The Washington Commanders have turned the page on their sensational 2024 exploits. They are firmly focused on what comes next, which involves striving to go one better and dethrone the Philadelphia Eagles as NFC champions.
It's a stiff challenge that won't be easy. The Commanders became a surprise package that not many saw coming last season. Now, expectations have risen to the point where anything less than a deep playoff run would be a failure.
That'll take a collective effort. The Commanders have a strong locker room presence, and head coach Dan Quinn is ensuring that complacency doesn't become an issue. The players hold a similar inner resolve, which is only going to bode well for their chances.
Adam Peters got aggressive this offseason to put the Commanders in a better position. That's increased competition for places, but some unlikely (and likely) contributors have already started to make their presence felt. And in some cases, their outstanding early impact went relatively under the radar compared to others.
With this in mind, here are five Commanders players who silently took over the offseason without anyone noticing.
Commanders who silently took over the offseason without anyone noticing
Chris Moore - Commanders WR
Terry McLaurin, Noah Brown, and Michael Gallup all missed time for different reasons over the Washington Commanders' off-season program. That provided a chance for other wide receivers to get more involved, and some grasped the opportunity with both hands.
Chris Moore shone more than most. The veteran pass-catcher is looking to shake the dynamic in a crowded room. He's caught the eye with consistent route running and assured hands. It'll take much more to make the squad, but he's off to a good start.
The former fourth-round pick out of Cincinnati arrived late last season. Moore was an emergency option, but nothing else, which is understandable in the circumstances. This experience around the set-up has served him well, so he's a player to watch as the summer unfolds.
McLaurin, Brown, Deebo Samuel Sr., Luke McCaffrey, and rookie Jaylin Lane will make the 53-man roster. That leaves potentially one more available spot if the Commanders take six receivers through. Others will fancy their chances, but Moore might be in the driver's seat right now, given his outstanding start to preparations.
Thinking the job is finished won't enter Moore's thought process. He knows this remains a precarious situation. Ramping things up over training camp is the only way to cement his roster status when Week 1 against the New York Giants rolls around.
Tyler Biadasz - Commanders C
The Washington Commanders' offensive line dynamic took a seismic shift this offseason. Adam Peters recognized the need to improve the protection around quarterback sensation Jayden Daniels. He spent significant resources to achieve this objective.
Larenny Tunsil and Josh Conerly Jr. were acquired to become Washington's new tackle tandem. That will involve reshuffling for others, especially with Sam Cosmi out with a torn ACL. However, there is one glue guy holding everything together while others get up to speed.
Tyler Biadasz is the only offensive lineman guaranteed to have the same spot next time around. The veteran center is taking the responsibility seriously, displaying exceptional communication and organizational skills throughout Washington's offseason program.
This raises hope that Biadasz can take his game to new heights in 2025. He started the previous campaign in tremendous form. Getting hurt as the season went out saw his production regress, but an offseason to heal and refresh has served him well based on initial impressions.
Washington's offensive line must become a cohesive unit quickly. There are several new, moving parts to factor into the equation. That makes Biadasz even more pivotal to the team's plans.
Biadasz is held to a higher standard than most. He's an outstanding player, and his unassuming yet dominant production shows no signs of slowing down.
Jonathan Jones - Commanders CB
There is plenty of hype around the Commanders' cornerback room entering 2025. This once-problematic area could become one of strength if everyone meets expectations. That'll be needed considering the concerns around the team's lack of legitimate pass-rushing options.
Marshon Lattimore looks healthy and explosive. Mike Sainristil is a franchise cornerstone in waiting after his phenomenal rookie campaign. Noah Igbinoghene will be looking to kick on after an encouraging season. Second-round pick Trey Amos is a potential steal who could help immediately.
Less has been said about free-agent signing Jonathan Jones. The two-time Super Bowl winner signed a one-year deal this offseason, ending his prolific nine-year stint with the New England Patriots. He's punched well above his weight throughout his career. Based on the former Auburn star's early integration into the Commanders, hopes are high that this trend can continue.
Jones often goes under the radar. Nobody gave him a shot initially. He went undrafted and was deemed too undersized to make any sort of impression. He's silenced those doubters and so much more, and he's ready to help Washington get over the hump.
The Commanders are a tremendous landing spot for Jones. They match his ambition, and there's a chance to feature prominently. Don't be surprised if he makes a bigger impact than expected.
Frankie Luvu - Commanders LB
There was an enormous amount of intrigue surrounding Frankie Luvu's decision to join the Washington Commanders last spring. The dominant linebacker was on an upward trajectory after thriving with the Carolina Panthers. He took his game to completely new heights under head coach Dan Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr.'s guidance.
Luvu went from an underrated enforcer to one of the league's most dominant linebackers alongside Bobby Wagner. He was the heart and soul of Washington's defense, leading by example and motivating others to ensure their common goals were met. Gaining second-team All-Pro honors was richly deserved, and he's only going to get better from here.
And yet, Luvu remains an overlooked superstar league-wide. He's often shunned from linebacker rankings and is still fighting to prove himself. But make no mistake, nobody associated with the Commanders underappreciates him.
The former undrafted free agent out of Washington State has gone about his business quietly with an aura that others naturally gravitate towards. Luvu's explosiveness and ferocity remain at elite levels. He's also carrying himself with a different responsibility attached this offseason.
Luvu is an integral figure — a franchise cornerstone tasked with huge expectations. His performances over Washington's offseason program leave no doubt that he can meet them when competitive action arrives.
Johnny Newton - Commanders DL
Jayden Daniels got all the rookie hype imaginable, and rightfully so. Mike Sainristil also got his fair share after proving himself quicker than most anticipated. Johnny Newton went through more of a rollercoaster to start his NFL journey, but the Commanders are expecting more from the defensive lineman this time around.
The 2024 second-round pick has taken on the challenge. Dan Quinn singled out Newton for special praise recently. He's starting to look more comfortable, and the injury problems that impacted his critical early transition last summer are firmly in the rearview mirror. If he can take this through to a regular-season setting, the better Washington's chances will be.
Newton built up his play strength heading into Year 2 of his professional career. This was an area where he was criticized as a rookie, which cannot continue if he wants to push his way into the starting lineup. His explosiveness as a pass-rusher is also coming along nicely, so a genuine breakout campaign might be in the offing if he passes the eye test over training camp.
The Commanders believe they got a steal when Newton fell through the cracks and into their laps at No. 36 overall in last year's draft. They need more from the interior force with Jonathan Allen no longer around, and he shouldn't be lacking in motivation to silence some increasing doubters.
