Ben Standig

22 July 2025

I did a thing. New home for my written Commanders coverage. I'm excited for everyone to join the adventure. First up, the mission statement for "Last Man Standig."

substack.com/@benstandig/...

2d

substack.comCommanders wake up too late against 49ers, leaving more frustration than hopeWashington erased most of a 20-point deficit against unbeaten San Francisco, but another loss filled with self-inflicted mistakes left Dan Quinn and his players lamenting what might have been.

14 Aug

With familiar names likely out, tonight's spotlight goes elsewhere. Johnny Newton has something to prove. Drew Stevens has a kicking job to win. Kaytron Allen finally gets to hit somebody. 10 (but really 13) Commanders to watch in the preseason opener: lastmanstandig.substack.com/p/commanders...

open.substack.comThe Wizards' summer roadmap: Free agency, key dates and cap spaceWith AJ Dybantsa and Trae Young in place, Washington's focus shifts to adding frontcourt depth, completing the roster and looking ahead to the Las Vegas Summer League

From yesterday: The Wizards declined the team option for rising second-year wing Jamir Watkins, per source. My sense: Don't panic. Watkins isn't going anywhere. Expect a new deal for a player who showed a lot on the defensive end last season. Summer roadmap: open.substack.com/pub/lastmans...

lastmanstandig.substack.comCommanders depth chart 1.0: Where every position stands before training campAfter six OTA and minicamp practices, here's how I see Washington's roster hierarchy — from Antonio Williams and Sonny Styles to offensive line battles and WR2 debate.

Commanders depth chart 1.0: Where every position stands before training camp lastmanstandig.substack.com/p/commanders...

lastmanstandig.substack.comThe Chiefs used Leo Chenal as a specialist. Washington sees something more.The two-time Super Bowl champion never became a full-time starter in Kansas City. The Commanders believe the "dirty tough" linebacker's versatility can have a greater impact in Daronte Jones' defense.

The Chiefs used Leo Chenal as a specialist. Washington sees something more. lastmanstandig.substack.com/p/the-chiefs...

podcasts.apple.comChewing on Chenal + Anthony Davis trade ideasPodcast Episode · Last Man Standig · June 30 · 1h 7m

🎙 Let's pod: 🏈 Leo Chenal's fit and musical chairs within the Commanders' revamped front 7. 🏀 Anthony Davis trade talk, Wizards' seed potential, free agency, AJD, Trae Young, Jaylen Brown and more with @DanFeldmanNBA. Bit of Wiz reporting as well. podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/c...

Ben Standig reposted

lastmanstandig.substack.comLost in the receiver chatter, Washington's tight ends are making a caseWith questions lingering at wide receiver, Washington's tight end room is showing signs of becoming a bigger part of the passing attack. Plus other notes from Tuesday's OTA session.

Lost in the receiver chatter, Washington's tight ends are making a case OTA3 takeaways; lastmanstandig.substack.com/p/lost-in-th...

Ben Standig reposted

lastmanstandig.substack.comThe Commanders need more than Jayden Daniels: Players whose upside could determine Washington's ceilingDaniels remains the franchise's most important player, but Washington's return to contention may depend on whether these teammates maximize their potential.

The Commanders need more than Jayden Daniels: Players whose upside could determine Washington's ceiling. lastmanstandig.substack.com/p/the-comman...

