Adam Peters has got a lot on his plate this offseason. The Washington Commanders have taken the most significant step back imaginable in 2025, and the general manager faces the prospect of another massive roster overhaul when the recruitment period begins.
Anything and everything should be on the table. The Commanders need to consolidate. They need to get younger. They also need to keep the bigger picture in mind, rather than chasing instant gratification in Year 3 of quarterback Jayden Daniels' rookie contract.
Jeremy Fowler of ESPN touted a potential avenue the Commanders could pursue to address a critical need. And it left fans infuriated.
Commanders could swing anoother blockbuster trade for an edge rusher this offseason
The respected insider believes the Commanders could swing another trade for a young, ascending edge rusher entering the final year of their contract. He also agreed with the fans' concerns that Peters did not do enough to strengthen Washington's pass rush before the 2025 campaign began.
"It was shocking to me when they didn't aggressively address pass rusher last offseason. But Washington could also identify rushers on rookie deals who might want a trade due to inactivity on a contract extension with their current team. The Jaguars' Travon Walker, Giants' Kayvon Thibodeaux and Jets' Jermaine Johnson are among players on expiring rookie deals who could be 2027 free agents."Jeremy Fowler
Another trade, really?
Unless it is an opportunity too good to refuse, Peters needs to start building the right way. He doesn't have the draft picks to do that much this offseason, but sacrificing future assets for what could become a short-term fix doesn't seem wise.
Finding an explosive edge rusher on a cheaper, longer deal from the college ranks is more prudent. While they wouldn't have the proven production of the three players that Fowler mentioned, it's the right way to build a sustainable model. And although Peters is aggressive, trades can be risky.
The Commanders got precisely what they bargained for with left tackle Laremy Tunsil. They've also got a good year out of wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr., but it remains to be seen whether that's enough for another deal. However, the acquisition of four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Marshon Lattimore was an unmitigated disaster.
Peters won't stop swinging, especially if there is conviction. But the Commanders aren't in any position to make win-now trades this spring. That wasn't the case earlier this year, but things change quickly in the NFL.
Fans demand improvements across the board. And whatever Peters decides, it will shape the Commanders' future for good or bad.