It was a season no Washington Commanders fan will ever forget. But for general manager Adam Peters, the hard work is just beginning.
The Commanders achieved more than anyone anticipated in Year 1 under the new regime. They won 12 regular-season games and reached the NFC Championship after two notable playoff triumphs. This wasn't enough to reach the Super Bowl, but the future looks incredibly bright.
Peters earned the trust of fans quickly. He brought professionalism, purpose, and collaboration where there was nothing but chaos and confusion previously. Every move was calculated with the long-term in mind. When the time came to be more aggressive with Washington performing better than expected, the front-office leader didn't flinch.
The NFL is taking the Commanders seriously again. They climbed from the proverbial abyss and gained national headlines for the right reasons. After the toxicity of Dan Snyder's two-decade reign, fans couldn't have asked for anything more to kickstart an organizational rebirth.
Ensuring this becomes sustainable is the tough part. Peters has a huge job on his hands with widespread changes expected to the playing personnel once again. The choices he makes will determine if Washington can stay at the league's top table or become another flash in the pan.
With this in mind, here are five legitimate offseason positives that Peters must exploit in 2025.
Legitimate offseason positives Commanders GM Adam Peters must exploit
Commanders' return to prominence
Most analysts expected improvements from the Washington Commanders in some capacity in 2024. Nobody thought they would come within one game of reaching the Super Bowl.
It was the stuff of dreams for fans more used to checking free-agent targets or examining mock drafts in January. Adam Peters found the right reinforcements and Dan Quinn molded them into a cohesive unit. Everyone bought in and believed anything was possible. This took the Commanders back to prominence in double-quick time.
They were once considered a toxic laughingstock in NFL circles. Things are different now.
There is new ownership. There is a strong structure in the front office and an enhanced culture in the locker room. This has reportedly made Washington an attractive destination once again.
Convincing players to join the Commanders is not a tough sell these days. Peters will lay out the project and targets can simply examine the phenomenal early accomplishments as reasons for optimism. Money will play a factor, but veterans looking for a chance to contend might take a little less to join Washington.
It's been decades since this organization could say that.