The Athletic Football Show: A show about the NFL The Chargers, Commanders and Steelers kick off the annual TAFS Most Interesting Teams of the Offseason Series
43 snips
Feb 24, 2026 
Mike DeFabo, Steelers writer analyzing Pittsburgh’s coaching hire and roster strategy. Nicki Jhabvala, Commanders reporter on roster turnover and cap decisions. Daniel Popper, Chargers beat writer on cap flexibility and scheming changes. They debate coaching fits, quarterback plans, cap moves, draft positioning, and which roster areas demand urgent attention this offseason.
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Washington Is Essentially Starting Over
- The Commanders face a near‑roster reset with roughly seven locked starters and many holes; Adam Peters has cap space but also 30 expiring short deals.
- Nicki Jhabvala stresses the team needs multiple frontline additions: edge, safety, corner, linebacker and a pass‑catching tight end.
Use The Top Pick To Upgrade The Pass Rush
- With the No.7 pick, Washington could prioritize an elite edge rusher like Caleb Downs or invest in defensive line talent to rebuild the pass rush.
- Jhabvala notes the team lacked an elite edge presence and must upgrade up front after trading for pick‑ups that didn't pan out.
Fill Multiple Holes In Free Agency Not One Big Splash
- Expect the Commanders to spend free agency on veterans to plug multiple holes rather than chasing splash single‑year stars.
- Jhabvala notes they have many one‑ or two‑year signings expiring and need veterans at safety, edge, linebacker and pass catchers.