Best Washington Commanders Players of All-Time Tier List

Best Washington Commanders Players of All-Time really means the best players in Washington NFL franchise history. The current team name is the Washington Commanders, so that is the title and search-friendly framing, but this ranking covers the entire franchise: Boston Braves, Boston Redskins, Washington Redskins, Washington Football Team and Washington Commanders.

That context matters because the majority of players on this list built their Washington legacy when the franchise was known as the Washington Redskins. Sammy Baugh, Darrell Green, John Riggins, Art Monk, Charley Taylor, Chris Hanburger, Sonny Jurgensen, Ken Houston, Russ Grimm, Joe Theismann, Joe Jacoby, Gary Clark and many others played before the Commanders name existed. They are still Washington franchise legends, even if their playing careers came under a different team name.

This list starts with Sammy Baugh, Darrell Green, John Riggins and Art Monk — and that is a powerful top tier. Baugh was one of football’s first true all-around superstars. Green gave Washington two decades of elite cornerback play. Riggins delivered the franchise’s most famous rushing moment. Monk became the receiving standard for one of the NFL’s proudest historic franchises.

Washington’s all-time board is loaded across eras. There are pre-Super Bowl legends, Hall of Fame receivers, championship quarterbacks, dominant offensive linemen, elite defensive backs, major pass rushers, record-setting returners and modern names still building their cases.

This ranking keeps the original tier order and player order from the graphic. It is based only on what each player did with the Washington franchise, weighing peak, production, longevity, awards, playoff impact, franchise records, championships and how strongly each player shaped Washington football.

How We Ranked the Best Washington Commanders Players of All-Time

This ranking weighs each player’s Washington career first. Team production, peak value, awards, championships, postseason moments, franchise records, longevity and era context all count.

A player like Trent Williams has a bigger full-career résumé because of what he has done with the San Francisco 49ers, but this list only grades his Washington years. A current player like Terry McLaurin gets credit for what he has already built with Washington, while still leaving room for the rest of his career.

The tiers are the main ranking structure. Tier 1 is above Tier 2, Tier 2 is above Tier 3 and so on. The players are also listed in the same order as the graphic, so the article matches the visual tier list readers see at the top of the post.

Commanders, Redskins and Washington Franchise History

The name can be confusing in an all-time list, so here is the clean way to read it: this is a Washington franchise ranking, not just a ranking of players from the Commanders-name era.

The franchise has played under several names: Boston Braves, Boston Redskins, Washington Redskins, Washington Football Team and Washington Commanders. Since the current team name is Washington Commanders, that is the title used here. But most of the players on this list played during the Washington Redskins era because that name covered most of the franchise’s history.

That is why the article uses “Washington Commanders players of all-time” for current branding and search intent, while still referencing the Redskins era when discussing historical players. Sammy Baugh, Darrell Green, John Riggins, Art Monk, Joe Theismann, Russ Grimm, Joe Jacoby and the Hogs were all Redskins-era legends, but they remain part of the same Washington NFL franchise history.

In other words: this is not pretending Darrell Green played for a team called the Commanders. It is ranking the greatest players from the full Washington franchise, using the current franchise name.

Tier 7: Important Washington Legends and Memorable Franchise Pieces

Tier 7 includes Mark Rypien, Doug Williams, Clinton Portis, Mark Moseley, Santana Moss, Terry McLaurin, and Gene Brito.

Tier 7 still has serious Washington history. This group includes two Super Bowl MVP quarterbacks, a productive 2000s running back, the rare kicker who won NFL MVP, two major receivers and an old-school defensive standout.

Mark Rypien

Washington stats/accolades: Super Bowl XXVI champion, Super Bowl XXVI MVP, Pro Bowl quarterback, 15,000+ passing yards with Washington.

Mark Rypien had one of the great peak seasons in Washington history. In 1991, he ran one of the league’s best offenses, pushed the ball downfield and finished the year with a Super Bowl MVP performance.

Rypien was not a decade-long superstar, which keeps him in Tier 7 on a deep list. But the 1991 championship run gives him permanent franchise weight.

