Fixing the WRs and TEs: Three Smart Plays for 2026

In Tuesday’s blog post, UKHTTC founder Christian Burt suggested three effective DEF strategies to help the Commanders regain momentum for the 2026 season.

Now, we shift our focus to the offensive receiving corps.

Get Better — Much Better — in the Slot at WR

With the Commanders moving on from Kliff Kingsbury, there’s been plenty of chatter inside the building about shifting toward a more traditional, pocket-based attack under new offensive coordinator David Blough. If that’s the direction they take, a reunion with Deebo Samuel feels unlikely.

Blough’s system would be expected to prioritise receivers who separate quickly, operate with precision, and consistently win underneath. The emphasis should shift toward reliable hands and disciplined route-running rather than pure speed, raw athleticism, or off-script freelancing.

One obvious free-agent target would be Wan’Dale Robinson, the former second-round pick of the New York Giants in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Robinson is far more than a “third option” wideout. In 2025, he graded out as a high-volume, high-usage receiver — roughly top 20 league-wide — and emerged as one of the NFL’s more productive slot weapons. Head coach Dan Quinn has often spoken about valuing players who master the specifics of their role. Adding one of the better slot receivers in the league, while simultaneously weakening an NFC East rival, would make plenty of sense.

If Robinson re-signs with the Giants or lands elsewhere, Washington could also take a long look at Alabama’s Germie Bernard if he’s still available at pick No. 71.

Romeo for the Dub (Doubs)

Washington are paying Terry McLaurin handsomely — but they still lack a true WR2 on the opposite side of the formation. This is where retaining a second-round pick would have been particularly valuable for the Commanders.

Romeo Doubs is expected to command somewhere in the $12–15 million per year range, and the former Green Bay Packer would project as a clean schematic fit for David Blough’s offense. While he’s not in the same headline tier as George Pickens or Alec Pierce — both of whom could be franchise-tag candidates — Doubs profiles as a more traditional, reliable boundary chain-mover.

That steadiness could complement how Washington wants to structure the offense: McLaurin as the alpha, surrounded by a dependable, clearly defined supporting cast.

If the front office were to pair Doubs with a slot option like Wan'Dale Robinson or a draft addition such as Germie Bernard, the depth chart suddenly looks far more balanced:

• McLaurin → Explosive outside separator & contested catch demon

• Doubs → Structured boundary WR2

• Robinson/Bernard → Polished slot technician

  
  

That construction would inevitably squeeze someone out. It might not be great news for Treylon Burks, Luke McCaffrey, or Jaylin Lane (who at least has true return capabilities).

What Happens at Tight End Post-Ertz?

Let’s rewind for a moment. Ben Sinnott was selected in Round 2 of the 2024 NFL Draft at No. 53 overall. The Commanders had no hesitation in showing Kliff Kingsbury the door — and for me, there’s a correlation there. It feels like the front office and coaching staff in Washington want to see more from young players like Sinnott.

With that in mind, the team doesn’t appear to be shopping at the top of the tight end free-agent market for an explosive, high-end option. Instead, the smarter play seems to be adding a savvy veteran presence to the room.

Second-round tight ends typically receive every opportunity to claim the starting job by Year 2. Bringing in “insurance” shouldn’t mean blocking Sinnott’s development. By acquiring Tyler Higbee, the burgundy and gold would be adding a seasoned pro who can serve as both contributor and mentor — particularly in a more traditional NFL offense.

Is it a flashy move? No. But it would place the onus squarely on Sinnott to elevate his game after two slightly underwhelming seasons since being drafted.