One would be hard-pressed to think of an offseason in recent franchise history where the Washington Commanders had so much optimism. It was a campaign for the ages in 2024 as this NFL phoenix rose from the ashes. Adam Peters' job is to build on this unrivaled positivity when the upcoming recruitment period commences.
The Commanders achieved more than even the brightest optimist anticipated this season. Head coach Dan Quinn galvanized the locker room and Peters found the right blend of youth and experience to kickstart this exciting rebuild. Fans were cautiously optimistic, but nobody expected this sleeping giant to reach the NFC Championship game.
Peters has 29 free agents to decide upon. Big changes could be coming to the planning personnel once again. Gutting two-thirds of the roster won't happen again, but everyone acknowledges the squad is going to look completely different by the time organized team activities resume.
Some have their statuses secure. Others face a more anxious wait before their futures are determined. There are plenty of unknowns, but the excitement is palpable among the fanbase.
A fascinating few months are in store. Before then, here are five Commanders players on the hot seat entering the 2025 offseason.
Commanders players on the hot seat entering the 2025 offseason
Marshon Lattimore - Commanders CB
The Washington Commanders' bombshell trade to acquire Marshon Lattimore from the New Orleans Saints didn't go to plan initially. Adam Peters made an aggressive move with the playoffs in sight and this year's free-agent class not exactly being loaded with talent also factored into his thought process. It was an underwhelming first impression with mitigating circumstances attached.
Coming into a new team injured wasn't easy. Lattimore had a hamstring injury that he couldn't quite shake off. Aside from two performances against the New Orleans Saints and Detroit Lions, the two-time Pro Bowler never looked fully healthy.
This brought concern among the fanbase. Lattimore was even being touted as a possible cut candidate, although Adam Peters squashed that rumor by reaffirming his commitment to the former first-round pick in 2025.
It's a confidence boost for Lattimore, but he must repay this faith. Getting healthy during the offseason is his first objective. After that, it's about immersing himself in the defensive concepts and reaching peak fitness levels to avoid similar complications over the summer.
If Lattimore gets a clear run of luck on the health front and uses his indifferent start as a source of motivation, returning to the form of old is a strong possibility.