Doug Williams

Washington stats/accolades: Super Bowl XXII champion, Super Bowl XXII MVP, first Black starting quarterback to win a Super Bowl.

Doug Williams’ Washington career was not long, but his signature moment is one of the most important in NFL history. His second quarter in Super Bowl XXII remains legendary.

Williams gave Washington a championship performance that still carries historical meaning beyond the franchise. On a career-length list, he sits lower, but his peak moment is massive.

Clinton Portis

Washington stats/accolades: 7 seasons with Washington, 6,824 rushing yards, 46 rushing touchdowns, multiple 1,000-yard seasons.

Clinton Portis gave Washington a true workhorse running back in the 2000s. He arrived from Denver and immediately became the centerpiece of the offense.

Portis carried heavy volume, played through punishment and gave the team offensive credibility during uneven years. His Washington production keeps him firmly in the franchise running back conversation.

Mark Moseley

Washington stats/accolades: Franchise scoring leader, 1982 NFL MVP, Super Bowl XVII champion, longtime kicker.

Mark Moseley owns one of the strangest and most impressive résumés in NFL history: a kicker winning league MVP. That 1982 season still makes him unique.

He is also Washington’s all-time scoring leader, which gives him real franchise value beyond the novelty. Specialists are hard to rank, but Moseley earned his place.

Santana Moss

Washington stats/accolades: 10 seasons with Washington, 500+ receptions, 7,000+ receiving yards, 47 receiving touchdowns.

Santana Moss was one of Washington’s most dangerous playmakers of the 2000s. He had speed, route quickness and the ability to flip a game with one deep ball.

His Monday night comeback against Dallas remains one of the great Washington receiver moments. Moss was not just productive; he was memorable.

Terry McLaurin

Washington stats/accolades: 2019–present, multiple Pro Bowls, 6,000+ receiving yards, 40+ receiving touchdowns, signed through 2028.

Terry McLaurin is the rare player on this list who has played across multiple Washington name eras. He arrived during the final Redskins season in 2019, played through the Washington Football Team years and is now one of the faces of the Commanders era.

McLaurin has produced through quarterback change, coaching change, front-office change and franchise-name change. That reliability matters. His 2025 extension gives him a chance to keep climbing the receiving record book and potentially move higher in a future version of this list.

Gene Brito

Washington stats/accolades: Multiple Pro Bowls, First-Team All-Pro recognition, standout defensive end and linebacker of the 1950s.

Gene Brito is one of the older Washington names who deserves more attention. He played in an era that does not always get much modern visibility, but his leaguewide respect was real.

Brito was a defensive standout with enough recognition to remain part of the franchise’s historical conversation. He rounds out Tier 7 with old-school credibility.

Tier 6: Top Washington Players With Strong Careers

Tier 6 includes Monte Coleman, Sean Taylor, Pat Fischer, Turk Edwards, Sam Huff, Jeff Bostic, and Champ Bailey.

Tier 6 has a strong defensive feel, plus one of the key centers from Washington’s championship years. This tier includes short-peak talent, long-term contributors, Hall of Fame names and players tied deeply to the franchise’s identity.

Monte Coleman

Washington stats/accolades: 16 seasons with Washington, 3 Super Bowl titles, longtime linebacker and special teams contributor.

Monte Coleman spent a remarkable 16 seasons with Washington, all during the Redskins era. He was not always the biggest star, but he was trusted, durable and part of multiple championship teams.

That kind of longevity matters. Coleman became one of the franchise’s steady defensive presences across several eras of Joe Gibbs football.

Sean Taylor

Washington stats/accolades: 4 seasons with Washington, 2 Pro Bowls, 12 interceptions, one of the most talented safeties of his era.

Sean Taylor’s career was tragically short, but his talent was unforgettable. He had rare size, range, hitting power and instincts that made him look like a future all-time safety.

Because the career ended so early, his résumé cannot match the longer careers above him. But from a pure talent and impact standpoint, Taylor remains one of the most beloved players in Washington history.

