Excitement is building among everyone associated with the Washington Commanders. The team put together a phenomenal campaign in 2024 en route to 12 regular-season wins and an NFC Championship game appearance. This puts general manager Adam Peters in a strong position entering his second offseason at the helm.
The Commanders have 29 free agents, so big alternations to the playing personnel are expected once again. That might be harsh on some who contributed significantly to the cause in year one under Dan Quinn's leadership, but it's the unfortunate price of progress in the NFL.
Peters has plenty of salary-cap space to spend. The front-office leader won't be reckless based on the way he went about his business last spring. There's also a need to be more aggressive with the Super Bowl window open and Jayden Daniels' rookie contract to maximize.
Perhaps the most important thing above all else is how the Commanders are being perceived these days. This isn't the same laughingstock franchise that descended into embarrassment under the previous owner. There's momentum, direction, and ambition from top to bottom. That makes Washington a coveted destination for the first time in decades.
Adam Schefter from ESPN first reported this before the trade deadline. The senior insider revealed that players were telling their agents to actively pursue moves to Washington over others. A recent revelation from linebacker Frankie Luvu lent further weight to these claims.
Frankie Luvu reveals players have spoken to him about joining the Commanders
Luvu stated via John Keim of ESPN that he's already heard from players on other teams who were interested in joining the Commanders. The ferocious second-level presence claimed this was a result of the enhanced atmosphere and locker room culture that came together much quicker than many anticipated.
"I got a few of them. That's the type of energy we're starting to get."Frankie Luvu via ESPN
This cannot be anything other than positive for the Commanders. While this wouldn't be classed as tampering, the fact players are stating their intent to those currently on Washington's books represents a seismic shift.
Players would dismiss Washington even before an approach had been made under Dan Snyder's watch. The decaying facilities, toxic environment, and poor football product dictated as much. Now, they're trying to navigate a path to D.C.
Josh Harris' ownership group invested heavily to enhance the training facility. They've made improvements to Northwest Stadium while also forming plans for a new state-of-the-art venue. The Commanders have a much-improved front office, a respected figure leading the coaching staff, and a franchise-caliber presence under center.
Free agents want to get paid. They also want to find the right fit — somewhere with a legitimate chance to contend and help them reach their potential. It's no surprise to see Washington reportedly at the top of shortlists.
Peters could be in worse positions that's for sure. Being an attractive option for free agents is one thing. Picking the right characters who can add to the culture being built is a different challenge entirely.
Fans are expectant. They've toiled through endless misery and there is now light at the end of a very dark tunnel. If Peters can capitalize on Washington's newfound momentum and status league-wide, another bold playoff bid won't be too far behind in 2025.
Exciting times ahead…