5 blatantly obvious Commanders 2025 extension candidates after 4-1 start
By Dean Jones
Washington Commanders general manager Adam Peters is getting some immediate returns from his substantial roster turnover throughout the offseason. The team is on a tear to begin the campaign heading into their crunch Week 6 game at the Baltimore Ravens. This is better than even the brightest optimist envisaged, but this is just the start of the front-office leader's grand plans to get this storied franchise into perennial contention.
Peters did a remarkable job throughout the offseason. He strengthened almost every position group while also maintaining a sense of financial flexibility for the future. The Commanders are projected to have $122.5 million in available salary-cap space with 30 players under contract in 2025. They also have 10 draft picks next year, which could rise or decrease depending on what those in power do before the trade deadline.
This is how you set up a team for success. Peters came to the Commanders having played an influential role in thriving front offices around the league. He knows what it takes to build a culture and find the right characters to take the organization forward. It's early days, but the former San Francisco 49ers executive will have no trouble handing out new deals to those who are proving their worth.
With this in mind, here are five blatantly obvious Commanders extension candidates in 2025 following their sensational 4-1 start.
Blatantly obvious Commanders 2025 extension candidates after 4-1 start
John Bates - Commanders TE
John Bates is playing an overlooked role for the Washington Commanders in 2024. He's not filling up the stat sheet in the passing game, but nobody expected him to. What those in power are seeing from the tight end is outstanding blocking, contributing significantly to the team becoming so dominant on the ground through five games.
Bates is chipping edge rushers in pass protection and solidifying the edge on running plays for good measure. His 49 percent of offensive snaps are the highest of his professional career. There's a level of trust in his blocking capabilities that should ensure he gets an extended stay if the same trend continues.
The Commanders are hopeful rookie second-rounder Ben Sinnott can be their complete package tight end with further refinement. Zach Ertz is doing an admirable job from a pass-catching standpoint despite his advancing years. However, every team needs players like Bates, especially given Washington's desire to rely on the running game with rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels leading the charge.