Ben Standig reposted

lastmanstandig.substack.comThe Wizards’ debate at No. 1 is down to two prospects: SourceLeague executives, scouts and coaches see compelling cases for A.J. Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson and Cameron Boozer. One high-ranking source believes Washington’s internal discussion has narrowed to two

11 June

Three prospects dominate the chatter around the Wizards' at No. 1. After weeks of conversations with many league sources, one takeaway is clear: The internal debate is down to two. New: Reporting and analysis on Dybantsa, Peterson, Boozer, and the Wiz. lastmanstandig.substack.com/p/the-wizard...

lastmanstandig.substack.comThe Wizards’ debate at No. 1 is down to two prospects: SourceLeague executives, scouts and coaches see compelling cases for A.J. Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson and Cameron Boozer. One high-ranking source believes Washington’s internal discussion has narrowed to two

11 June

Three prospects dominate the chatter around the Wizards' at No. 1. After weeks of conversations with many league sources, one takeaway is clear: The internal debate is down to two. New: Reporting and analysis on Dybantsa, Peterson, Boozer, and the Wiz. lastmanstandig.substack.com/p/the-wizard...

lastmanstandig.substack.comThe Commanders need more than Jayden Daniels: Players whose upside could determine Washington's ceilingDaniels remains the franchise's most important player, but Washington's return to contention may depend on whether these teammates maximize their potential.

The Commanders need more than Jayden Daniels: Players whose upside could determine Washington's ceiling. lastmanstandig.substack.com/p/the-comman...

lastmanstandig.substack.comLost in the receiver chatter, Washington's tight ends are making a caseWith questions lingering at wide receiver, Washington's tight end room is showing signs of becoming a bigger part of the passing attack. Plus other notes from Tuesday's OTA session.

Lost in the receiver chatter, Washington's tight ends are making a case OTA3 takeaways; lastmanstandig.substack.com/p/lost-in-th...

lastmanstandig.substack.comFree agency tracker: Commanders, Tunsil agree to two-year extensionWashington locks up the standout left tackle through the 2028 season. The Commanders also landed ex-Lions CB Amik Robertson and made a run at WR Alec Pierce

9 Mar

Commanders free agency tracker: On Tunsil's extension, landing a new cornerback and a near Hail Mary completion with Alec Pierce. More updates on tap. lastmanstandig.substack.com/p/free-agenc...

open.substack.comSource: Commanders release C Tyler BiadaszWashington's move that's likely salary-cap related creates a question in the middle of the offensive line.

27 Feb

Quick thoughts on why Washington is releasing C Tyler Biadasz (while I sit in the BWI Airport parking lot). open.substack.com/pub/lastmans...

open.substack.com'We Let Stuff Slip’: What Commanders players say must change in 2026At the NFL Combine, Adam Peters and Dan Quinn emphasized structure and availability. Inside Washington's home locker room, players pointed to execution, rhythm and reclaiming their edge.

25 Feb

At the Combine, Adam Peters and Dan Quinn outlined structural fixes after 5-12. Inside the locker room, players were more direct: “We let stuff slip.” Part 4 of my Commanders player survey: What must change in 2026. open.substack.com/pub/lastmans...

golongtd.comPod: What's next for the Washington Commanders? A chat with Ben Standig...2024 was a dream. 2025? A disaster. Now, the pressure's on Dan Quinn to produce in 2026. We check the organization's vitals here on the podcast with a man who's around them every day.

24 Feb

Thread: Initial takeaways on what Adam Peters said about Laremy Tunsil's extension talks; interest in Brandon Aiyuk; Jayden Daniels and David Blough; Daron Payne, Marshon Lattimore and Zach Ertz, and more from his media availability at the NFL Combine. lastmanstandig.substack.com/publish/chat...

Ben Standig reposted

Tyler Dunne

@tydunne.bsky.social

19 Feb

2024 was a dream. 2025, a disaster. But there is a path for the Washington Commanders to boomerang back into contention. Loved chatting with @benstandig.bsky.social on the pod: www.golongtd.com/p/pod-whats-...

23 Feb

NFL mock draft 3.0 comes with two rounds and a bunch of questions entering this week's Scouting Combine. Edge measurables and rank order. Legit top 10 picks among WRs. Ty Simpson's stock impacts trade up/down market. There’s also a Commanders bonus pick. open.substack.com/pub/lastmans...