Pat Fischer

Washington stats/accolades: 10 seasons with Washington, 27 interceptions, Pro Bowl cornerback, one of the toughest defensive backs of his era.

Pat Fischer was undersized, but he played with huge confidence and physicality. He was smart, feisty and difficult for receivers to shake.

Fischer gave Washington a reliable cornerback presence through the 1970s. His toughness became a major part of his reputation.

Turk Edwards

Washington stats/accolades: 9 seasons with the franchise, 1937 NFL champion, Pro Football Hall of Fame offensive tackle.

Turk Edwards was one of Washington’s first great linemen. He played before modern offensive line metrics, but the recognition from his era says enough.

Edwards helped establish the franchise’s early championship foundation. His Hall of Fame place keeps him in the all-time Washington conversation.

Sam Huff

Washington stats/accolades: 6 seasons with Washington, Hall of Fame linebacker, defensive leader of the 1960s.

Sam Huff’s full legend began with the Giants, but his Washington years were still important. He brought leadership, toughness and national recognition to the defense.

Huff became part of Washington football culture long after his playing career too. His name carries historical weight for more than one generation of fans.

Jeff Bostic

Washington stats/accolades: 14 seasons with Washington, 3 Super Bowl titles, longtime center and member of the Hogs.

Jeff Bostic was the center of the Hogs and one of the most important blockers of the Joe Gibbs era. He handled the middle, made calls and helped Washington build one of the NFL’s most physical offenses.

Three Super Bowl rings from the center position are hard to ignore. Bostic’s career is a reminder that Washington’s dynasty was built up front.

Champ Bailey

Washington stats/accolades: 5 seasons with Washington, 18 interceptions, 4 Pro Bowls as a Washington player, Pro Football Hall of Fame full-career résumé.

Champ Bailey’s full Hall of Fame career is mostly remembered through Denver, but Washington drafted him and got the first elite chapter. He was already a star before the trade that sent him to the Broncos.

Because he spent only five seasons in Washington, he cannot rank as high here as his full NFL legacy might suggest. But from a talent standpoint, few Washington corners have ever been better.

Tier 5: Washington Franchise Greats

Tier 5 includes Wayne Millner, Jerry Smith, Chris Samuels, Cliff Battles, London Fletcher, and Ryan Kerrigan.

Tier 5 gives Washington a strong mix of eras. There are old-school Hall of Famers, a record-setting tight end, a modern left tackle, a veteran linebacker leader and the franchise’s official sack king.

Wayne Millner

Washington stats/accolades: 2 NFL championships, Pro Football Hall of Fame, key receiver and end from the franchise’s early championship years.

Wayne Millner was a major part of Washington’s early passing history. His connection with Sammy Baugh helped push the franchise forward during an era when the passing game was still developing.

Millner’s Hall of Fame résumé and championship value give him real historical weight. He is one of the foundational names from Washington’s early years.

Jerry Smith

Washington stats/accolades: 13 seasons with Washington, 421 receptions, 5,496 receiving yards, 60 receiving touchdowns.

Jerry Smith was one of the best pass-catching tight ends of his era. His 60 receiving touchdowns were a major number for the position, especially in a much lower-volume passing environment.

Smith is an older Washington player who deserves more modern respect. He gave the offense a reliable scoring weapon long before tight ends became featured receivers everywhere.

Chris Samuels

Washington stats/accolades: 10 seasons with Washington, 6 Pro Bowls, longtime left tackle and No. 3 overall pick in 2000.

Chris Samuels gave Washington a decade of quality left tackle play. He was athletic, powerful and consistent enough to become one of the franchise’s best modern offensive linemen.

His career ended because of a neck injury, but the résumé is still strong. Six Pro Bowls at left tackle is serious value.

Cliff Battles

Washington stats/accolades: 6 seasons with the franchise, 1937 NFL champion, multiple rushing titles, Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Cliff Battles was one of Washington’s first offensive stars. He played in the Boston Braves, Boston Redskins and early Washington Redskins era, so the numbers do not look modern, but his dominance in his own time was clear.

