The Washington Commanders are moving with more purpose than ever. Adam Peters and Dan Quinn have overseen a remarkable culture shift in a relatively short space of time. They are way ahead of schedule, but the hard work is just getting started.
Peters will soon focus his attention on the offseason. He's got a long-term plan in place. His ruthless approach with a business-first mindset has been a breath of fresh air. There are still holes to address, which will be his biggest priority when the 2025 recruitment period arrives.
Surrounding Jayden Daniels with more prolific weapons in the passing game would be a good place to start. The rookie quarterback looks like a franchise-caliber presence under center. The Commanders must maximize the next two or three seasons before a potentially record-breaking extension is due for the No. 2 pick.
Even though Zach Ertz is performing well as the prominent pass-catching tight end this season, he's not getting any younger. John Bates is out of contract and might not return. The Commanders spent a second-round selection on Ben Sinnott, who remains an unknown quantity despite flashing as a blocker in Year 1 of his professional career.
Commanders urged to consider Juwan Johnson in free agency
Adding to the room whether Ertz returns or not wouldn't be the worst idea in the world. This was a sentiment echoed by Matt Holder from The Bleacher Report, who thought the Commanders should take a look at New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson if he hits the free-agent market.
"Washington might be in the market for a veteran tight end this spring since Zach Ertz and John Bates are on expiring deals. While Johnson has only had one season with more than 400 receiving yards—508 in 2022—he does exactly what you'd want from a big-bodied pass-catcher; move the chains and put the ball in the end zone. Of the 28-year-old's (he turns 29 in September) 130 career receptions heading into this weekend, 18 have been touchdowns and 81 have gone for first downs. That'd be a good security blanket or Jayden Daniels."Matt Holder, The Bleacher Report
Johnson's got some decent athleticism to call upon. He's a commanding force in red-zone situations and knows how to manipulate his body in tight windows. The former Penn State star boasts 18 touchdowns in five years despite not ever doing enough to become a genuine focal point. That's something the Commanders could put to better use in this scenario.
Much will depend on Ertz's future. The Pro Bowler is currently navigating his way through the NFL's concussion protocol and might not feature in Week 16 against the Philadelphia Eagles. His production suggests another one-year deal is warranted, but it could go either way.
There's also the small matter of Sinnott's development to factor into the equation. The rookie's been given just five targets this season — bringing all of them in for 28 receiving yards and one touchdown. He was always going to be a work in progress. Even so, giving him undisputed No. 1 responsibilities next season is a gamble.
If the Commanders opt for another experienced figure and Ertz decides to take his chances elsewhere or retire, someone like Johnson comes into consideration. He's also unlikely to cost the earth, which would allow Peters extra resources to strengthen other problem position groups.
Time will tell on that one.