Commanders WR promises 'new me' in 2026

Every time someone talks about the 2026 Washington Commanders, you inevitably hear, "What about wide receiver opposite Terry McLaurin?"

It feels like we've been hearing that same question for years. Things finally broke last year, though, when McLaurin suffered the first significant injury of his career, and he missed seven games. Washington's receiver position was a mess, often relying on practice-squad elevations on game day. It didn't help that quarterback Jayden Daniels was also injured and missed 10 games.

General manager Adam Peters made addressing the wide receiver an offseason priority. Unfortunately, his first two free-agency swings, Alec Pierce and Romeo Doubs, ended up elsewhere. Undeterred, Peters didn't give up, bringing back 2021 third-round pick Dyami Brown after one disappointing year away from Washington. The Commanders also added veteran Van Jefferson.

In the 2026 NFL Draft, Washington selected Clemson wide receiver Antonio Williams. Peters also re-signed former Tennessee first-round pick Treylon Burks. The Commanders continue to be linked to other big-name receivers, such as Brandon Aiyuk, who remains under contract with the 49ers, and Stefon Diggs.

Whether Washington adds Aiyuk or Diggs, the room is in a much better position than it was a year ago. Brown's return has flown under the radar. Brown could never crack the top of the depth chart in his first three seasons for the Commanders. The tide began to turn in 2024, which coincided with Jayden Daniels' rookie season. While Brown posted only modest regular-season stats, he was outstanding in three playoff games, finishing with 14 receptions, 229 yards and one touchdown.

That production led the Jaguars to offer him a one-year, $10 million deal. It didn't work out in Jacksonville, and Brown was eager to return to Washington. Throughout this offseason, Brown has shared workout videos, including those with Daniels and McLaurin. He posted another video recently titled "Self-evaluation: Dyami Brown prepares for the regular season."

The video follows Brown in the weight room and on the practice field, running routes. While every NFL player works out in the offseason, don't count out Brown becoming a critical offensive weapon for the Commanders. He's back where he's comfortable and happy. And it's important to note that he's still only 26.

In the video, Brown promised a "new me" in 2026. Don't bet against him.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders WR promises 'new me' in 2026