Adam Peters' roster revamp
Adam Peters passed final judgment on the Washington Commanders roster he inherited when he cut the only remaining top pick from the last five seasons, Emmanuel Forbes Jr.
He had already traded Jahan Dotson and released Jamin Davis after failing to pick up his fifth-year option over the summer. Sam Cosmi, Brian Robinson Jr., and Quan Martin appear to be the only draftees of the 33 players chosen during the Ron Rivera years to have a significant future with the franchise.
In his first draft, Peters chose quarterback Jayden Daniels, the front-runner for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. He chose several other players who may not be among the elites at their positions but are already solid starters or contributors and who look to get better over time.
Take left tackle Brandon Coleman. The Commanders have been trying to find an edge protector in the draft for more than a decade. They have always come up short. Even when they identified a very good player like Cosmi, he ultimately had to transition to guard in the pros.
Peters waited until the third round to select Coleman. He was the 12th tackle chosen. Entering Week 14, he is the starting left tackle on a projected playoff team. His Pro Football Focus grade is higher than eight of those chosen ahead of him.
The new general manager revealed his roster-building strategy early. He released high-priced veterans who were declining — Charles Leno, Logan Thomas, and Nick Gates — almost immediately. In their place, he brought in equally productive players who were several years younger.
He signed a couple of veterans to provide leadership. Players like Bobby Wagner, Zach Ertz, and Marcus Mariota have been invaluable both on and off the field.
Most tellingly, he did not shell out big money on any long-term contracts. He shopped for mid-priced vets with high upside, provided they were used correctly. Players like Nick Allegretti and Frankie Luvu have become cornerstones.
Peters continued tinkering, finding useful talent from castoffs. Two undrafted free agents — Tyler Owens and Colson Yankoff — made the final roster and could have a future. Other veteran journeymen like Noah Brown, Sheldon Day, and Nick Bellore have made positive contributions.
The Commanders haven't patched every hole in one season. Peters is still looking to nail down the placekicker spot and would like more talent at receiver. He needs one or two pass rushers. This is not the finished product — nor should it be.
We are all eager to see how many dividends the recent trade for cornerback Marshon Lattimore delivers. Due to his careful spending, the Commanders will be in an excellent salary cap position heading into the 2025 offseason. They currently have the fourth most projected cap space available and have a better roster than the three teams ahead of them (Las Vegas, Arizona, and New England).
The result of Peters’ decisions is a team that has already doubled its win total from last year with a month left to play, and with the playoffs well within reach. The future is as bright as it has been in more than a decade — much brighter when you consider the entire ownership structure.
For all that, Peters earns an A for his work as Washington’s general manager.