Commanders' offensive triplets ranked ahead of 2026 NFL season
Article excerpt
The Washington Commanders' offensive triplets, typically a quarterback, running back, and top receiver, have been ranked among the NFL's best ahead of the 2026 season. The ranking reflects the team's investment in star talent and projects their potential as a playoff contender. Rankings like these often shift based on preseason expectations and player health. The Commanders' offensive firepower will be central to whether the team can compete in a competitive NFC East division.
One year ago, the combination of Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels and wide receiver Terry McLaurin was considered one of the NFL's top QB/WR duos ahead of the 2025 season. In Daniels' record-breaking 2024 season, McLaurin caught a career-high 13 touchdown passes, almost doubling his career high, and added three more in the postseason.
Only Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase combined for more touchdowns in 2024. Unfortunately, we didn't get to see a follow-up in 2025, as Daniels and McLaurin were barely on the field together due to injuries.
As we enter 2026, NFL analysts continue to rank positional groups, individual players and more. Matt Verderame of Sports Illustrated recently ranked the NFL's best offensive triplets for 2026. The term offensive triplets became famous in the early 1990s, when the Dallas Cowboys featured quarterback Troy Aikman, running back Emmitt Smith and wide receiver Michael Irvin.
For the Commaners, their offensive triplets came in at No. 15: Daniels, McLaurin and second-year running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt:
Another team with talent. Another team with significant questions. Daniels was the Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2024, leading the Commanders to the NFC title game with 4,459 total yards and 31 touchdowns. Last season, injuries limited him to seven games as Washington went 5, 12. Meanwhile, McLaurin had posted five consecutive 1,000-yard seasons before playing in 10 games last year, notching 582 yards. Will McLaurin, who will turn 31 in September, regain his prior form?
The No. 15 ranking seems fair, considering how much time Daniels and McLaurin missed last fall. Croskey-Merritt, a rookie seventh-round pick, was a part-time starter and still led the Commanders with 805 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. He also averaged 4.6 yards per attempt.
Daniels and McLaurin are 100% healthy now, and more motivated than ever to put a miserable 2025 behind them.
As for the rest of the NFC East, SI ranked the Cowboys' triplets at No. 5, the Eagles at No. 9 and the Giants at No. 29.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Where are offensive triplets ranked for 2026?