Adam Peters went about his business aggressively and methodically this offseason. The Washington Commanders were in a strong position after reaching the NFC Championship game. Taking advantage of this newfound prosperity was crucial.
The Commanders opted to make their two biggest splashes in the trade market. Peters spent significant draft capital to acquire wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. and left tackle Laremy Tunsil. This represents a huge statement, one that left no doubt Washington is aiming for another bold Super Bowl bid following its sensational playoff run.
As for the free agents? It was a more conservative approach.
Peters didn't think too much of this crop of veterans looking for alternative employment. The Commanders re-signed a lot of their free agents who contributed so much to the cause in 2024. Most of the signings (aside from Javon Kinlaw) were older players with proven production, who all signed one-year deals.
This was a strategy that bore fruit last time around. Peters is hoping for similar good fortune, so it'll be interesting to see if the same strategy brings the same success when competitive action arrives once again.
And who knows, perhaps the Commanders will receive plenty of bang for their buck. With this in mind, here are five offseason additions who can outperform their pay grade in 2025.
Commanders' offseason additions who can outperform their pay grade
Nate Herbig - Commanders OL
- 2025 salary-cap hit: $1.19 million
The Washington Commanders made one landmark addition to their offensive line with five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil. This is a game-changer that provides quarterback Jayden Daniels with an elite blindside presence to help him thrive further in Year 2 of his professional career.
Nate Herbig's arrival went unnoticed in comparison. The interior presence missed the entire 2024 campaign through injury, but all signs point to the player getting a full offseason of work under his belt this summer. If he's fully healthy and re-energized, he'll be pushing for starting involvement in some capacity.
That could be a competition with Nick Allegretti for the left guard spot. The Super Bowl winner was solid if not spectacular last season. Keeping urgency high could see improvements arrive from the veteran, but Herbig might fancy his chances of prominent involvement with a smooth transition.
It's cost the Commanders almost nothing to find out for sure about Herbig. But don't be surprised if the former undrafted free agent out of Stanford forces his way into a key backup role at the very least.