There is an opportunity awaiting the Washington Commanders this offseason. A new report suggests general manager Adam Peters is not going to waste it.
After getting the Commanders to the NFC Championship game in Year 1, head coach Dan Quinn and the new regime are bullish about the future. They also have an urgency to maximize quarterback Jayden Daniels' rookie contract before things get much more expensive in the coming years.
Peters adopted a meticulous approach during his first year at the helm. The Commanders made one bold trade to acquire cornerback Marshon Lattimore before the 2024 deadline, but even that transaction had the future in mind. With Washington further ahead than originally anticipated, being more aggressive is crucial.
According to Dan Graziano from ESPN, that's exactly what the Commanders plan to do.
Commanders expected to be aggressive throughout Adam Peters' second offseason
The respected insider revealed that talk around the league centers on Washington going all guns blazing into the offseason with defensive improvements at the forefront of their mind. He also added weight to the claims Peters will make a bold bid to acquire edge rusher Myles Garrett if the Cleveland Browns become receptive to offers.
"Expect the Commanders to be aggressive this offseason in pursuing roster upgrades on defense. Much like the Texans last year after C.J. Stroud's dazzling rookie season, Washington believes it has something special in quarterback Jayden Daniels and wants to maximize his rookie-contract window. Getting to the NFC Championship Game in Daniels' first year only makes Washington more likely to get aggressive for someone like [Myles] Garrett if and when Cleveland decides to move him. Washington needs a lot of work on defense, and don't be surprised to see the team stretch for an impact player or two in the coming months. The Commanders were 19th in defensive EPA this season."
Dan Graziano
It's an exciting time for fans. Some are still getting used to the new regime and remain apprehensive about big splashes jeopardizing their long-term plans. The scars from Dan Snyder's mismanagement run deep, but things are different now.
The Commanders' window is open. They accomplished more than anyone dreamed of and became an attractive free-agent destination along the way. Players will actively seek to join Washington's ambitious project. That's not a bad platform from which to build entering a critical recruitment period for the organization.
Peters and Quinn won't want their early success to be a flash in the pan. They want this to be the start of something special — something sustainable that results in perennial contention for this once-downtrodden franchise. Taking calculated risks and striking when opportunities arise is the best way to achieve this challenging feat.
Washington is in good hands. They are right on the cusp of great things. If they can hit the jackpot throughout the offseason and strengthen problem areas, they won't be too far away next time around.
Whether it's a bombshell trade for Garrett or more methodical acquisitions, fans can relax safe in the knowledge they have the correct decision-makers in place. Confidence is high and momentum is building. What comes next is more important.
Nothing can or should be dismissed at this juncture. But it would be a huge shock if the Commanders weren't major players this offseason.
