Adam Peters gave those who contributed so much to the Washington Commanders' cause in 2024 a massive vote of confidence this offseason. Whether this continues long-term is another matter.
The lack of legitimate game-changers on the free-agent market didn't entice Peters enough to make lofty commitments. Washington's general manager re-signed the large majority of his free agents, confident in the knowledge that they know the scheme and are fully immersed in the team's culture shift under new head coach Dan Quinn.
That's a big boost from a continuity standpoint. The Commanders achieved more than anyone expected last season en route to the NFC Championship game. They went from a laughingstock to one of the leading contenders in the blink of an eye. Having this newfound stability is only going to help their quest for similar (or better) fortunes next time around.
This is a fluid situation. Peters will assess developments closely throughout the summer and when competitive action commences. He's also shown that if the money doesn't match the financial commitment, the Commanders will seek alternatives.
With this in mind, here are seven Commanders who are (likely) playing their final seasons with the team in 2025.
Commanders likely playing their final seasons with the team in 2025
Percy Butler - Commanders S
The Washington Commanders' most surprising move of the offseason — from a departures standpoint at the very least — was the decision not to re-sign standout safety Jeremy Chinn. His production warranted another commitment from the franchise. The former second-round pick wasn't willing to wait around, signing a two-year deal with the Las Vegas Raiders instead.
Addam Peters found a replacement quickly, penning Will Harris to a two-year deal that was much cheaper than Chinn's agreement with the Raiders. That'll help fill the void on the backend, but the depth options remain thin on the ground.
Percy Butler has a big point to prove entering the 2025 campaign. The former fourth-round pick emerged as a decent special-teams contributor last season. However, his production remains sketchy when tasked with responsibilities on the defensive rotation.
Butler is a liability in coverage and didn't fare much better against the run. The Commanders gave him a reprieve heading into the final year of his deal, but the Louisiana graduate has a significant amount of hard work ahead in pursuit of another deal.
Peters has had no trouble whatsoever moving off Ron Rivera's draft picks if they aren't meeting the required standard. It'll take a huge effort from Butler to turn the tide.
The Washington Commanders have stood pat at the running back position so far this offseason. Adam Peters could alter this strategy during the 2025 NFL Draft, but it seems the general manager is also relatively pleased with what the team already has right now.
Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler formed a productive tandem to begin the campaign. Things regressed considerably over the second half of 2024 and into the playoffs. Injuries didn't help, but the pressure is on to be more consistent when competitive action commences once again.
Robinson was the ground-and-pound presence capable of shouldering a hefty load. Ekeler was tasked with pass-catching duties out of the backfield. He also emerged as an outstanding kick returner, earning second-team All-Pro honors in this discipline.
Both Ekeler and Robinson are heading into the final year of their respective deals. The former undrafted free agent out of Western Colorado dealt with a serious concussion last season and will be 30 years old by the time Week 1 rolls around. That makes him a probable candidate to be replaced next spring.
The Commanders will examine a rich crop of running backs emerging from the college ranks this year. If Peters finds a long-term option, this will probably be Ekeler's last season in Washington.
Andrew Wylie - Commanders OL
Acquiring five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil via trade from the Houston Texans represented a major coup for the Commanders. He's a legitimate difference-maker with the elite-level production Washington hasn't had on the blindside since Trent Williams. This is going to assist quarterback Jayden Daniels considerably entering Year 2 of his professional career.
Tunsil's arrival shakes up the offensive line dynamic. Dan Quinn revealed that Brandon Coleman will move to the right-hand side and will start at the tackle spot to see how he fares. This indicates a position switch for Andrew Wylie, who'll go to the interior if everything goes well.
The Commanders need a stable presence at the right guard spot. Sam Cosmi could miss most, if not all, of the 2025 campaign after tearing his ACL against the Detroit Lions. Wylie's experience makes him a nice stopgap option until the Texas graduate is ready to return.
Wylie is entering the final year of his deal. He took a pay cut to stick around in 2025, which turns up the heat to make the improvements needed in pursuit of an extended stay.
The two-time Super Bowl winner was solid if not spectacular last time around. Going to the interior should help, but Wylie will be surplus to requirements once Cosmi returns if Coleman makes the edge protection spot opposite Tunsil his own.
