Daily Slop: 5 Feb 26 – Links to articles, videos and tweets about Commanders football and the NFL in general

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Articles

Commanders Roundtable

Five free agent options for Washington Commanders at WR2

Rashid Shaheed, Seahawks:

Shaheed is the definition of a big-play threat since coming into the league. A former undrafted player out of Weber State back in 2021, he’s had a catch of at least 50 yards every year since coming into the league. Shaheed’s value isn’t just on the offensive side of the ball, as he’s one of the most dangerous return men.

His playmaking skills came alive in the playoffs for the Seahawks, as he took the opening kickoff for a touchdown in the rout over the 49ers in the divisional round. In the Conference Championship against the Rams, Shaheed had a 51-yard catch that set up the Seahawks’ first touchdown of the game.

Players like Shaheed are hard to come by, and every team would love to have one. Washington could have some fun with where they line him up and how they could get the ball in his hands.

Commanders Roundtable

Washington Commanders hire Big Ten assistant Eric Henderson on defensive staff

This will mark the third coaching opportunity in the NFL for Dickerson, who joins the organization after two years as the co-defensive coordinator, run game coordinator and defensive line coach. He joined the Trojans staff under head coach Lincoln Riley after previously spending four seasons in the NFL.

Henderson first joined the NFL coaching ranks in 2017 when he served as the assistant defensive line coach with the Los Angeles Chargers for two seasons before moving onto a defensive line coach role with the Los Angeles Rams for two seasons beginning in 2019. Lynn overlapped with Anthony Lynn, current Commanders run game coordinator and then-head coach who also materialized into a candidate for a pair of teams this offseason, during his time with the Chargers before being part of the Rams staff that won Super Bowl LVI to end the 2021 season. He was then elevated to run game coordinator in 2023.

A to Z Sports

Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez had high praise for his brother-in-law, David Blough

New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez has a close connection to Blough as his brother-in-law, as Blough is married to his sister, Melissa Gonzalez.

Gonzalez was asked about Blough at the Super Bowl media day before the big game, and he had nothing but strong praise for the Commanders’ new offensive coordinator.

“Yeah, I think it’s awesome. So excited for him. To us, to people who know him, it’s no surprise. He’s a brilliant football mind. Knows so much about ball. I’m fortunate to know him since they were together in high school, so I got to see a lot of it. And, I mean, it’s been really cool. I think he’s gonna do great. He’s got weapons out there, and I’m excited for him, for his new journey, and my sister and their family, and just they get to put it together and enjoy it, and I’m happy for him.”

Riggo’s Rag

Raiders projected as landing spot for Deebo Samuel if the Commanders don’t re-sign him

Seth Trachtman from Yardbarker thought the Las Vegas Raiders could take a big swing for Samuel if the Commanders let him see what he can get on the market. The AFC West club needs to support Fernando Mendoza if he becomes the top pick as expected. Adding someone with versatility and proven production would be a good place to start.

“[Deebo] Samuel performed well in a disappointing season for Washington with 802 yards from scrimmage and six touchdowns, but it remains to be seen if he will return. The Raiders are among the teams desperate for wideout help, as the team looks to support likely No. 1 overall draft choice Fernando Mendoza.”Seth Trachtman

[P]rojections [for] Samuel…on his next deal…have come down to just over $13 million, so the Commanders could easily absorb that figure if they want to re-sign the player. At the same time, there is also a need to get younger, faster, and more explosive almost everywhere on the roster.

Podcasts & videos

Logan Paulsen on the new D; Insight from the Senior Bowl | JOHN KEIM REPORT

NFC East links

Bleeding Green Nation

Jeff Stoutland announces Eagles departure

Jeff Stoutland is no longer the Philadelphia Eagles’ offensive line coach.

Stoutland announced the news himself via his official social media accounts:

This development comes after last week’s reporting that revealed Stoutland was effectively stripped of his run game coordinator title during the 2025 season. It was also said that Stoutland was expected to return in 2026 … but that clearly is no longer the case.

There’s no getting around it; Stouland’s exit is a massive loss for the Eagles. It’ll be very interesting to see how the team plans to replace him with Sean Mannion taking over as offensive coordinator.

Will Lane Johnson retire now that Jeff Stoutland is gone?

For 13 years Lane Johnson played for Jeff Stoutland, but now that the OL is leaving the Eagles, what’s next for the right tackle?

He spoke last year about feeling like he was still in his prime, but went on to miss the second half of the season with a Lisfranc injury that also kept him out of playoffs. Injuries have weighed on the lineman throughout his career, and having another that sidelined him longer than expected, could impact his desire to return. Plus, the number of changes throughout the Eagles organization continues to grow, and with news that Jeff Stoutland is resigning as OL coach — the only OL coach Johnson has ever played for in the NFL —, the All-Pro right tackle might more fervently consider walking away.

In a business that is ever-changing, the Eagles organization had it’s core group of players and coaches who withstood head coaching changes, roster moves, and trade rumors. They won the City’s first Super Bowl together, and were considered the pillars of the locker room. That warm and cozy familiarity started slowly chipping away — first with Jason Kelce and Fletcher Cox, then with Brandon Graham (who then came back), and now with Stoutland. Johnson could be the last man standing, which is a lonely place to be.

Vic Fangio reportedly will return as the Eagles’ defensive coordinator in 2026

Despite many coaching changes in Philadelphia, they’ll have some stability at defensive coordinator this season.

After what felt like a kick in the chest learning that Jeff Stoutland wasn’t returning to the Eagles coaching staff in 2026, there was a shimmer of good news reported by Jeff McLane, who was finally able to confirm that Vic Fangio will return as the defensive coordinator.

Blogging the Boys

4 prospects who fit Christian Parker’s vision for the Cowboys linebacker corps

These four prospects can help give the Cowboys linebackers group a new identity

C.J. Allen, Georgia

Allen enters the 2026 draft cycle as the gold standard of the modern, well-rounded linebacker. Emerging from the powerhouse Georgia defense, Allen has spent his collegiate career operating in a pro-style system that mirrors the complexities of the NFL. He is constantly around the ball, consistently leading the Bulldogs in tackles while anchoring a unit that rarely conceded explosive plays. His ability to read and react to the game’s flow allowed him to thrive as a primary signal-caller in the SEC, making him one of the most battle-tested prospects in the nation.

aBit o’Twitter