The stakes were always going to be high for the Washington Commanders this offseason. But after winning just five games in 2025, the pressure has been raised exponentially.
This season can be best described as demoralizing. Fans were dreaming of going deep into the postseason after reaching the final four. Injuries decimated any slim hope the Commanders had of going one better, but those around the setup over the summer got the sense that something was off.
Fans were skeptical of these judgments, especially given the team's momentum. However, they were right, and the Commanders took a significant step back just when it looked like the dark days were behind them for good.
But this is not like the disastrous days of old. There is a foundation in place. There are ambitious plans gathering pace behind the scenes. And if the right moves are made in the coming months before preparations for the 2026 campaign begin, Washington has a chance to turn things around quickly.
Despite this optimism, it's not hard to see why nervousness may be growing in the building. With this in mind, here are seven Commanders who are firmly on the hot seat as a franchise-defining offseason gets underway.
Commanders on the hot seat as a franchise-defining offseason begins
Adam Peters - Commanders GM
Let's get the most obvious one out of the way first. The Washington Commanders' roster is in desperate need of a massive overhaul once again this spring. General manager Adam Peters is the man tasked with turning this key objective into a reality.
The Commanders were right to be bold last offseason. They reached the NFC Championship game in Year 1 of this ambitious project, and Peters wanted to see if the same approach, combined with some blockbuster trades, could bring similar success. It didn't pay off, so a complete rethink is needed.
Washington has to get younger. This squad needs more dynamism, explosiveness, and energy. The Commanders have only six selections in the 2026 NFL Draft — two in the first four rounds. Peters will have plenty of cash to spend, but he must keep the bigger picture in mind rather than chasing band-aid solutions for ongoing problems.
Fans have not lost faith in Peters. Most still believe he is the right man to take this organization forward. However, if he cannot steady the ship and go about things the right way this offseason, it may not take much longer for that to change.
Peters has been around the NFL long enough to know where things stand and what might be needed next. And the pressure is on to come through.