. He shows erratic strike timing and mediocre play strength that saps his anchor, indicating a best fit inside a zone-based run scheme where he can earn a starting tackle job as a rookie and become a solid starter.

MEASUREMENT AND WORKOUT RESULTS

HEIGHT: 6'5"

WEIGHT: 311

HAND: 10⅜"

ARM: 33½"

WINGSPAN: 82¼"

40-YARD DASH: 5.05

3-CONE: N/A

SHUTTLE: N/A

VERTICAL: 34.5"

BROAD: 8'7"

POSITIVES

— Good athletic ability, quickness and redirect skills

— Fluid mover who can intersect and steer smaller targets away from the ball on pulls, screens and climbs

— Does a nice job on frontside kick-out blocks of fitting and walling off defenders just long enough to secure lanes

— Efficient, quick feet in pass protection to beat rushers to the spot using 45 and vertical sets

— Shows good recovery and mirror skills to stay attached and slow down counter moves

— Flashes ability to strike through rush moves, press and keep rushers at his fingertips

NEGATIVES

— Susceptible to biting and getting caught flat-footed against stutters and hesitations that cause him to drift and create a soft inside shoulder

— Mediocre play strength shows up in the run game with getting quick stalemates and pried open on angle-drive blocks

NOTES

— Born Nov. 5, 2003

— 5-star recruit from the 2022 class, per 247Sports

— Won the Anthony Munoz Award given annually to the best lineman in high school football and was the top-ranked offensive tackle recruit in the nation

— Transitioned from running back to the offensive line as a sophomore

— 28 career starts at left tackle

— Participated in the 2025 Senior Bowl

GRADE: 7.7 (Potential Impact Player — 2nd Round)

OVERALL RANK: 40

POSITION RANK: OT3

PRO COMPARISON: Joe Noteboom

Written by B/R NFL Scout Brandon Thorn

If it's not broken, don't fix it.

The Washington Commanders' predraft process led them down a path where they selected Jayden Daniels with the No. 2 overall pick last year, and they reportedly repeated part of that process this year.

Nicki Jhabvala of the Washington Post reported the NFC East team brought approximately 20 draft prospects to Topgolf on Tuesday. The players received individual time with members of the coaching staff during the visit in addition to the chance to play some golf alongside their fellow prospects.

Jhabvala noted Washington believes it is "beneficial because players were more relaxed and they could see how players interacted with one another."

The Commanders aren't the only team that did so, as Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty told Pat McAfee the Las Vegas Raiders did something similar:

Ashton Jeanty tells @PatMcAfeeShow that the #Raiders took him and other draft prospects out to Topgolf during their visit last Wednesday 🏌️‍♂️

In the group were Michigan DT Mason Graham, LSU OT Will Campbell, Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart, Texas QB Quinn Ewers, Ohio State QB Will Howard,… pic.twitter.com/fd7NEj153d

— Nick Walters (@nickwalt) April 15, 2025

Washington generated plenty of headlines last year when it hosted quarterbacks prospects Daniels, Drake Maye, J.J. McCarthy and Michael Penix Jr. alongside other players during a predraft visit at Topgolf.

The Commanders eventually selected Daniels, and he went on to win Offensive Rookie of the Year while leading them to the NFC Championship Game. It was the team's first playoff appearance since the 2020 campaign, and the future looks quite bright with Daniels under center.

The team won't be looking for a quarterback early in the draft this year, but it will want to surround Daniels with even more talent that can gel together in the coming years.

And going to Topgolf is part of that process.

One NFL executive questioned whether the Washington Commanders are heading toward regression in 2025.

The executive said so much rests on quarterback Jayden Daniels avoiding a "sophomore slump."

"I'm afraid that is the team that is going to have the quarterback hit the sophomore slump, and now you have invested in all these older guys and you are not really building a team anymore, you are just adding pieces," they said to The Athletic's Mike Sando. "At some point, you get diminishing returns with all those old guys."

Sando said the executive cited Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud as an example of what could be in store for Daniels.

Stroud saw his numbers decline across the board, with no stat more glaring than his passing yards. He averaged a league-high 273.9 yards per game through the air in 2023, and that figure dropped to 219.2 yards in 2024.

Young quarterbacks don't always progress in a linear fashion. In his second season, Daniels will inevitably face defenses that have better adjusted to his strengths and weaknesses.

The Commanders made good use of having their starting quarterback on a rookie contract. They acquired wide receiver Deebo Samuel and offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil through trades and signed defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw to a $45 million contract.

Washington didn't rest on its laurels after making an underdog run to the NFC title game, and the front office's aggressive approach was a clear endorsement of Daniels.

Should the 2024 first-round pick fail to take another step forward in Year 2, though, it will deal a serious blow to the Commanders' ambitions.

The Washington Commanders are confident in Deebo Samuel having a resurgent 2025 season after trading for the wide receiver, according to ESPN's John Keim.

