Adam Peters was more aggressive than ever this offseason. The Washington Commanders were way ahead of schedule with an opportunity in front of them, and the general manager reacted accordingly with a flurry of bombshell trades that were expected to propel this sleeping giant back to the NFL's top table for good.
Peters was correct to swing for the fences. The Commanders made the NFC Championship game last season, and they had a franchise quarterback on a rookie deal. This year's free-agent class wasn't great, so finding top-tier talent in the trade market was the only realistic avenue to find the pieces needed.
Things look different this time around. The Commanders are 3-4 after a luckless run of injuries. The atmosphere around the organization has changed, and they will be without quarterback Jayden Daniels for Week 8 against the Kansas City Chiefs. Making another trade couldn't be completely ruled out, but one team insider believes it's doubtful.
Commanders insider believes Adam Peters will hold firm at the trade deadline
Nicki Jhabvala from The Athletic thought the Commanders would stand pat at the trade deadline. She cited the team's record, coupled with potentially expendable players currently on the roster having no real value, as legitimate reasons behind the projection.
"The Commanders made a splash by trading for cornerback Marshon Lattimore at the deadline last year. But they were 7-2 at the time and suddenly one of the hottest teams in the league. Much has changed since then. Washington is 3-4 this season with two prime-time games before the trade deadline. The Commanders’ roster is in shambles because of injuries, and their defense is spiraling. Giving up more draft picks when they’re deficient in many areas wouldn’t make sense. And the players they might be willing to part with may not generate interest elsewhere."Nicki Jhabvala
Jhabvala faced criticism from fans earlier this summer after stating that things seemed off with the Commanders. She didn't think the vibes were all that great. Despite the injury problems being an excuse, it's hard to argue with that right now.
Peters will do what he feels is best for the organization. There are still needs to fill, mainly in Washington's threadbare edge-rushing room. But giving up more draft capital when the Commanders seem so far away from the playoff picture doesn't seem likely.
The Commanders made their bed. Peters had to bank on aging veterans having one more year of sound production and health. All hope is not lost just yet, but it does seem as if the 2025 campaign is slipping away from Washington, just as momentum was starting to reach levels not seen for decades.
And it'll be fascinating to see how Peters approaches the 2026 offseason if the same trend continues.