The Washington Commanders went 5-12 last season, one of the biggest disappointments in the NFL just one year after their shocking NFC Championship game appearance.
But this isn't the NBA or MLB, where bad teams have to stay bad for years.
Washington owned a middle-of-the-road roster last season that got monstrously unlucky with injuries. Now, general manager Adam Peters is at work filling holes that should have the Commanders returning to competitive form next season.
Joe Theismann likes what he sees from Commanders' offseason overhaul
It started in free agency, where Washington completely overhauled its defense with younger, faster, hungrier players than those who suited up the previous campaign. Then, the Commanders went out and added prized draft selection Sonny Styles with the No. 7 overall pick.
For Peters, the narrative has flipped on its head. And everybody is taking notice.
Legendary Super Bowl-winning Washington quarterback and should-be Pro Football Hall of Famer Joe Theismann is the latest to weigh in on the team's offseason, making an appearance on The Team 980 with Kevin Sheehan. He had no shortage of positive thoughts to offer.
"Adam has been very busy. When you sit down and identify the needs of our football team, I think he's addressed all of them in a lot of very unique ways."
Joe Theismann gives his thoughts on how Commanders GM Adam Peters has operated this offseason pic.twitter.com/MRJ9G5LYbn
— The Team 980 (@team980) April 29, 2026
Theismann highlighted the team's emphasis on signing new additions to one-year, prove-it deals, though among players expected to start, it's really just K'Lavon Chaisson.
The Commanders brought in edge rusher Odafe Oweh, safety Nick Cross, cornerback Amik Robertson, tight end Chig Okonkwo, and linebacker Leo Chenal, among others, all on multi-year contracts. This is the right way to build a sustainable contender.
All of them fill major needs as immediate-impact contributors, while still being young enough to have plenty of gas left in the tank. Peters did exactly what he needed to do, targeting first-time free agents at the conclusion of their rookie deals.
Rebuilds don't have to take long in the NFL, but only a few months ago, Washington's situation looked extremely bleak. The team had gone all-in on a chance to compete for a Super Bowl, only to end up with a losing season, very few long-term building blocks, and only two draft picks in the first four rounds.
Now, if all goes well, the Commanders will once again have reason for optimism, not only for 2026, but for the next several years. Maybe Peters knows what he's doing after all.
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