The architecture firm designed iconic NFL stadiums in Dallas, Los Angeles and Minneapolis.
A company behind the design of several iconic NFL stadiums will take the lead on the new Washington Commanders stadium
in D.C.
Global architecture and design firm HKS is the lead architect for the project at the former RFK site, the Commanders announced Thursday.
HKS designed SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, AT&T Stadium in Texas — known to Dallas Cowboys fans as Jerry-World, the Minnesota Vikings’ U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis and Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, home to the Colts.
“HKS has a proven track record of delivering world-class stadiums that balance design, functionality and community impact,” Commanders President Mark Clouse said in a news release.
The team said the new stadium will have about 65,000 seats and deliver “the loudest, most dynamic home-field advantage in the NFL.” It will also have a roof, according to the release.
“We’re reimagining what home-field advantage means by channeling the rhythm and the roar that made RFK so special and carrying that spirit forward in a bold new way,” said Mark A. Williams, global venues director for HKS. “The site, set within the monumental fabric of Washington, D.C., is one of the most extraordinary in professional sports, and we are honored to help write the next chapter in its history.”
Next steps for the project include mapping out the concept and hosting public meetings for the community to give their input. The Commanders said those meetings will be scheduled for November and December.
The $3.7 billion deal to bring the Commanders back to D.C. will transform 180 acres along the Anacostia River into a year-round destination for sports, entertainment, housing, parks and recreation and more, the Commanders said.
Construction on the stadium is expected to be completed in 2030.
Former Tennessee Vols cornerback Alontae Taylor has had a strong start to his NFL career. The VFL has been a key part of the New Orleans Saints’ defense over the past four years since they took him the second round (49th overall pick) of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Now, it appears as though the former Vol could be in line for a big contract in free agency. ESPN put out a list of its top 25 free agents for 2026, and Taylor checked in at #11 on the list among all players and the top cornerback.
This is what Matt Bowen and Jeremy Fowler had to say about Taylor:
“What he brings: Taylor’s versatility and urgent play style shows on tape. He has the speed to cover on the perimeter, but he can also play a disruptive role in the slot. In four seasons with the Saints, Taylor has 3 interceptions, 37 pass breakups and 6 sacks.” via Matt Bowen, ESPN.com
“What we’re hearing: Taylor gets the edge as the top corner based on teams consulted for this exercise. He has good size (6 feet, 199 pounds) with the flexibility to play inside and out. The Saints and Taylor once discussed an extension, but a deal never happened, which made him a trade candidate at last week’s deadline. The Bears and Colts showed interest. As a reference point, the top 2025 free agent corners earned about $18 million per year on new deals.” – Via Jeremy Fowler, ESPN.com
Taylor has been a steady starter for the Saints over the last four seasons, but he’s provided something that teams covet and seems to be tougher to find nowadays: availability. Taylor appeared in 13 games during his rookie season in 2022 and has appeared in all 34 games from 2023-24 and all 10 games thus far in 2025.
The former Vol should be a hot commodity on the free agent market next season with his ability to play on the boundary or in the slot. According to Pro Football Focus, Taylor has played almost an even split in snaps between the nickel cornerback position (1385) and on the outside (1501). That flexibility should be a big added bonus for him as he seeks a new deal from what should be a number of interested suitors.
It’s always a great thing to see former Vols performing well and being rewarded for it, and it looks like Taylor will be the next to see that happen.