Adam Peters gained widespread plaudits among the Washington Commanders fan base for an aggressive free agency that has seen 15 new signings come on board so far. However, not everyone was approving of the way he went about his business.
Drastic action was needed from the Commanders. They won five games when most expected another deep postseason run. They had the NFL's oldest roster, and it showed. They also had plenty of cash to fund the desired improvements.
Peters had to be bold. He made some big splashes and short-term deals. There was an emphasis on youth, but one NFL executive believed that most of the Commanders' additions reeked of panic.
Commanders' offseason assessment completely misses the bigger picture
The executive, speaking anonymously to Mike Sando of The Athletic, said Washington's offseason moves were centered on revolving-door pieces. However, they acknowledged quarterback Jayden Daniels as the key to absolutely everything.
“They are making a bunch of revolving-door moves this year, which looks like a panic to me. It is going to depend on how the quarterback plays. He can save it all.”
This was a bizarre take. Peters completed flipping the script, and the Commanders are in a better position. This sentiment was echoed by Washington analyst Al Gardi, who had a completely different outlook on the team's busy offseason.
"Washington in free agency addressed a number of needs and got younger and more athletic, and the team did so via a number of smart, team-friendly contracts. The team also extended its elite left tackle and re-signed its quality QB2. On what planet does that constitute panic?"
There is pressure to improve after such a disastrous season. However, the acquisitions made by Peters speak to self-reflection, adjustment, and doing what's required to put the Commanders on a sounder footing for long-term growth.
Not every move will reap rewards, and there is still the 2026 NFL Draft to get through, but all signs are pointing up. If Washington's big acquisitions hit the ground running, and their franchise cornerstones get a better run of luck on the injury front, this will be a team more than capable of bouncing back next season.
In terms of objectives, Peters is off to a good start. Nobody is getting ahead of themselves, and there is still a lot of hard work to be done before confidence in their chances increases. At the same time, the pieces are slowly coming together.
If the same trend continues, and Daniels stays on the field, the Commanders will undoubtedly be a team to watch in 2026.