The Washington Commanders' struggles this season are being largely placed on head coach Dan Quinn. But general manager Adam Peters also deserves his fair share of criticism for how things are unfolding.
Since the Commanders reached the conference championship game in Year 1 of this ambitious project, they've achieved nothing. Peters has made some questionable draft picks and roster choices, and although injuries haven't helped, every team gets them.
General managers typically get two head coaches before being canned themselves. Peters has a strong relationship with majority owner Josh Harris, so even if Quinn does get fired at season's end, the front-office leader should get a reprieve.
There is a long way to go. The Commanders have 10 games left, and their win over the Philadelphia Eagles gave them life. And the lackluster NFC East means Washington is nowhere near out of the picture despite being 2-4-1 right now.
Even so, Peters will already be making plans for the future. Some big personnel decisions are due, and the choices they make will likely determine the franchise's long-term direction.
The pressure is on. And though confidence in Peters' capabilities hasn't diminished, his decision-making is under much more scrutiny these days.
With that in mind, here are seven Commanders investments coming due that demand conviction from Peters, even if some may not like the outcomes.
Washington Commanders investments coming due as general manager Adam Peters faces harder calls
K'Lavon Chaisson - Commanders OLB
The Commanders signed K'Lavon Chaisson this offseason after his breakout campaign with the New England Patriots. He could have gotten more long-term security from the New Orleans Saints, but the edge rusher was willing to bet on himself.
Chaisson knew he could earn much more money with another strong campaign. Whether that'll be in Washington or elsewhere remains to be seen, but he's well on his way to that goal.
After a slow start, Chaisson is coming to life. He plays with heart, is explosive, and has a tireless work ethic that's hard not to love. At a time when others are struggling to meet expectations on defense, his recent surge is nothing but encouraging.
The 2020 first-round pick out of LSU has been the subject of trade speculation before the deadline. Adam Peters will no doubt listen to any offers, especially if the Commanders don't beat the Los Angeles Rams this weekend. However, Chaisson could be much closer to an extension than being traded.
Generating pressure is important for any team. Chaisson is a big part of that in Washington, so unless it's for a monumental price, the Commanders should keep him around.
And if he continues to make this sort of impact, a more lucrative contract could be on the table when Washington's season concludes.
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