Adam Peters shuts up Commanders doubters with stunning Von Miller truth

The Washington Commanders had a busy offseason filled with new acquisitions as they look to capitalize on their surprising run to the NFC Championship game.

They beefed up the offensive line with five-time Pro Bowler Laremy Tunsil and first-round rookie Josh Conerly Jr. The Commanders also traded for All-Pro wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. They added second-rounder Trey Amos to a defensive backfield that should also benefit from a finally healthy Marshon Lattimore. Javon Kinlaw came in to replace long-time defensive line stalwart Jonathan Allen.

They still lacked an edge rusher — that is, until days before training camp. Adam Peters made a splash for Super Bowl 50 MVP Von Miller. It sounds like this was a plan that had been in the works all summer.

Commanders always had Von Miller locked in as their primary target

During their pre-training camp media availability, Peters and head coach Dan Quinn discussed a variety of topics, with much of the buzz centering on wide receiver Terry McLaurin's ongoing holdout. The general manager also addressed the recent Miller signing, where he had this to say:

We set some money aside in order to do this, and find out the best guy out there. I've had a lot of history with Von… his play speaks for itself. When you turn on the tape from last year, I was shocked to see how good he is and how quickly he still gets off the ball.Adam Peters via Grant Paulsen on X

It is indeed worth noting that Peters, before his seven-year tenure with the San Francisco 49ers, was a scout with the Denver Broncos between 2009 and 2016. He was part of the team that drafted Miller at No. 2 overall in 2011 out of Texas A&M.

From the sound of it, Peters is expecting Miller to play a significant role in D.C. It's unclear whether he'll start or be more of a situational player, but the eight-time Pro Bowler did have six sacks last season with the Buffalo Bills. There's certainly some gas left in the tank even as he enters Year 15.

Miller is also one more trusty veteran who can take on a leadership role, which Peters noted, claiming he is "equally incredible in the locker room" in addition to being "one of the best pass-rushers of all-time."

That approach worked perfectly last season with the addition of Bobby Wagner to the linebacker room. The Commanders are hoping another future Pro Football Hall of Famer can make a similar impact on the defensive line.

Regardless, it goes to show that for all the hand-wringing over the pass rush this offseason, bringing in help was something that was always on the Commanders' minds. Miller might not be a superstar anymore, but Washington is rightfully optimistic that he can make a valuable impact.

Fans were panicking for nothing, it seems.