Too Early 2026 Mock Offseason: Brandon Aiyuk Target? Caleb Downs in Round 1

Locked On Commanders - Daily Podcast On The Washington Commanders

The Commanders are 3-8 entering the bye week, so it's time to look ahead. We reveal our complete 2026 Mock Offseason Blueprint to fix the roster.

With over $81 million in projected cap space, we break down the aggressive free agency plan: targeting Brandon Aiyuk (whose guarantees were voided) to pair with Jayden Daniels, plus signing impact starters like Jamel Dean, Malcolm Koonce, and D.J. Reader.

We also unveil a full 2026 Mock Draft, selecting Ohio State safety Caleb Downs in the first round as the defense's "skeleton key" and finding interior offensive line help in Round 3. Plus, we analyze which current Commanders (Bobby Wagner, Deebo Samuel) are eligible for contract extensions.

BECOME A LOCKED ON COMMANDERS INSIDER: https://joinsubtext.com/lockedoncommanders

Host David Harrison covers the Washington Commanders for WUSA9 and Sports Illustrated.

Follow David on X: https://twitter.com/DHarrison82

📌 Locked On Commanders is your daily podcast for all things Washington Commanders—free and available on all platforms.
🎧 Subscribe + hit the bell for daily updates
💬 Drop your questions and reactions in the comments!

📸 Photo Credits
Images courtesy of USA Today, Bowie TV (YouTube.com/@Bowie_TV), and Abdullah Konte of the Washington Informer (Instagram: @dullahvision)

🔗 Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms
https://link.chtbl.com/LOCommanders

🧠 More NFL content from Locked On
https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNFL

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
Peloton
Let yourself run, lift, flex, and push forward. Explore the new Peloton Cross Training Tread+ today at https://www.onepeloton.com.
PrizePicks
Download the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONNFL to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.
Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNFL
Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNFL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.
FanDuel
Right now, new customers can bet just FIVE dollars and if your bet wins—you’ll get THREE HUNDRED dollars in bonus bets to use across the app.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.