16 Feb

Commanders offseason. Big decisions ahead. I've got a few as well. If you read Last Man Standig (paid or free), I’d appreciate 5 minutes of your time. Survey closes Sunday. Thank you for your time. forms.gle/uEXbWsLtNqq4...

podcasts.apple.comLast Man StandigFootball Podcast · Updated Biweekly · Ben Standig of The Athletic brings his unique insight and reporting covering the Washington Commanders, Washington Wizards and other DC Sports teams. He also shar...

16 Feb

🎙 Drafting Commanders free agents w/ @AlGaldi. Who do we want back when calculating cost, need, coordinators. Mariota over Deebo, CP75? CRod part of 1-2 punch? Blitzing Bobby Wagner? Bullish on Burks? Love the Drake's potential? Plus, Quinn’s new role. podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/l...

13 Feb

🚨 I'm on the radio tonight. 6:30-10 p.m. @1067theFan. Give a listen and call in (800-636-1067). Question: If you can pick one Commanders' FA to re-sign and factoring in cost, who ya got? Also, feel free to drop a question here. Commanders. Wizards. DC sports. Survivor 50. Shoot your shot.

10 Feb

David Blough just shared a version of this story about calling the game-winning TD pass in 2024 win over Eagles: open.substack.com/pub/lastmans...

lastmanstandig.substack.comSign in to Last Man Standig

8 Feb

Gameday thread is live. Super Bowl 60. Pending free agents here that fit Commanders. Commercials. Overeating. Here for all of it. Join us. lastmanstandig.substack.com/publish/home

8 Feb

Super Bowl 60: * Seahawks (-4.5) * MVP - JSN * Anytime TD - JSN, Henry * Maye 35.5 rush - over * Coin toss - heads * Gatorade - blue * Cardi B wears Diggs jersey - no * Score - 27-17

lastmanstandig.substack.comSonny Jurgensen, Hall of Fame QB and legendary radio voice, dies at 91Jurgensen, part of Washington football since 1963 and Pro Football Hall of Fame's 1983 class, passed away Friday morning.

6 Feb

Spoke with @RickDocWalker about the late Sonny Jurgensen, an icon on and off the field. Watch my full conversation with Doc on the "Last Man Standig" substack (lastmanstandig.substack.com/p/sonny-jurg...) or listen later today on the podcast* (podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/l...).

6 Feb

Commanders LB Bobby Wagner was named Walter Payton Man of rhe Year award, considered the NFL's most prestigious honor. Washington’s press release last year upon announcing Wagner would represent the organization.

podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/r...

5 Feb

podcasts.apple.comRoss Tucker ReturnsPodcast Episode · Last Man Standig · 02/03/2026 · 23m

Ben Standig reposted

open.substack.com2026 NFL Mock Draft 1.0: Free Agency will shape the Commanders’ Path; Big first-round decisions for Jets, Cowboys, RamsWashington’s primary needs are in play at No. 7 — but which still require first-round attention after free agency? Plus, how three teams approach having a pair of round one picks.

Ben Standig@benstandig.bsky.social

2026 NFL mock draft 1.0 (unlocked): 🏈 Full first round 🏈 Commanders options at 7 🏈 How Jets, Cowboys, Rams maneuver with two 1s 🏈 My fave prospect-team marriage open.substack.com/pub/lastmans...

podcasts.apple.comRoss Tucker ReturnsPodcast Episode · Last Man Standig · 02/03/2026 · 23m

3 Feb

🎙 Guest: @RossTuckerNFL 🏈 Commanders must fixes 🏈 OC challenges for Blough 🏈 Key difference for inexperienced OC hires in Wash, Philly 🏈 Former OL on the new OL coach 🏈 Super Bowl 60 - Trusting Sam Darnold? Also, latest on the coaching staff. podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/r...

open.substack.com2026 NFL Mock Draft 1.0: Free Agency will shape the Commanders’ Path; Big first-round decisions for Jets, Cowboys, RamsWashington’s primary needs are in play at No. 7 — but which still require first-round attention after free agency? Plus, how three teams approach having a pair of round one picks.

