The Commanders have some tough choices to make along their offensive line.
Adam Peters has a significant amount of hard work ahead this offseason. The Washington Commanders are in a strong position after a campaign to remember, but the general manager won't be getting complacent in pursuit of roster improvements.
If Peters took one thing from Washington's defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship game, it's the need to fortify the trenches. They had enough to get them into the final four against all odds. It won't be enough to get the Commanders another Vince Lombardi trophy under this regime — not with the Philadelphia Eagles standing in their path.
Washington's offensive line needs some work. Sam Cosmi will miss most if not all of the 2025 campaign with a torn ACL, making interior improvements essential. Peters should also scour free agency for potential upgrades to the tackle positions depending on who becomes available.
The Commanders have plenty of salary-cap space to make a big splash if the right opportunity presents itself. Going down the draft route is possible, but Washington needs help now in its quest to maximize Jayden Daniels' rookie contract.
Commanders could be in contention for Ronnie Stanley with projected contract price
Ronnie Stanley's pending free agency shouldn't go unnoticed. The veteran left tackle is among the league's best edge protectors. He's an All-Pro-caliber performer and a supreme leader within the Baltimore Ravens locker room. There have been injury concerns in recent years, but the lineman managed to put a full campaign together this season to alleviate concerns.
The Ravens will probably make Stanley an offer to stick around and maintain stability around Lamar Jackson. They have just $5.95 million in available salary-cap space right now, so a situation could emerge where they let the blindside enforcer test the market.
Marcus Mosher from The 33rd Team named the Commanders among the teams who could show interest in Stanley. The analyst projected the former first-round pick out of Notre Dame to get $21 million per season on his next deal. That's something Peters could afford if he decides more is needed on the blindside.
"There are several starting tackles available in free agency, but most of them are well past their primes or have significant injury concerns. Ronnie Stanley is clearly the best tackle on the market, and the fact that he’s started 34 games (including playoffs) in the last two seasons has quieted some of the injury concerns that haunted him early in his career. The injury history could force Stanley to take a shorter deal, but he still should earn a nice payday in free agency. The Ravens would be smart to bring him back, but they might not have the cap space to get it done. Expect a half-dozen teams or more to be in on Stanley once the free-agent window opens up."Marcus Mosher
There's no doubt Stanley represents an upgrade on Brandon Coleman. Washington tasked the 2024 third-round pick with significant responsibilities as a rookie. He flashed moments of real quality, but some concerning frailties need work during his second offseason.
The Commanders need to make a tough decision. Do they stick with Colemen on the edge or switch him to the interior? If preference is for the latter, then someone like Stanley is in play.
If the Commanders opt to keep Coleman as their starting left tackle, focusing on interior protection is crucial. It's one of several tricky conundrums facing Peters this offseason. He cannot make any false moves regarding those tasked with keeping Daniels' pocket clean.
Stanley is a top-tier performer. What the Commanders must figure out is whether going all-in to secure his services is worth the financial commitment.
Watch this space…
