Adam Peters is under growing pressure this offseason. The Washington Commanders didn't come close to reaching expectations during the 2025 campaign. And for the first time since taking the general manager job, his recruitment strategy was questioned by experts and fans alike.
Peters gambled on aging veterans who were at the tail end of their careers. He kept faith with the large majority who propelled Washington to the NFC Championship game in Year 1 of this project. The front-office leader also made two blockbuster trades for left tackle Laremy Tunsil and wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr., further raising optimism.
It didn't pay off, although the trades were successful. Injuries are a viable excuse, but this was not a squad built to cope. The NFL's oldest roster looked precisely that throughout the campaign. And opposing teams had no trouble whatsoever in exposing Washington's frailties.
This should serve as a brutal reality check for Peters. A change in approach is needed throughout his third recruitment period. The Commanders have money to spend, but if they cannot use it wisely, seats will only get warmer.
With the stakes being raised, Peters may turn to some familiar faces for help. On this topic, here are seven players who could potentially reunite with the general manager on the Commanders at some stage this spring.
Players who could reunite with Adam Peters on the Commanders in 2026
Commanders could sign Spencer Burford
If veteran left guard Chris Paul returns to the Washington Commanders on a new deal, all five of their starting offensive linemen will be back. That is a massive boost for continuity purposes, and it gives new coordinator David Blough one less thing to worry about during his critical transition to the play-calling role.
That said, their backup options are lacking. Andrew Wylie, George Fant, Trent Scott, and Lucas Niang are all free agents and might not return. Nick Allegretti may be a salary-cap cut candidate, so general manager Adam Peters must start devising a list of reinforcements with proven experience.
Peters knows Spencer Burford well from their time together on the San Francisco 49ers. He was solid enough when tasked with starting duties last season. And at 25, there is enough scope to improve in the coming years.
Much will depend on the money involved and whether Burford, who plays on the interior but also has experience at tackle in college, is willing to accept a depth-chart role. But this looks like a realistic option if the Niners don't keep him around.