The Washington Commanders were a highly regarded, ascending franchise coming into the 2025 season. That is not the case anymore.
Things have spiraled. The wheels have completely fallen off a team that boasted lofty ambitions to go deep into the playoffs again. Their latest embarrassment against the Detroit Lions in Week 10 further exposed just how far the Commanders have fallen.
And one national NFL writer subtly placed the blame squarely on general manager Adam Peters.
ESPN analyst places Commanders' failures on Adam Peters and Dan Quinn
Jason Reid of ESPN thought those calling for Joe Whitt Jr.'s firing were missing the bigger picture. This roster is terrible, with flaws everywhere you look. That falls on Peters, who pushed all his chips into the middle this offseason in pursuit of keeping Washington's positive momentum going.
"The Quinn fanboys in the Washington media want the DC out. They’ve been banging that drum for weeks. I have no dog in the fight. And maybe the DC will have to fall on the sword at the end of the season. But anyone with a clue who has watched this team knows this roster is, well, bad. And old. Defensively, it doesn’t matter whether this team’s DC is on the field or in the press box. Heck, put him in the owner’s suite. Now, “team leaders” on defense are getting ejected. Wheels are completely off the bus. Shut down Daniels and focus on the needed roster overhaul."Jason Reid, ESPN
Peters' gamble hasn't paid off. The number of injuries Washington has suffered this season hasn't helped, but it's clear something is amiss. Reporters who cover the team saw it in the summer, and unfortunately, it has since transitioned into a competitive setting.
There is a significant amount of hard work ahead for Peters when the 2026 offseason arrives, and pressure is building. The Commanders should have close to $100 million in salary-cap space once the necessary sacrifices are confirmed, but they only have six draft picks after standing pat at the 2025 trade deadline. That looks like a mistake in hindsight, so the front-office leader needs a concise plan to take things forward.
And make no mistake, panicking for quick fixes is not an option.
The Commanders have to get younger. They have to surround Jayden Daniels with the weapons needed to excel. They need to bolster depth and make some tough decisions with aging veterans who are either out of contract or not living up to their pay grade.
Reality should have set in long ago. And Peters has his back firmly against the wall before his third recruitment period.