Commanders lack of edge-rushing urgency
The Washington Commanders have a plan in place for long-term, sustainable growth. Adam Peters focused his primary investments this offseason on the supporting cast around quarterback sensation Jayden Daniels. Although positive, it did nothing to diminish fans' concerns about the team's edge-rushing options.
Peters tweaked the unit rather than urgently rectifying this issue. Deatrich Wise Jr. brings another veteran presence into the fold. Jacob Martin is a versatile piece, but he cannot be seen as anything other than a downgrade on Dante Fowler Jr., who left in free agency for the Dallas Cowboys.
That was about it. The Commanders didn't sign a big name in free agency. They didn't draft a pass-rushing force from an immensely deep class. They didn't even sign one when the undrafted free-agent frenzy began.
That's a supreme vote of confidence in the options available, even if it appears misguided from the outside looking in.
Washington was middle of the pack with 2.4 sacks per game last time around. They lost 10.5 sacks when Fowler bolted for their bitter division rival. Jonathan Allen was also released, so those tasked with filling the void cannot put a foot wrong.
There's a chance Washington will add another prominent veteran before Week 1 against the New York Giants. But for now, fans are right to feel a sense of trepidation.
Commanders' running back trust
Much like the edge-rushing situation, Adam Peters placed considerable faith in the team's running back unit this offseason. That's a calculated risk that could make or break Washington's chances of going deep into the playoffs once again.
Brian Robinson Jr. is getting another shot to lead the charge. Kliff Kingsbury is seeing raised urgency and renewed focus from the player in a contract year. It's a high-stakes situation, and muddling around the 800-yard rushing mark is not going to cut it anymore.
Austin Ekeler should be the pass-catching relief option. Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez Jr. got one-year extensions this offseason, but their respective statuses depend on how quickly seventh-round selection Jacory Croskey-Merritt picks things up.
There is a real sense of intrigue surrounding Croskey-Merritt, who saw his draft stock plummet after his 2024 eligibility was revoked by the NCAA after just one game. He's got a chip on his shoulder and is looking to stake a massive early claim. That'll help, but expecting miracles right away is unrealistic.
If the ground game cannot benefit from an improved offensive line and displays the same inconsistencies that reared their head over the second half of the previous campaign, expect wholesale alterations when the 2026 offseason commences.