Adam Peters did a remarkable job in year one as Washington Commanders' general manager. How the front-office leader performs in the coming months will likely shape the franchise's long-term future.
The Commanders achieved heights not seen for decades in D.C. They won 12 regular-season games to secure playoff football. They overcame the odds versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions on the road to reach the NFC Championship game. It was the stuff of dreams that reignited a dormant, disillusioned fanbase.
This sensational run to the final four eventually fell short with defeat against the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles, but the Commanders are ahead of schedule. Peters deserves tremendous credit for gutting two-thirds of the playing personnel with shrewd moves that didn't jeopardize future financial flexibility. What comes next is more important.
Peters is in a strong position this offseason. The Commanders have plenty of salary-cap space and seven draft selections. They are an attractive destination again, with players actively trying to navigate their way to D.C. and help this ambitious project.
That doesn't mean there won't be some complex conundrums for the Commanders to solve. With this in mind, here are five difficult decisions facing Peters during the 2025 offseason.
Difficult offseason decisions facing Commanders GM Adam Peters in 2025
Going all-in for Myles Garrett
Myles Garrett's trade request shook the NFL to its foundations. The All-Pro defensive end doesn't believe his ambition matches the Cleveland Browns' timeline for contention. He's taken matters into his own hands, but the AFC North club remains reluctant to part ways with one of the league's best players regardless of position.
The Washington Commanders are among the frontrunners to secure Garrett's services with sportsbooks. This solves a significant need and further legitimizes their Super Bowl push. But it remains a tricky decision for Adam Peters considering the expected compensation attached.
Cleveland will be looking for two first-round picks and more if general manager Andrew Berry entertains offers at some stage. While Garrett is worth it, Peters must figure out if this jeopardizes his chances to mold a well-rounded roster for sustained success.
There's also Garrett's contract to factor into the equation. The former No. 1 overall selection out of Texas A&M has two more years and no guaranteed money left on his deal. Any trade would probably come with a market-resetting extension for good measure.
Peters has to try. Garrett is an elite difference-maker with plenty of good years left in the tank. He'd be mortgaging the franchise's future, but the rewards should be astronomical.