The Washington Commanders have made it clear that they are focused on seizing the three-year period before needing to pay Jayden Daniels, aiming for a Super Bowl victory. Last year’s squad was composed largely of free agents on short-term contracts, but Dan Quinn succeeded in establishing a long-missing culture in D.C., propelling the Commanders to their first NFC Championship game since 1991.

As the offseason commenced, GM Adam Peters and the Commanders’ leadership faced several challenging decisions. They saw several crucial players from last season, such as Jeremy Chinn, Dante Fowler Jr., and Dyami Brown, join other teams. Nevertheless, the Commanders stayed proactive, first securing veterans Bobby Wagner and Zach Ertz for another year in D.C.

They also re-signed key contributors like TE John Bates and punter Tress Way. After addressing their roster needs, Peters aggressively approached free agency, understanding the importance of surrounding the talented young QB Daniels, arguably among the top five in the NFL, with offensive weapons. The first significant move was trading a fifth-round pick for the 49ers’ versatile player Deebo Samuel, offering OC Kliff Kingsbury another reliable option for Daniels.

In a surprising turn of events, the Commanders stunned the NFL by acquiring Texans’ five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil, ensuring Daniels’ blind side remains well-protected. Defensively, Washington didn’t sign any major stars but did invest in DL Javon Kinlaw, whom Peters knows from their time in San Francisco. Kinlaw, a former first-round pick, possesses great potential but has yet to reach his peak performance in the NFL.

The Commanders also added some veteran defensive backs, including longtime Patriot CB Jonathan Jones. During the NFL Draft, Washington selected one of the top tackles available, Josh Connerly Jr., in the first round, once again prioritizing Daniels’ protection. They also secured a second-round steal in Ole Miss CB Trey Amos, who had a first-round grade from most experts.

The primary concern for Washington’s defense entering the 2025 season is the absence of a dominant pass rusher and how they will pressure opposing quarterbacks. Anthony Palacios from Last Word on Sports suggests the Commanders are strong contenders to trade for former Packers’ first-round pick Quay Walker, currently listed as a linebacker.

The Commanders could benefit from bolstering their defensive unit, given its weaknesses, despite an explosive offense led by QB Jayden Daniels. The return of Bobby Wagner is encouraging, but the loss of Dante Fowler Jr. to the Cowboys, who led the team in sacks last season, leaves a void. Walker might be a suitable successor once Wagner retires.