The Washington Commanders have done a good job of improving their roster this offseason. Mistakes were made last year as general manager Adam Peters looked to build on their run to the final four. Fortunately, lessons have been learned, and things are now looking up.
Even so, a seismic development elsewhere gave the Commanders a harsh reminder of where they stand in the current NFC arms race.
While all the focus was on Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown, the Los Angeles Rams shook the NFL to its foundations by trading for All-Pro defensive end Myles Garrett. The Cleveland Browns declared themselves open for business by pushing back the date of his roster bonus. When the NFC West club included Jared Verse in the deal, it quickly became a win-win for both parties.
Commanders are some way off the Rams, but it's all about steady growth now
The rich get richer. The Browns restock and look to the future. And for teams looking to make their presence felt like the Commanders, it'll make their task that much more difficult.
Washington has to worry about itself. They are in desperate need of improvements, with pressure building on head coach Dan Quinn. The roster enhancements and scheme changes could mean a bounce-back is feasible. But in terms of going deep into the postseason or perhaps even reaching the Super Bowl, everyone will now have to go through the Rams.
Los Angeles is all-in. The Rams are hosting the Super Bowl at SoFi Stadium this year, and they want to be competing for it. Garrett's arrival completely changes the dynamic. They also traded for All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie and signed fellow corner Jaylen Watson. Everything is in position, and nothing but winning it all will do.
Expectations are lower for the Commanders.
There's nothing to suggest they cannot exceed them, but not even the brightest optimist is anticipating a Super Bowl triumph. This is all about getting back on a sounder footing — finding some middle ground after the highest of highs and the lowest of lows over the last two years. Peters picked up pieces for now and the future this offseason. But compared to where the Rams are right now, it's night and day.
And that's fine.
Not every team is in a position to make big swings like this. There are different swings to take, depending on where you are. The Seattle Seahawks even made additions by subtraction, trading quarterback Russell Wilson and wide receiver D.K. Metcalf to build their roster into a championship-caliber team.
Los Angeles just does it bigger and better than anyone else.
The Commanders took their shots last season, and it didn't work out. A summer of more modest roster-building followed, which was desperately needed. But if the desired improvements arrive next season, Peters is more than capable of swinging for the fences again.
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