He helped give the franchise championship credibility before the NFL became the television giant people know today. Battles is a true old-school great.

London Fletcher

Washington stats/accolades: 7 seasons with Washington, 900+ tackles as a Washington player, 4 Pro Bowls during his Washington run, defensive captain.

London Fletcher arrived in Washington as a veteran and immediately became the defense’s leader. He was undersized, but he processed fast, tackled everything and never seemed to leave the field.

His full-career years included other stops too, but his Washington chapter was excellent. Fletcher gave the franchise rare defensive consistency in the late 2000s and early 2010s.

Ryan Kerrigan

Washington stats/accolades: 10 seasons with Washington, franchise official sack leader with 95.5 sacks, 4 Pro Bowls, 2011 first-round pick.

Ryan Kerrigan is retired now. He announced his retirement in 2022 and signed a one-day contract to retire with Washington, which was fitting for the franchise’s official sack leader.

Kerrigan was durable, productive and professional through plenty of organizational chaos. He did not always play on great teams, but he kept producing and became one of the best pass rushers in Washington history.

Tier 4: Great Washington Players With Major Cases

Tier 4 includes Dave Butz, Gary Clark, Charles Mann, Dexter Manley, Len Hauss, and Brian Mitchell.

Tier 4 could easily be higher for many franchises. This group has a giant defensive tackle, a championship receiver, two major pass rushers, a longtime center and one of the greatest return men the NFL has ever seen.

Dave Butz

Washington stats/accolades: 14 seasons with Washington, 2 Super Bowl titles, Pro Bowl defensive tackle, major interior defender.

Dave Butz was huge, disruptive and tough to move. He anchored Washington’s defensive line through the franchise’s best championship era.

Interior defensive linemen from that period do not always get the same statistical love, but Butz’s value was obvious. He gave Washington size and power in the middle for a very long time.

Gary Clark

Washington stats/accolades: 8 seasons with Washington, 549 receptions, 8,742 receiving yards, 58 touchdowns, 2 Super Bowl titles.

Gary Clark was the explosive engine of the Posse. Art Monk was the steady record-setter, but Clark brought the fire, speed and big-play edge.

His postseason production and role on two Super Bowl teams give him a strong case as one of Washington’s best receivers ever. Clark was intense, productive and built for big moments.

Charles Mann

Washington stats/accolades: 11 seasons with Washington, 82 sacks, 4 Pro Bowls, 2 Super Bowl titles.

Charles Mann was one of Washington’s most reliable pass rushers during the Joe Gibbs era. He gave the defense size, pressure, leadership and championship production.

Mann was not just a complementary piece. He was a major defensive end on multiple title teams and helped keep Washington’s front dangerous through the 1980s and early 1990s.

Dexter Manley

Washington stats/accolades: 9 seasons with Washington, 90+ sacks including unofficial totals, Pro Bowl defensive end, 2 Super Bowl titles.

Dexter Manley was one of the most feared pass rushers in Washington history. His first step and finishing ability made him a weekly problem for tackles.

His career had off-field complications, but the football peak was undeniable. Manley’s pressure helped fuel Washington’s championship defense.

Len Hauss

Washington stats/accolades: 14 seasons with Washington, 5 Pro Bowls, 196 regular-season starts, longtime center.

Len Hauss gave Washington incredible stability at center. He started for more than a decade and became one of the most dependable offensive linemen in franchise history.

Five Pro Bowls and 14 seasons in one place make the résumé clean. Hauss was the kind of center who made an offense feel organized.

Brian Mitchell

Washington stats/accolades: 10 seasons with Washington, Super Bowl XXVI champion, elite return specialist, one of the NFL’s all-time all-purpose yardage leaders.

Brian Mitchell was more than a returner, but his return value is what made him special. Field position mattered, and Mitchell changed it constantly.

He gave Washington return touchdowns, toughness, running back depth and a Super Bowl ring. Special teams legends can be hard to place, but Mitchell’s all-purpose résumé is too strong to ignore.

