Adam Peters made solidifying the protection in front of quarterback sensation Jayden Daniels his top priority over the offseason. After some marquee additions via trade and the draft, the Washington Commanders are in a much better spot along the offensive line.
The general manager never stops trying to find ways of improving the squad. Peters wants to raise standards through competition, which the Commanders have plenty of after his major roster overhaul over the last two years.
Another example arrived after the team's rookie minicamp. It wasn't just first-year pros looking to stake a claim over the two-day event. Several veteran players were trying out for the squad. One did enough to earn a deal with the franchise.
Commanders bolster offensive trenches after Tyre Phillips' successful tryout
According to reports, the Commanders have signed offensive tackle Tyre Phillips. The former third-round pick spent the last three seasons with the New York Giants. There's already-developed familiarity with Washington's offensive line coach Bobby Johnson, who also worked for the G-Men before switching NFC East allegiances last year.
Just how much it'll move the needle is anyone's guess. The Commanders have five-time Pro Bowler Laremy Tunsil and rookie Josh Conerly Jr. as their potential starting tandem. Andrew Wylie is still around, and Brandon Coleman can operate on the edge despite his possible switch to the interior. That makes it difficult for Phillips to make the roster, although it couldn't be completely dismissed.
Phillips played just 53 offensive snaps for the Giants last season. Considering how woeful their offensive line was after left tackle Andrew Thomas went out through injury, the fact that he wasn't more involved raises concern. The Commanders must have been suitably impressed by his credentials, and fans have complete faith in Peters' strategy after a monumental turnaround from the organization.
This deal doesn't come with any guarantees. Phillips will need to win over the coaches and immerse himself in the team's locker room culture. Even that might not be enough, but it's the best chance he's got of sticking around.
It'll be interesting to see how things play out. Phillips might be a camp body. He might secure a place on the practice squad. He might even do enough to go through onto the 53-man roster if things go better than anticipated.
Let battle commence…
