Adam Peters is in a profitable position this offseason. The Washington Commanders are back among the NFL's elite after an astonishing 2024 campaign. The moves made in the coming months will dictate whether this was a flash in the pan or the start of something more sustainable.
There is ambition and excitement surrounding the Commanders. There is a path to prosperity and the right structure in place to achieve their short and long-term goals. Washington's phenomenal campaign in 2024 raised expectations to heights not seen for decades. It's a nice problem for Peters to have, albeit unusual for fans who've become more accustomed to languishing among the bottom feeders.
Things are different now. The Commanders have a collaborative, purposeful front office. They have a leader of men in head coach Dan Quinn. They also have a superstar quarterback after Jayden Daniels' remarkable rookie transition.
Nothing should be off the table right now. The NFL Scouting Combine will be a hotbed of activity with coaches, front-office personnel, and agents all in the same place. Scouting the draft prospects is important, but this is also the venue where contract negotiations or trade talks often gather pace.
Peters provided a window into Washington's offseason thought process during his media availability at the NFL Scouting Combine. The respected figure knows not to show his hand much, but there were some interesting topics discussed that provided Commanders fans with food for thought before free agency.
Commanders improved culture making Adam Peters' life easier with free agents
There's also the small matter of the 28 free agents Washington has currently. Some will stay. Some will leave. Others might get the chance for increased involvement or more money elsewhere. That's what happens everywhere at this time of year.
Peters acknowledged there were a lot of holes to fill. Despite the urgency, he's taking a relaxed approach. The front-office figure also believes his job is being made easier by the exceptional culture installed by head coach Dan Quinn.
"We have a lot of free agents and a lot of holes to fill on the roster. We have I think the second least amount of players on the roster in the league right now, so we'll be busy. We're talking with a lot of those guys. It just depends on what they want to do and if we can come to an agreement before free agency. Some guys want to hit free agency to see what their market is and some guys want to get things done right away. The great thing is, the culture that DQ [Dan Quinn] created, there's a lot of guys that want to come back. Proud of that. Proud of what DQ's created and having a lot of guys that want to be Commanders going forward."Adam Peters via NBC Washington
Quinn's highly respected in league circles. Masterminding Washington's turnaround so quickly and watching how the players hung onto his every word was a far cry from anything the Commanders have had in recent years. It's made them a football hotspot and somewhere people want to be rather than being shunned at the first approach.
Players want to get paid, of course. They also want someone to believe in and work within an environment that promotes growth. Quinn and the new regime can provide that. They've also proved it's a recipe for success looking at how things unfolded in 2024.
There is a significant amount for Peters to navigate, but there are far worse positions to be in. The Commanders are right on the cusp of something special. Who wouldn't want to be a part of it if the same trend continues in the coming years?
And who knows, it might be enough to tip the scales if offers arrive from elsewhere.
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