Tier 3: Elite Washington Legends

Tier 3 includes Russ Grimm, Joe Theismann, Larry Brown, Joe Jacoby, and Trent Williams.

Tier 3 is heavy on line play and franchise-defining offensive value. It includes two Hogs, a Super Bowl-winning quarterback, an NFL MVP running back and one of the most talented tackles of the modern era.

Russ Grimm

Washington stats/accolades: 11 seasons with Washington, 4 Pro Bowls, multiple First-Team All-Pro selections, 3 Super Bowl titles, Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Russ Grimm was the best-known member of the Hogs and one of the greatest guards in franchise history. He was powerful, smart and perfect for Joe Gibbs’ offense.

Washington won championships by controlling the line of scrimmage, and Grimm was central to that. He belongs in any serious best offensive linemen of all-time conversation.

Joe Theismann

Washington stats/accolades: Franchise-record 25,206 passing yards, franchise-record 160 passing touchdowns, Super Bowl XVII champion, 1983 NFL MVP.

Joe Theismann is the franchise’s all-time passing leader and one of Washington’s most important quarterbacks. He led the team to a Super Bowl title, won NFL MVP and played with the confidence that defined the early Gibbs years.

The career ended brutally because of injury, but the legacy was already made. Theismann remains the quarterback standard by production in Washington history.

Larry Brown

Washington stats/accolades: 8 seasons with Washington, 5,875 rushing yards, 35 rushing touchdowns, 1972 NFL MVP, 4 Pro Bowls.

Larry Brown was the offensive workhorse of George Allen’s Washington teams. He ran with toughness, handled heavy usage and helped lead the franchise to Super Bowl VII.

His 1972 MVP season remains one of the great running back seasons in team history. Brown’s career was shortened by punishment and injuries, but the peak was excellent.

Joe Jacoby

Washington stats/accolades: 13 seasons with Washington, 4 Pro Bowls, multiple First-Team All-Pro selections, 3 Super Bowl titles, member of the Hogs.

Joe Jacoby was one of the most important offensive linemen in Washington history. He protected quarterbacks, cleared lanes for John Riggins and helped define the Hogs.

Jacoby’s Hall of Fame case has been debated for years, and the team résumé is strong. Three Super Bowl rings and elite left tackle play make him one of the franchise’s greats.

Trent Williams

Washington stats/accolades: 10 Washington seasons, 7 Pro Bowls as a Washington player, elite left tackle, No. 4 overall pick in 2010.

Trent Williams is no longer with Washington. His Washington chapter ended after the 2019 season, and he has since built an even larger full-career legacy with the San Francisco 49ers.

Still, his Washington years were elite. Williams was one of the best left tackles in football before the messy ending, and his talent was obvious from the start. From a Washington-only view, he remains one of the best offensive linemen the franchise has had.

Tier 2: Inner-Circle Washington Greats

Tier 2 includes Charley Taylor, Chris Hanburger, Sonny Jurgensen, Ken Houston, and Bobby Mitchell.

Tier 2 is loaded with Hall of Fame talent and franchise-defining names. It has two receivers who changed Washington’s passing game, a Hall of Fame linebacker, a pure passer and one of the greatest safeties ever.

Charley Taylor

Washington stats/accolades: 14 seasons with Washington, 649 receptions, 9,110 receiving yards, 79 receiving touchdowns, Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Charley Taylor started as a running back and became one of the greatest receivers in franchise history. That versatility made him special, and the production made him historic.

When Taylor retired, he was one of the most productive pass catchers football had ever seen. He helped shape Washington’s offensive identity before the Gibbs-era titles arrived.

Chris Hanburger

Washington stats/accolades: 14 seasons with Washington, 9 Pro Bowls, multiple First-Team All-Pro selections, Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Chris Hanburger was one of the greatest linebackers in Washington history. He played with intelligence, toughness and a command of the defense that made him one of the best outside linebackers of his era.

Nine Pro Bowls is not a small footnote. Hanburger was a franchise pillar for more than a decade and fully earned his place in the Hall of Fame.

