Things couldn't have gone much better for the Washington Commanders in 2024. The franchise looks unrecognizable after a complete teardown from top to bottom across the football operation and behind the scenes. Their turnaround has captivated fans and earned respect around the league.
It's been a long time since the Commanders were held in this regard. They descended into chaos and became a national disgrace under Dan Snyder's ownership. That's not the case anymore.
Josh Harris and his wealthy benefactors installed professionalism and belief again. They trusted Adam Peters and Dan Quinn to turn things around on the football side. Most analysts expected improvements of some kind. Nobody anticipated such a drastic change in fortunes.
The Commanders are in the playoffs for the first time since 2020. They've achieved 11 wins — a feat not accomplished since 1991. Fans are galvanized and the organization is reportedly a coveted destination for veteran players wanting to join this ambitious project. The long-term outlook of this once-downtrodden franchise is extremely promising.
Some players have come to the fore at the best possible time. With this in mind, here are five emerging Commanders franchise cornerstones from an enthralling 2024 campaign.
Where else could we start than rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels?
Commanders future cornerstones from memorable 2024 campaign
Jayden Daniels - Commanders QB
There are several factors behind the Washington Commanders' impressive resurgence this season. None are more important than first-year quarterback Jayden Daniels.
The No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft has taken the league by storm right out of the gate. Daniels' poise, composure under pressure and ability to come through in the clutch dragged the Commanders from obscurity and into the playoffs. He's a legitimate closer who thrives in the biggest moments.
Daniels is reaching levels not seen by a Washington quarterback since Robert Griffin III's rookie season. He's the complete package and is only going to get better once his supporting cast improves. That's a scary proposition for the league but great news for the Commanders.
Washington must do everything in its power to maximize Daniels' first contract. Things are going to get a lot more expensive after that if the same trend continues. Striking while the iron is hot is something general manager Adam Peters must accomplish effectively in the coming years.
The Heisman Trophy winner out of LSU is a superstar. Daniels represents everything good about the Commanders — a beacon of hope where once there was nothing but abject misery.
Mike Sainristil - Commanders CB
The Washington Commanders jumped with joy when Mike Sainristil was there for the taking at No. 50 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. This was someone those in power held in the highest regard following comprehensive pre-draft assessments. Judging by the cornerback's rookie efforts, it's not hard to see why.
Sainristil settled well throughout the summer. The former Michigan star was initially projected to fill slot responsibilities in the nickel. When Benjamin St-Juste, Michael Davis, and Emmanuel Forbes Jr. struggled to make an impact, the first-year pro was switched to the boundary.
Many wondered whether this was the right call to make. Sainristil isn't the biggest, but his competitive fire and exceptional football IQ ensured the transition went better than most anticipated beforehand.
It's not perfect just yet — nobody expected it to be given how difficult it can be for cornerbacks in their first season. However, Sainristil never backed down from a challenge and made notable plays in crucial moments to further enhance his influence.
The fact Washington kept him on the perimeter when Marshon Lattimore came back briefly spoke volumes. Sainristil was touted as a high-value pick at the time and has done nothing to diminish this narrative.
Tyler Biadasz - Commanders C
Dan Quinn wasted no time in bringing Tyler Biadasz with him from the Dallas Cowboys when the opportunity arose. He worked with the center closely and thought his production and professionalism would be a major asset. The head coach has been proven right.
Biadasz is the glue that holds Washington's offensive line together. He developed chemistry with rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels quickly. The former Wisconsin standout is an exceptional communicator pre-snap, is dominant on running plays, and holds his own in pass protection for good measure.
One only has to look at the protection's regression when Biadasz missed time this season to see how vital he's become to the team's overall offensive fortunes. The Commanders must be thrilled with how he's gone about his business so far. And at 27 years old, the future is incredibly bright.
Washington could reinforce its offensive line further throughout Adam Peters' second offseason at the helm. But the front-office leader can relax safe in the knowledge he's already found a long-term anchor in Biadasz.
Frankie Luvu - Commanders LB
Expectations were relatively high for Frankie Luvu after he joined the Washington Commanders in free agency. He's far exceeded what even the brightest optimist envisaged.
Luvu turned down a contract extension from the Carolina Panthers to link up with Dan Quinn. He believed a defensive-minded head coach boasting innovative concepts could help take his game to new heights. This was a shrewd decision that benefitted the franchise enormously.
The former undrafted free agent out of Washington State quickly became the beating heart of Joe Whitt Jr.'s defense. His partnership at the defensive second level alongside Bobby Wagner is among the league's best. Luvu is impacting the game in all phases and looks primed for his first Pro Bowl selection in 2024.
With 90 tackles and eight sacks this season, signing Luvu was one of the best moves made by general manager Adam Peters during his first offseason at the helm. His 32 pressures rank No. 2 league-wide among all linebackers and he's played 98 percent of the team's defensive snaps without missing a game.
At 28 years old with two years remaining on his deal, Luvu is a cornerstone piece to build around. He's an inspirational leader and a high-level performer — traits previous head coach Ron Rivera couldn't find.
Johnny Newton - Commanders DL
The Commanders didn't waste much time turning in their card when Johnny Newton was still available at No. 36 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. While the defensive tackle still has progress to make, the flashes throughout the campaign suggest a profitable career could be in the offing.
Newton's offseason was hindered by foot injuries. The Commanders were planning to bring him along gradually. That all changed when veteran interior lineman Jonathan Allen went to injured reserve with a torn pectoral.
The former Illinois standout answered the call, generating pressure from the interior and gradually improving his ability to plug gaps against the run. Newton has work to do from a technical standpoint, but there's a lot to like about his scope for further growth.
He's not the finished article by any stretch of the imagination. At the same time, Newton is well on his way to proving that everyone around the league made a mistake by overlooking him in the first round.
Once Newton becomes more disciplined in running plays and refines his hand placement to become more grounded at the point of attack, he'll be a difficult proposition to overcome.
