Adam Peters was a coveted general manager target for several teams around the league. Judging by his first year with the Washington Commanders, it's not hard to see why.
Peters came into the franchise with a clear purpose. He revamped the front office, adopting a more collaborative, professional approach. There were no rash gambles or mortgaging the franchise's future. It was a long-term strategy that brought instant rewards.
The Commanders took off in 2024. Head coach Dan Quinn's locker room culture shift and Peters' roster construction were the perfect match. Washington won 12 regular-season games, secured two postseason triumphs, and reached the NFC Championship game for the first time in over three decades.
They eventually came undone at the final hurdle with a disappointing loss against the Philadelphia Eagles. Although it stung fans, that doesn't detract from the outstanding accomplishments secured by the Commanders in Year 1 of this ambitious project.
There is a lot of hard work ahead. Peters and his front-office staff have already turned their attention to the offseason. Draft evaluation events are ongoing and Washington also has 30 free agents to decide on before free agency. It'll be another fascinating few months before the time to resume organized team activities arrives.
With this in mind, here are five pressing priorities for Peters during his second offseason in 2025.
Pressing offseason priorities for Commanders GM Adam Peters in 2025
Building around Jayden Daniels
The Washington Commanders have a superstar quarterback at long last. Jayden Daniels' talent, work ethic, ability to inspire others, and remarkable composure in big moments saw him take the league by storm. Losing in the NFC Championship game lit an instant fire under the signal-caller heading into Year 2 of his professional career.
Daniels will be ready, but the Commanders must do their part. Adam Peters needs to build around the No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. The front-office leader must maximize his rookie contract before he becomes extension-eligible. Anything less is organizational malpractice.
Fortunately for the Commanders, Peters has experience in this area. He helped mold a formidable roster around San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy's seventh-round rookie deal. They fell short of a Super Bowl triumph, but this leaves hope the same trend can continue and perhaps even increase in Washington.
The Commanders are an attractive destination. Free agents will actively pursue moves to Washington in pursuit of playing with Daniels. That's something Peters must put to good use through the offseason and beyond.