Sonny Jurgensen

Washington stats/accolades: 11 seasons with Washington, 22,585 passing yards, 179 touchdown passes, multiple Pro Bowls, Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Sonny Jurgensen was one of the purest passers of his era. He had touch, timing, arm talent and the kind of creativity that made him a quarterback legend even without a championship run in Washington.

His full Hall of Fame résumé includes his Eagles years too, but his Washington chapter is central to his legend. Jurgensen remains one of the most talented quarterbacks the franchise has ever had.

Ken Houston

Washington stats/accolades: 8 seasons with Washington, multiple Pro Bowls and All-Pro selections as a Washington safety, Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Ken Houston was one of the greatest safeties in NFL history, and his Washington years were elite. He had range, ball skills, tackling ability and the instincts to change games from the back end.

His stop of Walt Garrison near the goal line against Dallas remains one of Washington’s famous defensive moments. Houston was a superstar safety, not just a great Washington player.

Bobby Mitchell

Washington stats/accolades: 7 seasons with Washington, 393 receptions, 6,492 receiving yards, 49 receiving touchdowns, Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Bobby Mitchell was a brilliant football player and one of the most important figures in Washington franchise history. His arrival helped integrate the team, and his play immediately gave the offense a star.

Mitchell could run, catch, return and score from anywhere. His legacy is bigger than the stat sheet, but the stat sheet is strong too.

Tier 1: Greatest Washington Commanders Players Ever

Tier 1 includes Sammy Baugh, Darrell Green, John Riggins, and Art Monk.

Tier 1 is the very top of Washington football. It includes the franchise’s original superstar, its ultimate cornerback, its defining power back and its all-time receiving leader.

Sammy Baugh

Washington stats/accolades: 16 seasons with Washington, 2 NFL championships, Pro Football Hall of Fame, legendary quarterback, defensive back and punter.

Sammy Baugh is one of the most important players in NFL history, not just Washington history. He was a passer, defensive back and punter at a time when football still demanded true all-around stars.

Baugh helped make the forward pass feel like a real weapon. His era is difficult to compare to modern football, but his dominance inside that era is impossible to ignore. He has a serious case as the greatest Washington player ever.

Darrell Green

Washington stats/accolades: 20 seasons with Washington, 54 interceptions, 7 Pro Bowls, 2 Super Bowl titles, Pro Football Hall of Fame, franchise all-time AV leader.

Darrell Green is one of the greatest cornerbacks in NFL history. He played 20 seasons for one franchise, kept elite speed deep into his career and became the defensive standard for multiple generations of Washington football.

Green was not just fast. He was consistent, professional, durable and trusted against top receivers for two decades. He belongs in any serious best defensive players of all-time discussion from a franchise-value standpoint.

John Riggins

Washington stats/accolades: Franchise-record 7,472 rushing yards, franchise-record 79 rushing touchdowns, Super Bowl XVII champion, Super Bowl XVII MVP, Pro Football Hall of Fame.

John Riggins is the greatest running back in Washington history. The franchise rushing record matters, but the Super Bowl XVII run is what makes him immortal.

His fourth-down touchdown against Miami is one of the defining plays in team history. Riggins belongs in any Washington-focused best running backs of all-time discussion.

Art Monk

Washington stats/accolades: 14 seasons with Washington, franchise-record 888 receptions, franchise-record 12,026 receiving yards, 65 receiving touchdowns, 3 Super Bowl titles, Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Art Monk is the greatest wide receiver in Washington history by full-career production. He was smooth, reliable, professional and trusted in every part of the passing game.

Monk was the possession standard before that label became common. He retired as the NFL’s career receptions leader and helped Washington win three Super Bowls. He belongs in any best wide receivers of all-time discussion.

Full Tier List Table: Best Washington Commanders Players of All-Time

Note: This is a tier list, not a numbered ranking. The tiers are ranked, while players inside each tier are grouped together rather than ordered from best to worst. This table covers the full Washington NFL franchise, including the Boston Braves, Boston Redskins, Washington Redskins, Washington Football Team and Washington Commanders eras.

