The Washington Commanders are heading into 2026 looking to build on a season that ended with plenty left on the table. They finished 5-12 last year, good for third in the NFC East, and the front office has made it clear that standing pat isn't an option.
Jayden Daniels returning under center remains the biggest reason for confidence heading into camp, and general manager Adam Peters didn't sit still this offseason either, adding several new faces on the defensive side of the ball, with rookie Sonny Styles among the names generating buzz early on.
That optimism took a hit this week with news involving one of the team's own.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that edge rusher Dorance Armstrong has been suspended without pay for Washington's regular-season opener, a punishment tied to a violation of the NFL's Personal Conduct Policy.
The suspension begins Aug. 30, with Armstrong eligible to return Sept. 14.
The one-game ban will cost him $507,500 in salary and bonus money for the 2026 season. Armstrong, 29, is entering the final year of a three-year, $33 million contract with the Commanders.
Armstrong's path to Washington started in Dallas, where the Cowboys took him in the fourth round out of Kansas back in 2018. He played out his rookie contract, worth $3.12 million, before hitting free agency, and Dallas ultimately brought him back on an extension in 2022.
Two years later, he left for Washington but his time with the Commanders has been inconsistent so far.
A 2024 season cut short by injured reserve was followed by a return in 2025, when he appeared in seven games and finished with 24 total tackles and 5.5 sacks.
