Adam Peters is looking to increase competition across the Washington Commanders' roster this offseason. A shocking recent release elsewhere around the league presents the perfect opportunity to do just that.
Peters focused his attention on veteran players with accomplished production over his second recruitment period as general manager. The Commanders got some outstanding returns from this approach in 2024. This raised expectations to levels not seen for decades, which rightfully brought a slight pivot from the front-office leader.
The Commanders spent significant resources in the trade market. They brought proven winners into the organization and re-signed most of their free agents. Considering Peters only has five selections during the 2025 NFL Draft, he'll keep scouring the veteran pool for further reinforcements.
Commanders could sign Matt Gay for a kicking competition with Zane Gonzalez
One notable development might not go unnoticed. The Indianapolis Colts took the surprising decison to release kicker Matt Gay with two years remaining on his deal. This raised more than a few eyebrows around the league, especially considering the veteran performed relatively well last season.
The former fifth-round pick has a career field goal percentage of 85.5. Gay's hit 96.3 percent of his extra points and boasts a touchback number of 75.6%. Indianapolis didn't feel like he was worth another go-around, but the Commanders could bring him in for a genuine kicking battle with Zane Gonzalez over the summer.
Gonzalez did well in difficult circumstances last season. He was thrown into the fire following Austin Seibert's injury. Despite not kicking in an NFL game for two years, the Arizona State graduate acquitted himself well aside from a few hiccups.
The Commanders re-signed Gonzalez to a one-year deal this offseason. Those in power want to see if there is more untapped potential with a full offseason under his belt. Although promising, his production last season doesn't warrant an unchallenged run into the starting job in 2025.
Adding Gay immediately raises urgency from Gonzalez's standpoint. He's got the bigger leg and boasts better statistics in every conceivable metric, so retaining his No. 1 spot might be difficult. Peters is running the football operation with no sentiment attached, so he won't hesitate to pull the trigger if there's the belief that this potential addition could help the Commanders next season.
Whether it's Gay or someone else, the Commanders must add another kicker. Gonzalez is probably bracing himself for a kicking competition. But there's no telling when that will arrive.
The Commanders have looked at college kickers emerging via the draft. They'll keep an eye on free agents, and Gay immediately becomes the best available option following his departure from the Colts.
This makes a ton of sense. Whether it's something Peters genuinely considers is another matter.