FAQ: Best Washington Commanders Players of All-Time

Who is the greatest Washington Commanders player of all-time?

Sammy Baugh, Darrell Green, John Riggins and Art Monk all have major cases, but Baugh and Green have the strongest No. 1 arguments. Baugh was one of the NFL’s first true all-around superstars, while Green played 20 seasons with Washington and reached the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Why are Redskins-era players included on a Washington Commanders all-time list?

They are included because this is a full Washington franchise ranking. The current team name is Commanders, but most of the franchise’s all-time great players played when the team was known as the Washington Redskins.

Is this list only about players from the Commanders-name era?

No. This ranking covers the full Washington NFL franchise history, including the Boston Braves, Boston Redskins, Washington Redskins, Washington Football Team and Washington Commanders eras.

Who is the best quarterback in Washington history?

Sammy Baugh is the most historically important quarterback in Washington history, while Joe Theismann owns the franchise passing records and won Super Bowl XVII. Sonny Jurgensen has the strongest pure passer case, and Mark Rypien and Doug Williams both won Super Bowl MVP.

Who is the best running back in Washington history?

John Riggins is the best running back in Washington history. He owns the franchise rushing yardage and rushing touchdown records, won Super Bowl XVII MVP and authored one of the most famous plays in team history.

Who is the best wide receiver in Washington history?

Art Monk is the best wide receiver in Washington history by full-career production. He owns the franchise records for receptions and receiving yards, won three Super Bowls and reached the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Who is the best defensive player in Washington history?

Darrell Green has the strongest case as the best defensive player in Washington history. Chris Hanburger, Ken Houston, Ryan Kerrigan, Dexter Manley, Charles Mann, Champ Bailey, Dave Butz and Sean Taylor also have major defensive cases.

Is Terry McLaurin still on the Washington Commanders?

Yes. Terry McLaurin is still on the Washington Commanders and signed a contract extension in 2025 that keeps him with the franchise through 2028.

Is Trent Williams still on Washington?

No. Trent Williams is no longer with Washington. His Washington chapter ended after the 2019 season, and he has continued his career with the San Francisco 49ers.

Conclusion: Ranking the Greatest Washington Players Ever

The best Washington Commanders players of all-time list starts with Sammy Baugh, Darrell Green, John Riggins and Art Monk because those four capture almost every major piece of the franchise’s football identity. Baugh represents the early NFL. Green represents elite defense and unmatched longevity. Riggins represents power, playoff moments and Super Bowl glory. Monk represents reliability, receiving production and championship consistency.

The most important wording note is simple: this is a Washington franchise list. Most of the players here were Redskins-era players because that was the team name for most of franchise history. Calling the article “Commanders” reflects the current name of the franchise, but the football history includes the Boston Braves, Boston Redskins, Washington Redskins, Washington Football Team and Washington Commanders eras.

Behind the top tier, Washington has serious all-time depth. Charley Taylor, Chris Hanburger, Sonny Jurgensen, Ken Houston, Bobby Mitchell, Russ Grimm, Joe Theismann, Larry Brown, Joe Jacoby, Trent Williams, Dave Butz, Gary Clark, Charles Mann, Dexter Manley, Ryan Kerrigan, Sean Taylor and Terry McLaurin all give the franchise a layered history across multiple eras.

The current-status piece matters most with the modern names. Terry McLaurin is still with Washington and signed through 2028, so his all-time case is still active. Trent Williams is no longer with Washington and remains with the 49ers after his 2026 extension. Ryan Kerrigan retired as a Washington player in 2022 after signing a one-day contract. The next version of this list could shift if McLaurin keeps climbing the receiving record book or if the current Commanders era turns its young offensive core into sustained playoff success.

More NFL All-Time Player Rankings

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Staying in the NFC East, you can also read our best Dallas Cowboys players of all-time, best New York Giants players of all-time and best Philadelphia Eagles players of all-time lists.

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