Adam Peters is a modern-day general manager. He goes against the traditional with a fresh, innovative approach. The Washington Commanders are in great hands, even if some decisions go against conventional wisdom.
There's been an unwritten rule in NFL circles regarding deals with division rivals. They've been seldom seen over the years, and any movement typically costs a lot more than dealing with someone you don't have to face twice a year. If it blows up in your face, the fanbase will let you know about it.
Peters isn't interested in that. He's all about doing what's best for the team, regardless of who he's negotiating with. This was evident right out of the gate with two intra-division trades with the team that turned out to be the one obstacle that prevented them from reaching the Super Bowl.
The Commanders began by trading wide receiver Jahan Dotson to the Philadelphia Eagles. Peters and Howie Roseman did business again during the 2024 NFL Draft, which centered on Washington moving back in the second round so its fierce adversary could take cornerback Cooper DeJean.
One worked out, the other didn't. But that's the price of doing business with anybody.
Adam Peters reaffirms faith in Commanders trading with division rivals if needed
Peters isn't going to go away from this strategy. He reaffirmed his belief that it's the details that matter, not the team you're making the transaction with. And if people don't like it, he doesn't care.
I don't personally believe in being scared about trading with a team within the division. If you think the trade's a good value for you…then definitely consider it.Adam Peters via Commanders.comThe results speak for themselves. Washington went from an also-ran to among the leading Super Bowl contenders in Year 1 under Peters' guidance. Everything he touched turned to gold, from the hiring of head coach Dan Quinn to drafting Jayden Daniels and everything in between. Making him general manager was the spark that ignited this sleeping giant to heights not seen for decades.
If he thinks making deals with division rivals is the right thing to do, there needs to be a sense of trust attached. Peters did remarkably well to get what he did for Dotson, who wasn't part of the team's plans after regressing in Year 2 of his professional career. DeJean becoming an instant star wasn't ideal from Washington's standpoint, but drafting Mike Sainristil a few picks later softened the blow considerably.
Peters is always thinking two steps ahead. He plans for every scenario and can pivot when needed. He's what every team looks for in a forward-thinking general manager, and the Commanders are fortunate to have him spearheading this ambitious project.
And if he feels like dealing with an NFC East foe makes sense, Peters won't hesitate to do so again.
