Adam Peters did a remarkable job in year one as Washington Commanders' general manager. How the front-office leader performs in the coming months will likely shape the franchise's long-term future.
The Commanders achieved heights not seen for decades in D.C. They won 12 regular-season games to secure playoff football. They overcame the odds versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions on the road to reach the NFC Championship game. It was the stuff of dreams that reignited a dormant, disillusioned fanbase.
This sensational run to the final four eventually fell short with defeat against the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles, but the Commanders are ahead of schedule. Peters deserves tremendous credit for gutting two-thirds of the playing personnel with shrewd moves that didn't jeopardize future financial flexibility. What comes next is more important.
Peters is in a strong position this offseason. The Commanders have plenty of salary-cap space and seven draft selections. They are an attractive destination again, with players actively trying to navigate their way to D.C. and help this ambitious project.
That doesn't mean there won't be some complex conundrums for the Commanders to solve. With this in mind, here are five difficult decisions facing Peters during the 2025 offseason.
Adam Peters did a remarkable job in year one as Washington Commanders' general manager. How the front-office leader performs in the coming months will likely shape the franchise's long-term future.
The Commanders achieved heights not seen for decades in D.C. They won 12 regular-season games to secure playoff football. They overcame the odds versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions on the road to reach the NFC Championship game. It was the stuff of dreams that reignited a dormant, disillusioned fanbase.
This sensational run to the final four eventually fell short with defeat against the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles, but the Commanders are ahead of schedule. Peters deserves tremendous credit for gutting two-thirds of the playing personnel with shrewd moves that didn't jeopardize future financial flexibility. What comes next is more important.
Peters is in a strong position this offseason. The Commanders have plenty of salary-cap space and seven draft selections. They are an attractive destination again, with players actively trying to navigate their way to D.C. and help this ambitious project.
That doesn't mean there won't be some complex conundrums for the Commanders to solve. With this in mind, here are five difficult decisions facing Peters during the 2025 offseason.
Difficult offseason decisions facing Commanders GM Adam Peters in 2025
Going all-in for Myles Garrett
Myles Garrett's trade request shook the NFL to its foundations. The All-Pro defensive end doesn't believe his ambition matches the Cleveland Browns' timeline for contention. He's taken matters into his own hands, but the AFC North club remains reluctant to part ways with one of the league's best players regardless of position.
The Washington Commanders are among the frontrunners to secure Garrett's services with sportsbooks. This solves a significant need and further legitimizes their Super Bowl push. But it remains a tricky decision for Adam Peters considering the expected compensation attached.
Cleveland will be looking for two first-round picks and more if general manager Andrew Berry entertains offers at some stage. While Garrett is worth it, Peters must figure out if this jeopardizes his chances to mold a well-rounded roster for sustained success.
There's also Garrett's contract to factor into the equation. The former No. 1 overall selection out of Texas A&M has two more years and no guaranteed money left on his deal. Any trade would probably come with a market-resetting extension for good measure.
Peters has to try. Garrett is an elite difference-maker with plenty of good years left in the tank. He'd be mortgaging the franchise's future, but the rewards should be astronomical.
Jonathan Allen's future
The Washington Commanders need to boost their trenches on both sides of the football. They were competent but nothing more during the 2024 season. It eventually became their undoing against the Philadelphia Eagles with the Super Bowl at stake.
This won't go unnoticed by Adam Peters. The general manager knows the importance of building from the inside out. His defensive line needs help on the edge and at the linebacking corps depending on Bobby Wagner's status. The interior will also come under the microscope with upgrades needed.
Daron Payne should be back. The same goes for Johnny Newton after the second-round pick flashed promise as a rookie. The likes of Sheldon Day and Carl Davis might not be so lucky. But the most difficult decision above all else centers on Jonathan Allen.
The two-time Pro Bowler's performances have regressed over the last two years. Allen can make things happen when in the mood, but consistency remains an issue these days. With one more year and no guaranteed money left on his contract, he enters the offseason with his future hanging in the balance.
Washington could let things play out. They could restructure Allen and save some cap space that way. Peters might also release or trade the former Alabama star with a saving of $16.47 million attached. Whichever way he goes, this decision comes with huge ramifications attached.
Commanders' running back dynamic
Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler formed a decent running back tandem in 2024. Their skills complimented each other well and they made some big plays when called upon. However, general manager Adam Peters won't settle with his backfield options alongside quarterback sensation Jayden Daniels.
How Peters approaches the running back dynamic is an overlooked subject across the fanbase. It would be surprising if Robinson and Ekeler weren't around in 2025, but the Commanders need to find another explosive weapon capable of turning even the slightest creases into large gains on the ground.
That's an area where both Robinson and Ekeler lack. The former Alabama star is a bruising force capable of gaining hard yards in between the tackles. The veteran was utilized more as a pass-catcher and kick return duties, where he earned second-team All-Pro honors. If the Commanders shake things up with a productive, dynamic third running back, the better their chances will be.
Daniels' mobility and ability to use his legs effectively is an asset for the Commanders. Becoming too reliant on this is not an option. Robinson and Ekeler are solid enough, but their regression over the second half of 2024 and during the postseason indicates more is needed.
This is a deep draft class for running backs. Peters could rectify this issue with someone from the college ranks — most of whom are ready to make an impression right away.
Sam Cosmi's contigency plan
It wasn't all good news for the Washington Commanders during a memorable run to the NFC Championship game. The biggest disappointment by a considerable margin was Sam Cosmi's devastating injury.
Another outstanding campaign from Cosmi came to an abrupt halt in the divisional round. The exceptional right guard went down trying to push the pile against the Detroit Lions. Concerns were immediate, with tests showing the former second-round selection out of Texas tore his ACL.
This represented the worst possible outcome for the Commanders. Cosmi is an elite-level performer and an emerging leader within the locker room. Looking at the typical timeline for ACL recoveries, the interior lineman is set to miss most if not all of the 2025 campaign.
Adam Peters' contingency plan for Cosmi's absence goes right to the top of his priority list. Jayden Daniels masked a lot of problems on the offensive line in 2024. Reinforcements were guaranteed even before this injury development. They are even more essential now.
Peters must invest heavily in the protection. Finding a veteran right guard capable of filling the void instantly would be beneficial. Switching Brandon Coleman to the interior and drafting a franchise left tackle couldn't be completely dismissed either.
The Commanders have options. Cosmi's loss will be sorely felt, but Peters must make the best out of a bad situation.
Commanders' investment balance
Fans are heading into the offseason with genuine excitement for the future. It was cautious optimism this time last year, but an incredible first season under the new regime has Washington's long-suffering support dreaming of bigger and better things.
Adam Peters has a long-term strategy in place. The general manager needs to be more aggressive this offseason with the team's Super Bowl window open. Washington also needs to maximize Jayden Daniels' rookie contract over the next two years before the No. 2 pick in 2024 becomes extension-eligible.
Finding the right balance is key. The Commanders have $79.51 million in available salary-cap space with 46 players under contract. They have 29 free agents, so huge alterations to the playing personnel are expected once again. Peters has a lot of hard work ahead, but he's got the resources to achieve his objectives.
Peters must distribute his investment evenly. The Commanders' run to the NFC Championship game doesn't mask the long-term issues on this roster. Drafting well for the second straight year would help. There is also enough cash to land a prominent free agent or two if those in power believe it can help get them over the hump.
Everyone associated with the Commanders is waiting with bated breath to see what comes next. And they are confident Peters is the right man for the job.