Ben Standig@benstandig.bsky.social

2026 NFL mock draft 1.0 (unlocked): 🏈 Full first round 🏈 Commanders options at 7 🏈 How Jets, Cowboys, Rams maneuver with two 1s 🏈 My fave prospect-team marriage open.substack.com/pub/lastmans...

Ben Standig reposted

open.substack.com2026 NFL Mock Draft 1.0: Free Agency will shape the Commanders’ Path; Big first-round decisions for Jets, Cowboys, RamsWashington’s primary needs are in play at No. 7 — but which still require first-round attention after free agency? Plus, how three teams approach having a pair of round one picks.

2026 NFL mock draft 1.0 (unlocked): 🏈 Full first round 🏈 Commanders options at 7 🏈 How Jets, Cowboys, Rams maneuver with two 1s 🏈 My fave prospect-team marriage open.substack.com/pub/lastmans...

open.substack.com2026 NFL Mock Draft 1.0: Free Agency will shape the Commanders’ Path; Big first-round decisions for Jets, Cowboys, RamsWashington’s primary needs are in play at No. 7 — but which still require first-round attention after free agency? Plus, how three teams approach having a pair of round one picks.

2026 NFL mock draft 1.0 (unlocked): 🏈 Full first round 🏈 Commanders options at 7 🏈 How Jets, Cowboys, Rams maneuver with two 1s 🏈 My fave prospect-team marriage open.substack.com/pub/lastmans...

31 Jan

The Commanders coaching staff overhaul continues. Source confirms the following won't return: * pass rush specialist/asst LB coach Ryan Kerrigan * assistant DL coach Shariff Floyd * player development coach Pete Ohnegian (@AaronWilson_NFL 1st) Defensive PGC Jason Simmons also not expected back

30 Jan

The Broncos requested to interview Commanders pass game coordinator/AHC Brian Johnson for their offensive coordinator job, a source confirmed (1st by @Schultz_Report). From my story yesterday on Last Man Standig: open.substack.com/pub/lastmans...

open.substack.comThe Commanders’ staff build isn’t finishedNew defensive coordinator Daronte Jones is in place, but assistant roles, outside interest and league-wide movement remain in play.

29 Jan

The Commanders have coordinators, but the 2026 staff isn't set. What I'm hearing about potential comings and goings. open.substack.com/pub/lastmans...

28 Jan

Commanders defensive pass-game coordinator Jason Simmons is interviewing with the Steelers for their defensive coordinator role, source confirms (@JFowlerESPN 1st) Simmons was a secondary coach on Mike McCarthy's Green Bay staff. He also played his first four NFL seasons with Pittsburgh.

open.substack.comThe Daron Payne dilemma: How cap relief, production and a thin defensive front shape the Commanders’ decisionInside Washington's plan, which currently leans toward keeping the 2018 first-round pick for a ninth season.

27 Jan

Daron Payne on the possibility his time with the Commanders was ending: “I mean, I’m a hell of a football player. I’m sure I’ll have a job next year somewhere.” Details on why that somewhere, despite viable cap cut rationale, is likely staying put. open.substack.com/pub/lastmans...

open.substack.comThe Daron Payne dilemma: How cap relief, production and a thin defensive front shape the Commanders’ decisionInside Washington's plan, which currently leans toward keeping the 2018 first-round pick for a ninth season.

26 Jan

The cap math makes Daron Payne vulnerable for the 2026 season. The roster reality keeps him with the Commanders — for now. Inside Washington’s thinking on a costly but complicated decision. open.substack.com/pub/lastmans...

podcasts.apple.comMock Draft Monday -- Senior Bowl previewPodcast Episode · Last Man Standig · 01/26/2026 · 42m

26 Jan

Senior Bowl preview, defensive coordinator activity and a notable scouting department departure. podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/m...

podcasts.apple.comLast Man StandigFootball Podcast · Updated Biweekly · Ben Standig of The Athletic brings his unique insight and reporting covering the Washington Commanders, Washington Wizards and other DC Sports teams. He also shar...

