Commanders end minicamp with urgency as Quinn installs new 3-4 defense

The Washington Commanders wrapped up their mandatory minicamp in Ashburn, Virginia, on Thursday, closing the team’s offseason program after a 5-12 season. Head coach Dan Quinn kept a full schedule as Washington worked in 31 new players and two new coordinators. Players and coaches described the spring as a push for sharper day-to-day standards and better connection across the roster.

Quinn underscored that urgency by holding the pace of practices, including one session that was stopped and restarted when the energy level dropped. Safety Jeremy Reaves pointed to last season’s five-win finish as enough motivation to raise the intensity in meetings and on the field. The Commanders also ended the week with a team gathering to mark the conclusion of the offseason work.

The biggest on-field shift has come on defense, where Washington changed coordinators and began installing a 3-4 scheme. The organization has framed the defensive reset as a priority after the unit finished among the NFL’s worst in 2025. The spring program focused on learning new responsibilities while trying to add more speed and disruption.

On offense, the Commanders used the final weeks of OTAs and minicamp to build familiarity and clarify roles, particularly in the backfield and in quarterback communication. Coaches said the objective is to carry the spring’s teaching and detail into training camp, when competition and game-planning will increase.

Speed and disruption shape Washington’s defensive overhaul

Washington replaced defensive coordinator Joe Whitt with Daronte Jones and used the spring to begin implementing the 3-4 structure. Coaches have emphasized quickness as a key ingredient in the new approach, aiming to close space faster and limit yards after the catch. The hope is that added speed will allow Jones to be more creative and aggressive with his calls.

Rookie linebacker Sonny Styles and veteran outside linebacker Odafe Oweh were cited during spring work for their ability to arrive quickly on plays. Linebacker Leo Chenal was also referenced among the additions as Washington targets a younger, faster group. Linebacker Frankie Luvu said the desired identity is aggressive and downhill, with an emphasis on creating negative plays.

The transition will require time and repetition. A 3-4 front can shift responsibilities for the front seven and demands clear communication in run fits and coverage. Washington’s staff spent the offseason teaching the framework and terminology so players can play faster when the pads come on in camp.

Backfield by committee and communication work for Jayden Daniels

Quinn indicated the Commanders could open the season with a running back by committee rather than a single lead back. Washington added Rachaad White and Jerome Ford, drafted Penn State’s all-time leading rusher Kaytron Allen in the sixth round, and brought back options such as Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Jeremy McNichols. Coaches also said they are intrigued by undrafted rookie Robert Henry Jr.

Quinn said the run game may be built around different skill sets in different situations. Jayden Daniels’ rushing ability is also expected to factor into the ground attack, whether on designed runs or scrambles. The approach reflects both roster depth and the staff’s desire to tailor calls to weekly matchups.

Daniels’ development as a passer and as an on-field organizer has remained another emphasis. Coaches used helmet-mounted GoPro cameras in practices to better evaluate quarterback huddle communication and pre-snap checks. Quinn said he has liked what he has heard from Daniels in terms of directing teammates and sharing information before the snap.

With the offseason program complete, Washington’s next step will be turning installation into execution when the team returns for training camp.