Just two years ago, the Washington Commanders looked the part of a top-tier contender in the NFC. Led by young rising star quarterback Jayden Daniels, the team made a run to the NFC Championship Game.
Unfortunately, the 2025 season brought bad fortune to the Commanders on the injury front. Daniels was only able to play in seven games and many other key players missed time as well.
Heading into the 2026 NFL offseason, Washington had a clear sense of urgency. The front office wanted to get aggressive and push hard to be a Super Bowl contender next year. In free agency, the team has made quite a few moves.
Among the additions are defensive end Odafe Oweh, running back Rachaad White, linebacker Leo Chenal, cornerback Amik Robertson, defensive end K’Lavon Chaisson, tight end Chig Okonkwo, defensive tackle Tim Settle Jr., safety Nick Cross, and wide receivers Dyami Brown and Van Jefferson. Other moves were made as well, but those are some of the bigger moves.
Bringing in more wide receiver talent for Daniels was a priority. The Commanders came up short on Romeo Doubs, Mike Evans, and a few other targets.
Keeping that in mind, Washington has now been connected to a top-tier talent at wide receiver.
Washington Commanders Could Land Elite Wide Receiver
USA Today’s Nate Davis and Ayrton Ostly have released a new mock draft following the first wave of NFL free agency. In that mock draft, they have the Commanders landing Ohio State standout wide receiver Carnell Tate.
“Washington did a lot of work in free agency. But they don’t have a clear-cut No. 2 receiver behind veteran Terry McLaurin, who will be 31 this season and is coming off his least productive NFL campaign,” they wrote.
“A fellow Ohio Stater like McLaurin, Tate is the latest ready-made wideout product emerging from the Buckeyes’ pipeline. His 51 catches in 2025 averaged 17.2 yards, nearly three more than former teammate Jeremiah Smith, and should add another explosive element to an offense that already has QB Jayden Daniels ripping off plenty of big plays.”
Tate would be exactly what Washington needs on the outside to invest even more into Daniels.
What Would Carnell Tate Bring to the Commanders’ Offense?
Standing in at 6-foot-3 and 195 pounds, Tate is a big wideout with great speed and athleticism as well. He caught 51 passes for 875 yards and nine touchdowns during the 2025 college season with the Buckeyes.
There are many who believe that Tate is a star in the making entering the NFL.
NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein has revealed his comparison for Tate. He believes that the young wideout compares favorably to current New Orleans Saints receiver Chris Olave, who also happens to be an Ohio State alum.
Having both Terry McLaurin and Tate as the top two wideouts for Daniels would be a big upgrade. Tate could also build and grow with Daniels long-term.
At the very least, this is an option worth monitoring very closely. If Tate is available for the Commanders at No. 7 overall, it would not be shocking to see them take him.
Commanders Linked to Top Wide Receiver for Jayden Daniels