The opinions expressed in this article do not reflect those of the team.

Don't look now, but the new league year is just around the corner, which means that NFL teams will have their first opportunity to improve their roster with the start of free agency.

The Washington Commanders, who finished the 2025 season with a 5-12 record, have plenty of work to do between now and training camp. They have the most important position locked up with Jayden Daniels returning for his third season, but there will be an extensive rebuild for the defense and retooling at positions like wide receiver and running back, which have just four total players under contract for 2026. The Commanders will have some of the most projected available cap space this year, and a significant portion of that will be dedicated to getting the team back into the playoff discussion.

So, Commanders.com will spend the next week breaking down the outlook for several positions ahead of free agency beginning on March 11 at 4 p.m. ET. We'll start by taking a look at both running back and receiver -- positions the Commanders will likely address in the coming weeks.

Running back

Rachaad White, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

• White's role in Tampa Bay's offense changed once Bucky Irving joined the backfield, but White has always been a versatile piece who presents a threat as a runner and pass catcher. He has 4,106 scrimmage yards over the last four seasons combined with 25 touchdowns and an 89% catch rate in that span.

Kenneth Walker III, Seattle Seahawks

• This year's Super Bowl MVP hit 1,000 yards for the second time in his career, but the 2022 second-round pick was at his best in the postseason. He averaged 4.8 yards per attempt in the playoffs with four touchdowns, three of which came in the 41-6 blowout win over the San Francisco 49ers. He was the Seahawks' workhorse throughout their Super Bowl run, leading the playoffs with 313 rushing yards on 65 carries.

Travis Etienne, Jacksonville Jaguars

• Etienne has been an explosive weapon for the Jaguars since he arrived in the NFL. He ranked 10th in yards after contact last year and the 11th-most breakaway yards. He was also tied with Rhamondre Stevenson, Zach Charbonnet and Chase Brown for the 14th-most missed tackles forced among running backs.

Kenneth Gainwell, Pittsburgh Steelers

• Gainwell showed that he still has plenty left to offer last season, hitting a career-high 1,023 scrimmage yards and eight total touchdowns. He also showed that he's capable of being a quality starter if given the opportunity; in his two starts against the Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears, he rushed for 201 yards on 29 carries and caught all 12 of his targets for 65 yards.

Jeremy McNichols, Washington Commanders

• McNichols will be 30 during the 2026 season but has put up career numbers in his two seasons with Washington. He's been a reliable source of veteran leadership for Jacory Croskey-Merritt and has stepped into a larger role when necessary. The Commanders want to get younger, but McNichols has shown he can add value to a backfield.

Wide receiver

Rashid Shaheed, Seattle Seahawks

• Shaheed played a role in getting the Seahawks to the Super Bowl once he was traded away from the New Orleans Saints, catching 15 passes for 188 yards in nine games. Perhaps his biggest contribution over the last few seasons has come on special teams as a punt and kick returner. He has 4,771 all-purpose yards on 130 returns with four special teams touchdowns in four seasons.

Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

• It's difficult to imagine Evans playing anywhere but Tampa Bay, but it looks like the Buccaneers could at least let him see what's out there on the open market. The 2014 first-round pick has been the embodiment of consistency with 11 consecutive 1,000-yard seasons before injuries derailed his 2025 campaign. There are younger receivers out there, but any team would be hard-pressed to find one better than Evans.

Wan'Dale Robinson, New York Giants

• Robinson has made steady progress since his rookie year and hit his first 1,000-yard season in 2025 with 92 receptions. His average yards per reception also took a big increase last season, hitting 11 yards per catch in 16 games. Add in the struggles the Giants have had at the quarterback position, and Robinson's progress stands out even more.

Romeo Doubs, Green Bay Packers

• Doubs has remained solid throughout his time with the Packers, catching 63% of his passes with 21 touchdowns in four seasons. The former fourth-round pick was a strong No. 2 option last season, as Matthew Golden became the Packers' go-to playmaker in the passing game. His ability to run complex routes and create separation could prove useful for any offense with a quarterback who knows how to get the ball to their weapons in space.

Deebo Samuel, Washington Commanders

• It wasn't part of the Commanders' plans for Samuel to be their No. 1 threat on offense, but the multitude of injuries at wideout forced them to put him into a more featured role. Samuel caught 72 passes -- the second most of his career -- and hit a career-high in catch rate. Samuel is now 30, but his versatility and production could be useful for Washington if they decide to re-sign him.