Everything feels different in D.C. right now. Seriously. If you’ve been following the Washington Commanders since the Josh Harris takeover, you know the vibe has shifted from "perpetual disaster" to something more like "calculated chaos." But with the 2025 season in the rearview and a 5-12 record staring fans in the face, the rumor mill is spinning faster than a Jayden Daniels scramble.
People are talking.
They’re talking about the quarterback’s elbow, the new kid calling the plays, and a stadium that looks like it belongs in a sci-fi movie. Honestly, keeping up with the latest Washington football team rumors is a full-time job at this point.
The Jayden Daniels Health Mystery
Let’s get real about the elephant in the room. Jayden Daniels is the franchise. Period. But after three separate injuries in 2025, everyone is holding their breath. The kid is talented—we saw that during his Rookie of the Year campaign—but availability is the best ability, right?
The latest buzz isn’t just about his recovery; it’s about his travel schedule. Believe it or not, Daniels is headed to Saudi Arabia in March. He’s captaining a team in the Fanatics Flag Football Classic alongside Tom Brady. Yeah, that Tom Brady. While some fans are worried about him playing any kind of football before training camp, others see it as a sign that his elbow is finally good to go.
A New Voice in the Ear
With Kliff Kingsbury out of the picture, the offensive keys have been handed to David Blough.
📖 Related: Why Netball Girls Sri Lanka Are Quietly Dominating Asian Sports
It’s an unconventional move. Blough is young. Like, "still-looks-like-he-could-be-on-the-roster" young. But the chatter around the building is that the "disconnect" between Kingsbury and GM Adam Peters was real. They needed someone who could bridge the gap between the front office's vision and the field.
To help him out, the team just brought in D.J. Williams as the quarterbacks coach. If that name sounds familiar, it should. He’s the son of Doug Williams. Talk about keeping it in the family. The hope is that Williams can provide the stability Daniels needs to survive a full 17-game slate.
The Maxx Crosby Bombshell
You’ve probably seen the headlines. One analyst at Bleacher Report floated a trade that would basically break the internet: the Commanders trading for Maxx Crosby.
Is it actually going to happen?
The rumor suggests Washington could send the No. 7 overall pick and a 2027 first-rounder to the Raiders. On paper, it makes sense. Dan Quinn needs an elite edge rusher to make his scheme work. Washington has almost $90 million in cap space. They can afford the contract. But giving up the seventh pick when the roster has holes at safety and offensive line is a massive gamble.
👉 See also: Why Cumberland Valley Boys Basketball Dominates the Mid-Penn (and What’s Next)
Adam Peters isn't exactly known for being reckless, but he did trade for Marshon Lattimore last year. He’s shown he’s willing to swing big if he thinks the window is opening.
The $3.7 Billion Dream at RFK
While the roster is in flux, the real estate side of the business is exploding. We finally saw the renderings for the new stadium.
It’s going back to the RFK site.
The design features a transparent domed roof and a 70,000-seat capacity. It’s meant to be a year-round destination, which basically means Josh Harris wants it to be a money-making machine even when the team isn't playing. The price tag? A cool $3.7 billion.
"We're designing a stadium that amplifies the energy of football... and becomes a place the community can be proud of," said team president Mark Clouse.
✨ Don't miss: What Channel is Champions League on: Where to Watch Every Game in 2026
But don't get your hopes up for a quick move. The projected opening isn't until 2030. Between now and then, there are about a thousand legal and political hurdles to jump over, including a massive overhaul of the D.C. transit system to handle the crowds.
What’s Actually Next?
If you're trying to figure out where the smoke meets the fire, keep an eye on these specific moves over the next few weeks:
- The Backup QB Situation: Marcus Mariota is a free agent. He started more games than Daniels last year. If Washington doesn't re-sign him or find a high-end vet, it tells you they are 100% confident in Daniels’ durability.
- The No. 7 Pick: Most scouts are leaning toward Ohio State safety Caleb Downs or an edge rusher like David Bailey. If they keep the pick, they're sticking to the slow build. If they trade it? Buckle up.
- The Defensive Coordinator: Dan Quinn is reportedly swinging for the fences here. Brian Flores is the name at the top of the list. Hiring a heavy hitter like Flores would signal that the Commanders aren't planning on another 5-12 season.
The biggest misconception is that Washington is in a "rebuild." They aren't. With the Giants hiring John Harbaugh, the NFC East is becoming an arms race. The Commanders are trying to reload on the fly while building a literal landmark in the middle of the city. It’s a lot. But for the first time in decades, the rumors are actually about winning, not just surviving the latest scandal.
Actionable Next Steps:
Keep a close watch on the NFL Scouting Combine in February. That is where the Maxx Crosby trade talk will either turn into a real negotiation or die out completely. Also, watch the official team announcements for the Defensive Coordinator role; if it's a "big name" hire, expect the team to be much more aggressive in free agency than the experts currently predict.