"They added players looking to prove themselves, perhaps for one more big contract such as receiver Deebo Samuel," Keim reported Monday. "Because of that, as one league source said, Washington knows it probably will get the 'best version' of Samuel as a player."

Washington acquired Samuel from the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round pick on March 1.

The 29-year-old failed to meet expectations during his final year in San Francisco, averaging a career-low 44.7 receiving yards per game and recording 806 all-purpose yards in 15 appearances.

While Samuel's sole Pro Bowl season in 2021 is in the rearview mirror, he still racked up 1,117 yards from scrimmage and found the end zone 12 times during his 2023 campaign.

3️⃣6️⃣ DAYS UNTIL THE DRAFT

Deebo Samuel Sr. was the 36th pick back in 2019 and now is the newest playmaker for the @Commanders 👀 @19Problemz pic.twitter.com/PC07aYPAAx

— NFL (@NFL) March 19, 2025

It isn't hard to imagine him looking like his old self on a high-powered Commanders offense that finished No. 5 and No. 7 in points (27.8) and yards per game (369.6) last season, respectively.

Led by Offensive Rookie of the Year winner Jayden Daniels, Washington clinched the playoffs with a 12-5 record and made an appearance in the NFC Championship Game.

JAYDEN DANIELS. THE FUTURE IS NOW.

📺: #WASvsDET on FOX
📱: Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/4j76DTbvTL

— NFL (@NFL) January 19, 2025

Samuel also shouldn't have to worry about receiving too much attention from opposing secondaries, as Terry McLaurin is still expected to operate as Daniels' No. 1 target next season.

As the Commanders look to remain a threat in the NFC, they're reportedly confident that Samuel is in store for a productive individual season.

The Washington Commanders have restructured wide receiver Deebo Samuel's contract and will guarantee $17 million on his deal this season, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

A reworked deal for Deebo in DC: the Commanders are guaranteeing $17 million of Deebo Samuel’s previously non-guaranteed salary for this season, along with adding another $3 million worth of incentives, per sources. Samuel now will play this season on a one-year deal worth up to… pic.twitter.com/H5pfBs5gUf

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 19, 2025

The Commanders acquired Samuel for a 2025 fifth-round draft pick in a deal finalized on March 12.

Samuel had 51 receptions for 670 receiving yards and three touchdowns last season in addition to 136 rushing yards and another score in 15 games. It was a down year for Samuel, who had been one of the most explosive playmakers in the league in previous years.

In 2021, Samuel earned first-team All-Pro honors with 1,770 yards from scrimmage and 14 scores. In 2023, Samuel had 1,117 yards and 12 touchdowns en route to helping guide the 49ers to the NFC title.

A change of scenery could do wonders for Samuel for a few reasons.

First, he's on an explosive offense with a dynamic and young quarterback talent in Jayden Daniels who just led the Commanders to their first NFC Championship Game appearance since 1991.

Second, Samuel could easily have a career renaissance in Washington under offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, who oversaw an offense that was fifth in scoring after finishing 25th the year before his arrival.

Samuel figures to be the No. 2 wideout in town, and he's surrounded by talents such as Terry McLaurin and Brian Robinson Jr. who should take the pressure off him and give him room to operate.

So while guaranteeing $17 million in 2025 is a large chunk of change, it could very well be worth it for Samuel, who joins a team on the rise that could make another step forward with him in town.

Deebo Samuel will wear a new jersey next season, but the number won't change.

The Washington Commanders announced on Tuesday that Samuel will wear jersey No. 1 after his trade from the San Francisco 49ers.

1 of 1@19problemz | #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/XUcTRZ28Yo

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) March 18, 2025

Samuel was given permission to seek a trade after requesting a deal from the 49ers following the end of the 2024 season.

"It was a hard conversation to have with Kyle (Shanahan) because of the relationship that we have," Samuel said about his request. "But I have to do what's best. I'm more than thankful for the Niners giving me the opportunity of a lifetime, but now I think it's best that we find another team."

The 49ers wound up trading Samuel to the Commanders in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round draft pick. He gives an offense that was one of the most exciting in the NFL with Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels at quarterback another option at receiver next to Terry McLaurin.

Washington will be hoping the jersey is more successful for Samuel than it was for the last player who wore No. 1, Jahan Dotson.

A first-round draft pick in 2022, Dotson had a promising rookie year with 523 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. His performance dropped off the following year with just 10.9 yards per catch in 2023.

The Commanders traded Dotson to the Philadelphia Eagles in August 2024.

Samuel wore jersey No. 19 for the first five years of his NFL career. He made the switch to No. 1 for the 2024 season. The 29-year-old previously wore No. 1 for his final three years at South Carolina from 2016 to '18.

Washington has high expectations going into the 2025 season after a surprise run to the NFC Championship Game. The offense looks formidable on paper with Daniels, Samuel and McLaurin as their main trio.

Samuel finished last season with 806 yards from scrimmage and four total touchdowns in 15 games for the 49ers.