Adam Peters wasn't going to let complacency creep into his roster-building approach despite the Washington Commanders reaching the NFC Championship game in 2024. The general manager got his ambitious project off to the best possible start. Ensuring this becomes a stepping stone to perennial contention is the next (and trickier) task.
Peters pushed his chips into the middle when the recruitment period began. The Commanders re-signed a lot of their free agents. They acquired some savvy veterans on one-year deals. They also managed to pull off two bombshell trades for immediate difference-makers with glowing credentials.
The Commanders are well-placed to make another bold postseason bid next time around. They'll have a bigger target on their backs and a tougher schedule to contend with, but it would be hugely disappointing if head coach Dan Quinn didn't maximize the obvious tools at his disposal.
Instant success brings increased expectations. The Commanders achieved more than even the brightest optimist thought possible in Year 1 under the new regime. Fans are hopeful for the first time in decades, which is a different pressure for this close-knit group to cope with when competitive action begins again.
That's for the not-too-distant future. For now, here are five Commanders who'll benefit most from the team's offseason additions so far. We'll begin with the biggest beneficiary of all.
Commanders who'll benefit most from 2025 offseason additions
Jayden Daniels - Commanders QB
The Washington Commanders have a superstar on their hands in quarterback Jayden Daniels. This was also recognized by general manager Adam Peters, whose moves this offseason suggest an intent to maximize his rookie contract before things get more expensive.
Trading for wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. and left tackle Laremy Tunsil is going to assist Daniels greatly. It gives the Commanders another dynamic weapon in the passing game and one of the league's most prolific left tackles to protect the Heisman Trophy winner's blindside. It's also a supreme vote of confidence in the signal-caller after his sensational first campaign in the pros.
Daniels also has continuity. The Commanders kept faith with the running backs at their disposal, although that could change once the 2025 NFL Draft gets here. Veteran tight end Zach Ertz was re-signed along with Noah Brown and K.J. Osborn. This familiarity is a core component of any stable organization, but Peters won't rest until every potential upgrade has been explored.
Washington has two more years left before Daniels becomes extension-eligible. That's going to be extremely costly looking at current quarterback contracts and the salary-cap rising exponentially every season. Peters knows this and has become more aggressive than ever to take full advantage of this window.
Nick Allegretti - Commanders OL
The Washington Commanders' offensive line improved last season. It wasn't exactly a high bar to aim for after how things unfolded in 2023. Still, the progress was notable aside from getting demolished by the vaunted Philadelphia Eagles defensive front in the NFC Championship game.
Adam Peters wasn't going to settle. He wanted to find that top-tier edge protector to help Washington get over the hump. The front-office leader struck with conviction to secure the services of five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil via trade from the Houston Texans.
This is another bold move that legitimizes the Commanders' chances of contending again. It'll also make life a lot easier for Nick Allegretti next to him on the interior.
Allegretti joined the Commanders last spring after a standout playoff contribution for the Kansas City Chiefs. He put together a solid if not spectacular campaign, giving up just three sacks and seven penalties from 1,146 offensive snaps. There were some frailties in pass protection, but it's also worth remembering he had a rookie left tackle in Brandon Coleman to worry about.
That's not the case anymore. Tunsil is an elite performer capable of manning an island by himself. The entire offense will benefit, but not many more than Allegretti at the left guard spot.
Mike Sainristil - Commanders CB
Adding to the defense was high on Adam Peters' list of priorities this offseason. Joe Whitt Jr.'s unit made some encouraging progress as the campaign went on, but it became obvious that more was needed.
There weren't many big splashes aside from defensive lineman Javon Kinlaw, who came in as a replacement for Jonathan Allen. Veterans on one-year deals were the order of the day again, which also saw a two-time Super Bowl winner added to the cornerback room.
Jonathan Jones' glittering spell with the New England Patriots concluded after he opted to join the Commanders. He believes linking up with Dan Quinn on a contending team gives him the best possible chance of succeeding immediately. With Noah Igbinoghene also penning a one-year extension, this could be an area of strength if the defensive front seven meets their end of the bargain.
Jones' arrival could be great news for Mike Sainristil. The fiery defensive back shone as a rookie, especially when switched to the outside. He looked like a potential franchise cornerstone piece and someone to build around long-term. Now, the former Michigan standout has another accomplished veteran to learn from in Year 2 of his professional career.
This also increases the chances of Sainristil being moved back into the slot, which is where many believe he's best suited. At the very least, it adds an extra level of versatility to Washington's defensive plans.
Terry McLaurin - Commanders WR
Terry McLaurin must have felt he was dreaming last season. The wide receiver toiled through a constant stream of failed quarterbacks since being drafted by the Washington Commanders in 2019. He remained professional and highly productive, but it was a desperate waste of his outstanding abilities.
Then, everything changed.
Jayden Daniels came in and immediately developed a strong rapport with McLaurin. The pair earned Pro Bowl honors together and the Commanders started to win (a lot). This was exactly what the wideout had been craving, and the results were there for all to see.
McLaurin has even more help this time around. Daniels will have extra time in the pocket thanks to Laremy Tunsil's arrival. The former third-round pick out of Ohio State also has a legitimate partner in the wideout room following Washington's trade for Deebo Samuel Sr.
Samuel is another Pro Bowl-caliber performer with proven credentials. He's highly motivated to capitalize on this new challenge in a contract year. Having this sort of versatile weapon capable of getting prolonged attention from opposing coverage schemes is something McLaurin hasn't had previously.
This has the makings of a dynamic tandem if they get a clear run of luck on the injury front. McLaurin is the top dog, but the supporting cast upgrades will make life a lot easier.
Kliff Kingsbury - Commanders OC
Kliff Kingsbury was a hot name on the head coaching cycle earlier this year. The Commanders' offensive coordinator restored his reputation after being fired by the Arizona Cardinals, leading a remarkable turnaround in fortunes and playing a leading role in quarterback Jayden Daniels' sensational surge to NFL superstardom.
Kingsbury got several interview requests. He wasn't in any great hurry to speak with interested parties, outlining his desire to focus fully on Washington's playoff run instead. The Commanders went deep into the postseason, and teams went in different directions. Although the New Orleans Saints were reportedly willing to offer him their vacancy, the gifted play-caller opted to stay.
The Commanders rewarded Kingsbury accordingly. Adam Peters re-signed some valuable contributors. He traded for wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. and left tackle Laremy Tunsil. With the promise of more additions via the remaining veteran pool or the 2025 NFL Draft, everything is in place for more offensive growth in 2025.
This also gives Kingsbury the perfect platform to bolster his credentials. He's a laid-back character who's highly committed to the cause. But if the same trend continues, it won't be long before head coaching interest arrives again during the 2026 cycle.
Washington must maximize Kingsbury while they have him. Peters recognized this with some aggressive moves on offense during the offseason so far.