Trent Scott - Commanders OL
The Washington Commanders opted to give Trent Scott another go-around this offseason. Most thought the versatile offensive lineman would be permitted to take his chances elsewhere in free agency. Adam Peters gave him one more shot to earn his place as a core rotational piece.
This was thanks in no small part to Cornelius Lucas' departure. The ultra-consistent swing tackle signed a decent contract with the Cleveland Browns, where he could assume starting responsibilities with a smooth transition. That's a blow to the Commanders, although trading for Laremy Tunsil softens it considerably.
Scott was used sparingly last time around. He got thrown into the fire when Sam Cosmi tore his ACL in Washington's divisional-round win over the Detroit Lions, performing well in difficult circumstances. Things didn't go nearly as well in the NFC Championship game, where the entire protection became overwhelmed by the vaunted Philadelphia Eagles defensive front.
It's not costing the Commanders much to find out if Scott has any more improvement left at 31 years old. His one-year deal comes with a $1.19 million salary-cap commitment, which is easy to get off if those in power don't like what they see.
Keeping him on the roster for experienced depth is possible. But this will probably be Scott's last season in Washington, all things considered.
Zach Ertz - Commanders TE
The Commanders got exactly what they were looking for from Zach Ertz last season. Many wondered if the veteran tight end had any good football left after the last two seasons didn't go according to plan. He silenced his doubters in the best possible way.
Ertz quickly emerged as a locker room leader and exceptional mentor to the likes of Ben Sinnott, John Bates, and Colson Yankoff. The former second-round pick out of Stanford also became a dependable option in the passing game for quarterback Jayden Daniels on his surge to immediate superstardom.
His receiving yards and receptions were the highest achieved since 2021. Ertz's seven touchdowns throughout the campaign were his best figures since 2018. The three-time Pro Bowler displayed the reliability to come through in the most crucial moments, which rightfully earned him another one-year deal with the Commanders.
This is nothing more than Ertz deserved. There's hope his influence can continue, although the Commanders would probably like to get Sinnott more involved after the second-round pick was used sparingly as a rookie.
This could also be Ertz's swansong. He'll be 35 years old next season, and Father Time is undefeated. The Commanders have a potential heir apparent in Sinnott ready to go, so it'll be interesting to watch this dynamic unfold over the season.
Brian Robinson Jr. - Commanders RB
Brian Robinson Jr. is a curious case. There are some games where the running back looks like a legitimate game-changer. There are others where he becomes a liability once early momentum isn't generated.
The Washington Commanders are giving Robinson the benefit of the doubt despite his regression late in the campaign. Adam Peters could add another dynamic backfield threat during the 2025 NFL Draft despite having five picks currently. Even so, it would be surprising if the former Alabama standout wasn't part of the roster when Week 1 rolled around.
Robinson has plenty of incentive to perform well in 2025. He's entering the final year of his rookie deal. The Commanders need to see more from the player to justify another commitment.
That's the harsh truth. Robinson has some outstanding qualities, but the punishment took its toll last season. Adopting a committee approach should keep him fresher, with Austin Ekeler, Jeremy McNichols, and Chris Rodriguez Jr. all flashing when called upon last time around.
The Commanders have enough flexibility in the draft to take another running back, perhaps earlier than most anticipate. Robinson would be firmly on the hot seat in this scenario, so nothing but improved consistency and renewed energy will do.
Noah Brown - Commanders WR
Noah Brown did enough to get another contract from the Commanders this offseason. The wide receiver's campaign ended abruptly, but those in power want to see if a full offseason with the squad could help bring more from the athletically gifted pass-catcher.
Brown gave the Commanders something different despite arriving after final cuts. He got a couple of weeks to adjust before being introduced to the starting rotation. His ability to stretch the field and accumulate defensive pass interference penalties helped enormously. And nobody will ever forget his Hail Mary miracle catch to beat the Chicago Bears.
That momentum didn't last much longer. Brown suffered a serious internal issue against the Tennessee Titans that resulted in kidney surgery. Although hugely disappointing, all signs point to the former seventh-round selection making a full recovery in time for organized team activities.
The Commanders traded for Deebo Samuel Sr. this offseason. This provides another Pro Bowl-caliber performer for Jayden Daniels and the best running mate Terry McLaurin's ever had in the wideout room. It should also provide more one-on-one opportunities for Brown if he can progress accordingly this offseason.
It's a high-stakes situation for Brown. If the Commanders aren't suitably impressed, they'll address the receiver position next spring and let him walk.
