One would be hard-pressed to think of an offseason in recent franchise history where the Washington Commanders had so much optimism. It was a campaign for the ages in 2024 as this NFL phoenix rose from the ashes. Adam Peters' job is to build on this unrivaled positivity when the upcoming recruitment period commences.
The Commanders achieved more than even the brightest optimist anticipated this season. Head coach Dan Quinn galvanized the locker room and Peters found the right blend of youth and experience to kickstart this exciting rebuild. Fans were cautiously optimistic, but nobody expected this sleeping giant to reach the NFC Championship game.
Peters has 29 free agents to decide upon. Big changes could be coming to the planning personnel once again. Gutting two-thirds of the roster won't happen again, but everyone acknowledges the squad is going to look completely different by the time organized team activities resume.
Some have their statuses secure. Others face a more anxious wait before their futures are determined. There are plenty of unknowns, but the excitement is palpable among the fanbase.
A fascinating few months are in store. Before then, here are five Commanders players on the hot seat entering the 2025 offseason.
Commanders players on the hot seat entering the 2025 offseason
Marshon Lattimore - Commanders CB
The Washington Commanders' bombshell trade to acquire Marshon Lattimore from the New Orleans Saints didn't go to plan initially. Adam Peters made an aggressive move with the playoffs in sight and this year's free-agent class not exactly being loaded with talent also factored into his thought process. It was an underwhelming first impression with mitigating circumstances attached.
Coming into a new team injured wasn't easy. Lattimore had a hamstring injury that he couldn't quite shake off. Aside from two performances against the New Orleans Saints and Detroit Lions, the two-time Pro Bowler never looked fully healthy.
This brought concern among the fanbase. Lattimore was even being touted as a possible cut candidate, although Adam Peters squashed that rumor by reaffirming his commitment to the former first-round pick in 2025.
It's a confidence boost for Lattimore, but he must repay this faith. Getting healthy during the offseason is his first objective. After that, it's about immersing himself in the defensive concepts and reaching peak fitness levels to avoid similar complications over the summer.
If Lattimore gets a clear run of luck on the health front and uses his indifferent start as a source of motivation, returning to the form of old is a strong possibility.
Brian Robinson Jr. - Commanders RB
Brian Robinson Jr. started the season impressively. The running back looked physical and developed a knack for finding the end zone. Unfortunately for the player, things regressed significantly at the worst possible time.
Robinson dealt with some nagging injuries that impacted his performance levels. The Washington Commanders' offensive line also suffered health issues and the ground game suffered as a result. While the former third-round pick is capable in between the tackles, he lacks that game-changing explosiveness typically associated with the league's best.
There's a growing sense that Robinson's status could be in jeopardy. This won't be via release, but rather being demoted from the No. 1 spot in favor of a better option.
This is an exceptionally deep draft class for running backs. Adam Peters will recognize this during his comprehensive assessments. If he's got the luxury to add another weapon to the backfield alongside Jayden Daniels — perhaps even earlier than most fans anticipate — he won't think twice.
Robinson will take on the challenge. He's overcome plenty of adversity since entering the league, so this is just another one to tackle with his customary determination. But with the Alabama product heading into the final year of his rookie contract, the margin goes from slim to non-existent if the Commanders choose a running back via the draft.
Andrew Wylie - Commanders OT
The offensive line made strides in 2024, but Adam Peters shouldn't settle. This unit needs upgrading if the Commanders want to go one better and reach the Super Bowl next time around.
When the Commanders' starting five were healthy, their production left reasons for encouragement. The punishment of a grueling campaign took its toll eventually, so fortifying the group is an essential, achievable objective for Peters this offseason.
If the front-office leader gets an opportunity to bolster the unit, he'd be foolish not to consider the possibility. That brings Andrew Wylie's status under the microscope heading into the final year of his contract.
Wylie's a solid professional who didn't give up a sack in 2024 according to Pro Football Focus. However, he struggles against speed rushers and cannot be left on an island by himself. That sufficed against some of the league's bottom feeders, but the right tackle was often found wanting versus the NFL's elite.
Cutting Wylie comes with $7.75 million in savings attached. The Commanders don't need the money, so this is almost entirely dependent on whether those in power can secure what they believe is an improvement.
It'll be a nervous wait for Wylie. But he'll probably be around for stability purposes unless there's a drastic shift in approach.
Luke McCaffrey - Commanders WR
Luke McCaffrey is a curious case heading into his second offseason as an NFL pro. The Washington Commanders used him sparingly in the passing attack in 2024 and didn't feature him much in the return game until late in proceedings. That makes him an unknown quantity.
McCaffrey flashed moments of promise. The No. 100 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft created some decent separation and was generally reliable when targets came his way. However, there was something that caused the coaching staff to keep him on the fringes during his rookie transition.
The former Rice standout is a work in progress, but the Commanders only have two wide receivers under contract right now. Washington's moves this offseason will give fans a better indication of how McCaffrey's development is being perceived by those in positions of power.
Ben Sinnott is in the same boat after playing second fiddle to veteran tight end Zach Ertz. The Commanders believed both come with long-term promise. At the same time, they need to progress quickly with the team's Super Bowl window officially open.
Washington needs to prioritize the options around quarterback Jayden Daniels. Just how much they strengthen the ranks could have lingering implications on McCaffrey's depth chart status.
Jonathan Allen - Commanders DT
One of the most difficult decisions this offseason — from the outside looking in, at least — centers on the future of defensive tackle Jonathan Allen. What conclusion Adam Peters reaches comes with significant ramifications attached.
Allen remains a supreme leader within the locker room. His on-field production has notably regressed over the last two years, but the two-time Pro Bowler is respected by the fanbase and revered by his teammates.
That's a testament to his impact since joining the Commanders as a first-round pick in 2017. However, it's also worth remembering that general manager Adam Peters is running the football operation with no sentiment attached.
That leaves Allen's status hanging in the balance. The defensive tackle has one more year on his deal with no guaranteed money. Trading or releasing him comes with $16.47 million in savings with $6 million in dead money. Although tempting, Peters could decide to let things play out.
It's something to monitor closely. The Commanders need more in the trenches to keep pace with the Philadelphia Eagles. It doesn't seem likely Daron Payne or Johnny Newton will be made surplus to requirements. If Washington lands a free agent such as Milton Williams or Osa Odighizuwa, the chances of Allen's departure increase.
While it would be surprising if Allen wasn't around to see things through, it's a precarious situation.
