Washington Commanders have a development problem

The Washington Commanders appear to have a development problem. One year after going 12-5 and appearing the NFC Championship Game, the Commanders are now 4-12 ahead of their Week 18 regular-season finale at Philadelphia.

Injuries have been a problem for Washington. The Commanders have lost a ridiculous number of players to injuries, including their top stars, like quarterback Jayden Daniels and wide receiver Terry McLaurin. However, another issue for the 2025 Commanders is the lack of development from some of their younger players.

Washington had three second-round picks in the 2024 NFL draft: defensive tackle Johnny Newton, cornerback Mike Sainristil and tight end Ben Sinnott. Sainristil started every game for Washington as a rookie and looked to be a building block moving forward. He has regressed this season at an alarming rate.

Newton and Sinnott have been buried behind veteran players. It took injuries for both young players to see increased roles. Sinnott has excelled as a blocker, and every time he's targeted in the passing game, he delivers. The Commanders have still not featured him in the passing game, but so many are quick to label him a bust.

Don't blame Sinnott.

As for Newton, he saw an increased role in Week 17 with Daron Payne out. All Newton did was finish with nine tackles, including two for loss, three sacks and five quarterback hits. It was a career game for the former Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. Sure, Newton didn't shine defending the run, but this was an encouraging performance going into 2026.

Is it possible that Washington's coaching staff is not putting its young players in the best position to succeed? That's what NFL analyst Joe Goodberry thinks, at least when it comes to Newton. He made a series of posts on Newton's performance in Week 17 and this season.

Only 77 True Pass Set rushes for Newton this year is INSANE. They keep taking him out on obvious passing situations.

Comparison to other 2024 DTs

Byron Murphy 220
Braden Fiske 195
Ruke Orhorhoro 180
Brandon Dorlus 158
Jonah Laulu 136
Kris Jenkins 133
Jowan Briggs 120— Goodberry (@JoeGoodberry) December 25, 2025

One more from Goodberry:

Look at Newton's pass rush productivity. He's amongst the best DTs in the league.

LET HIM PLAY MORE.

Oh and Jowon Briggs is probably the best unknown player to casual fans. What a trade for the Jets. pic.twitter.com/MJcdABVpC1— Goodberry (@JoeGoodberry) December 25, 2025

Those are startling numbers. Why hasn't Newton played more? Washington is 4-12. Why would you not play Newton more, even at the expense of Payne and Javon Kinlaw, and allow him to rush the passer? It's not like the Commanders have been able to rush the passer this season, specifically from the interior. Here's another stat: Payne and Kinlaw have combined for two sacks this season (both from Payne). Newton had three in one game and now has five on the season, in limited snaps.

Bobby Wagner has remained productive at Mike linebacker this season. But Washington really needs to see if Jordan Magee can start in 2026. Magee's speed is an asset, and he's flashed all season while playing outside. No one is asking Dan Quinn to bench Wagner, but why can't he share some of those snaps with Magee? Again, what do the Commanders have to lose?

Just with these examples alone, it's clear the 2025 Washington Commanders have a development problem, and that's on coaching. So, instead of calling every young player a bust that's not an immediate superstar, maybe it's time to look a little deeper.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Development of young players is a problem