Everything that could go wrong for the Washington Commanders has this season. The team is sitting at 3-5, and injuries are decimating a roster that was expected to compete for another deep playoff run.
Even among the healthy contributors, it's been hard to find bright spots. The inexplicable regression of defensive starters Frankie Luvu, Mike Sainrisitl, and Quan Martin has been a significant concern. On offense, both star quarterback Jayden Daniels and Pro Bowl wideout Terry McLaurin have left more to be desired, even when they have been on the field.
Washington has had a few gems exceed offseason expectations, including seventh-round rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt, offensive guard Chris Paul, and defensive end Jacob Martin. But if there's any silver lining to the Commanders' 2025 season, it's their long-term outlook.
Commanders still have Jayden Daniels on his rookie contract for three more years
It goes without saying that Washington's approach over the offseason has backfired. Adam Peters doubled down on his strategy of building an experienced, battle-tested roster around Daniels after his magical rookie season. In hindsight, it's a miracle things worked so well last year.
The Commanders have been old and slow. That needs to change if they're going to become a sustained contender.
On the bright side, the window is open for three more years to build around Daniels while he's still making chump change. His rookie deal runs through 2027, with a fifth-year option for 2028 that almost certainly will be picked up. This should give Washington plenty of time to put together a roster that complements him for the long haul.
Daniels is extension-eligible after the 2026 campaign, but that wouldn't kick in until his rookie deal concludes. Time is on Washington's side, for now.
Even though Daniels has run into his own obstacles this season, he should be close to a fully mature product by the time he's in Year 5. By that point, homegrown draft picks on both offense and defense should develop into stars. Perhaps Washington could even make a splash or two for some proven Pro Bowlers in their primes, rather than the Bobby Wagner variety of aging vet who was added first and foremost as a culture changer.
Bottom line, three years is a long time in the NFL. The Commanders have a quarterback they know can be special, and they have him at a discount for the immediate future.
This season hasn't gone the way Washington had hoped for. But as 2024 proved, fortunes can turn around in a hurry.