A busy few weeks await Adam Peters. The ramifications of his moves will be significant for good or bad.
The Washington Commanders general manager kicked off his second recruitment period at the helm by trading for wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. Speculation is running rampant about several other high-profile acquisitions as this resurgent franchise looks to enhance its exceptional momentum under the new regime. Fans are waiting with bated breath to see what comes next.
Peters won't panic. He'll know that the Commanders are an attractive destination again. He'll know their Super Bowl window opened much sooner than expected. He'll also know how vital it is to capitalize on quarterback Jayden Daniels' rookie contract before he becomes extension-eligible.
Almost everyone is being linked to the Commanders these days. This is a football hotbed again with ambition under Josh Harris' ownership group. Dan Quinn's locker room culture shift and the team's superb on-field success cemented the bright future ahead. But make no mistake, not every rumored target will be considered.
The Commanders are looking for a certain type of player. They want proven talent. They also want high-character guys with leadership qualities. It was a recipe for success in 2024, so expect Peters to adopt a similar mentality this time around.
With that being said, here are five free agents the Commanders shouldn't contemplate signing in 2025.
Free agents Commanders would ruin the 2025 offseason by signing
Commanders must avoid Teven Jenkins
The Chicago Bears wasted no time in fortifying their offensive line under new head coach Ben Johnson. Trades for Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney instantly upgrade their interior protection. That doesn't bode well for Teven Jenkins' chances of getting another deal.
Jenkins was a highly touted college prospect en route to becoming a second-round pick. He thrived as an offensive tackle with Oklahoma State but switched to the guard position in the pros. The Bears have made up their mind, leaving him to explore alternative employment with a starting chance.
The Washington Commanders need another option at the right guard position, albeit in the short term. Sam Cosmi could miss most if not all of the 2025 campaign with a torn ACL suffered in the divisional-round triumph over the Detroit Lions. Adam Peters must pivot effectively, but the money Jenkins could demand makes this a non-starter.
Washington is probably looking for a stopgap until Cosmi returns rather than anything too expensive. If Peters is going to take a swing at a prominent free agent, it should be on the edge of his protection.