The Washington Commanders finished so far ahead of schedule that the questions for this offseason are relatively minimal and more so about filling in some spots around their core.
Washington successfully identified a rising star at quarterback in Jayden Daniels last offseason. They also added two key pieces to their coaching staff in head coach Dan Quinn and offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury.
Terry McLaurin remains a dangerous threat on the outside and Quinn's defense has a few budding prospects across the formation. So while the Commanders look to add to a group that went to the NFC Championship Game this past season, there is not much concern surrounding the actual team heading into the offseason.
Instead, the name of the franchise has stirred some discussion, continuing from years of debate and fuss from multiple sides. Washington changed its long time name of the "Redskins" to the "Football Team in 2020.
In 2022, the team got a more lasting name in the "Commanders" which has lasted through the present day. Amid speculations for change, Commanders owner Josh Harris has made a perfectly clear statement on where the franchise stands.
Monday morning, Harris announced the team will not be changing its name and will stick with "Commanders" moving forward. “I think it’s now being embraced by our team, by our culture, by our coaching staff. We’re going with that,” Harris said.
Very apparent in Harris' statement is the desire to charter a path forward not only from the team's controversial past name, but previous ownership that soured among the fanbase when the team was known as the "Redskins."
While many Washington fans and fans around the league still embrace the previous name, it is relatively obvious to see where Harris is coming from on this issue. He and the franchise will need to work to blend the present with the rich history of the team.
But with a new stadium potentially on the way and their foundational player in the locker room already, the vision for the "Commanders" seems the right change at the right time.
