The main part of general manager Adam Peters' recruitment is over. Free agency is a distant memory, and the 2025 NFL Draft is firmly in the rearview mirror. However, there are still some urgent priorities for the Washington Commanders to resolve in the not-too-distant future.
Once again, Peters has been widely praised for his efforts this offseason. The Commanders were more aggressive with their Super Bowl window open. Bold trades, shrewd free-agent signings, and striking with conviction during the draft leave Washington's passionate fan base hopeful of another deep postseason run. Anything less would be a big disappointment after the miracles achieved in Year 1 of this ambitious project.
Momentum couldn't be much higher for the Commanders on and off the field right now.
Reaching the NFC Championship game with a franchise quarterback leading the charge quickly turned this squad from also-rans into legitimate contenders. Josh Harris is meeting his end of the bargain. A new venue at the RFK Stadium site and the NFL Draft coming to D.C. in 2027 represent fine examples of the changing perceptions around this once-toxic franchise.
This is just the start of something special. If Peters and head coach Dan Quinn can tackle these urgent priorities, the Commanders' playoff push will ignite in 2025.
Urgent priorities Commanders must tackle to ignite 2025 playoff push
Commanders' running back conundrum
Fans grew increasingly concerned about the lack of additions to the running back room this offseason. Adam Peters gave those who contributed in 2024 another go-around, which was a subject of debate after injuries and performance regression left the Washington Commanders relying too much on quarterback Jayden Daniels to gain yards on the ground.
The Commanders spent their seventh-round selection on Jacory Croskey-Merritt. This is being seen as a potential steal among the media, but asking a late Day 3 pick to immediately assume heavy responsibilities is unfair and unrealistic in equal measure.
It's not impossible by any stretch. It's just unlikely.
Croskey-Merritt missed a lot of football last season after his eligibility was revoked by the NCAA. The Commanders will bring him along gradually, which could mean they're confident Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler can shoulder the load in the final year of their respective deals.
That's a risky strategy, especially considering the problems both players had as the 2024 campaign wore on. Peters, Dan Quinn, and offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury will be watching developments closely. If they believe more is needed, the Commanders must act swiftly to get another immediate contributor into the fold.