One could forgive Washington Commanders fans for feeling regretful during the Super Bowl. Dan Quinn's squad was so close to reaching the NFL's pinnacle before defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship game. As it turned out, they lost to the eventual hoisters of the prestigious Vince Lombardi trophy.
The Super Bowl was a procession. Philadelphia's dominant defense imposed themselves immediately. The Kansas City Chiefs had no answer and the contest was over way before the confetti came from the rafters.
Washington was the last team to beat the Eagles this season. They went 1-2 against their bitter NFC East rivals, but there is legitimate hope for the future. The Commanders must urgently find the right reinforcements this offseason to keep pace with the defending champions in 2025.
Adam Peters is well-positioned to make improvements. The Commanders are loaded with salary-cap space and also boast seven draft selections. Expect the general manager to be aggressive while also keeping the future in mind given the need to maximize quarterback Jayden Daniels' rookie contract.
Adding players who know how to win and can fit into the new culture is essential. With this in mind, here are five Super Bowl stars the Commanders must target in 2025 free agency.
Super Bowl stars the Commanders must target in 2025 free agency
Commanders must target Zack Baun
Bobby Wagner outlined his desire to continue playing despite his advancing years. The perennial All-Pro linebacker was a driving force for the Washington Commanders in 2024 — both on and off the field. A new deal should be there if he wants it, but taking on a different challenge couldn't be completely dismissed either.
The Commanders will make contingencies for every eventuality. If something cannot be worked out with Wagner, identifying another prolific veteran from the free-agent pool seems like a realistic avenue of pursuit.
Zack Baun would arguably be the best available on the market if the Philadelphia Eagles cannot work out an extension. The linebacker was nothing short of sensational throughout the campaign, displaying outstanding run support and exceptional coverage to play a leading role in Philadelphia's outstanding year that eventually ended with a Super Bowl.
Baun also made himself a ton of money along the way. This will be the best chance he's ever had of accumulating generational wealth. There should also be a robust free-agent market for the second-level enforcer if the Eagles let things get that far.
This should be considered by the Commanders if Wagner doesn't return. Weakening a division rival only sweetens the pot.