The upcoming season is crucial for some members of the Washington Commanders. Jayden Daniels, who was the No. 2 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, aims to make a comeback this year after dealing with injuries in 2025. His performance this fall is important as it could influence his contract negotiations at the end of the season.
Head coach Dan Quinn, who led the Commanders to the NFC championship in 2024, saw the team regress last year. With two new coordinators on board, the expectation is for improvement during Quinn’s third season with the team.
For Commanders punter Tress Way, the season holds special significance. As the longest-tenured player on Washington’s roster, Way has hinted that this might be his final year in the league.
“Pro Bowls are sweet. Having that the rest of my life, with a few jerseys hanging up, will be really special for me,” Way said in a video posted by JP Finlay of NBC Sports. “This year too is special because I’m pretty sure this is going to be my last season.”
Way mentioned that he informed general manager Adam Peters and coach Dan Quinn about his possible retirement, expressing a desire to give them a heads-up. He shared his feelings about the situation, noting, “Taking it all in. Feel like everybody’s cutting onions all the time around here.”
Before the season, Way was named a team captain alongside Daniels, wide receiver Terry McLaurin, linebacker Frankie Luvu, and safety Jeremy Reaves.
Way entered the NFL in 2013 as an undrafted free agent with the Chicago Bears and signed with Washington in 2014. The former Oklahoma Sooners player earned second-team All-Pro honors in 2019 and has been nominated for the Pro Bowl three times, including in 2025.