22 Jan

🎙 New episode: 🏈 Mike McDaniel took an OC job. Why didn’t the Commanders wait for him? 🏈 DC search update (before Al Harris interview news) 🏈 1-on-1 with Josh Conerly Jr. - Assessing his rookie season, when the instincts kicked in. podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/l...

20 Jan

Greatest coaching job I've ever seen. Take all the bows, Curt Cignetti.

open.substack.comBen Standig in Last Man StandigThe Commanders stay in house for new OL coach Washington is promoting assistant OL coach Darnell Stapleton to the OL coach position and offensive quality control coach Shane Toub to assistant OL coach...

19 Jan

The Commanders promoted assistant OL coach Darnell Stapleton to the OL coach position and Shane Toub to assistant OL coach, per source. Details: open.substack.com/chat/posts/c...

19 Jan

🚨 I know everyone is anticipating tonight's big event. Yes, I am hosting on @1067theFan from 730-10. Nothing else going on so I expect full phone lines and radios on. 😉 Commanders talk. NFL playoffs/coach searches w/@jeffzrebiec. Postgame Caps w/ @sammisilber. Gonna be epic.

lastmanstandig.substack.comThe Commanders moved fast on David Blough. Now comes the waiting gameInside Washington's coaching staff build as defensive coordinator candidates trickle through Ashburn.

15 Jan

The Commanders are hiring Falcons QB coach D.J. Williams, the son of Doug Williams, for their open QB coach role, source confirms. Wrote about this possibility earlier in the week. lastmanstandig.substack.com/p/the-comman...

podcasts.apple.comJay Gruden talks Commanders OC swap; DC search trafficPodcast Episode · Last Man Standig · 01/14/2026 · 54m

14 Jan

🎙️Guest: @Coach_JayGruden 🏈Insight into a young OC from the man who hired 28-year-old Sean McVay for that job 🏈The Kliff debate 🏈Filling out the staff 🏈NFL playoffs Also, how traffic from 9 head coach openings is slowing down Washington's DC search podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/j...

9 Jan

The #Commanders interviewed former Washington WR coach Drew Terrell for their OC opening, source confirms. @RapSheet 1st. Terrwll is the Cardinals passing game coordinator/WRs coach.

lastmanstandig.substack.comMike McDaniel and David Blough headline Commanders' offensive coordinator searchWhether Dan Quinn seeks an experienced play-caller or a familiar face for Jayden Daniels, Washington's head coach has options.

9 Jan

Whether Dan Quinn seeks an experienced play-caller or a familiar face for Jayden Daniels, Washington's head coach has fascinating OC options. On Mike McDaniel, David Blough and the Commanders' OC debate. lastmanstandig.substack.com/p/mike-mcdan...

wkyc.comCleveland's Leading Local News: Weather, Traffic, Sports and more | Cleveland, Ohio | wkyc.comThe latest news, sports, weather and traffic from WKYC 3 Studios for Cleveland and Northeast Ohio

8 Jan

Statement from a Commanders spokesperson on Marshon Lattimore's arrest: “We have been made aware of the arrest and are gathering more information. We have informed the NFL League Office and have no further comment at this time.” Arrest details on weapons charges. share.google/e36C8koTqnzB...

podcasts.apple.comLast Man StandigFootball Podcast · Updated Biweekly · Ben Standig of The Athletic brings his unique insight and reporting covering the Washington Commanders, Washington Wizards and other DC Sports teams. He also shar...

8 Jan

🎙 The latest on the #Commanders coordinator searches + 49ers insider @mattbarrows with insight into the latest iteration of the Shanahan offense, what happened with Brandon Aiyuk in SF and NFC playoffs. podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/l...