Adam Peters adopted an aggressive approach to his roster construction this offseason. Instead of splashing the cash in free agency, the Washington Commanders once again targeted proven performers in the trade market in positions of need.
And according to a Commanders' insider, there is an overlooked reason for this seismic shift in the team's recruitment strategy.
Ben Standig from The Athletic highlighted the constant stream of draft failures during Ron Rivera's tenure as a big reason why Peters needed to find immediate difference-makers in the trade market. Cornerback Marshon Lattimore was the first, swiftly followed by wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. and left tackle Laremy Tunsil this spring.
Commanders' bold approach stems from Ron Rivera's failed NFL Draft choices
These are Pro Bowl-caliber players. They have achieved a significant amount during their respective careers. Considering there are very few draft picks left from Rivera's tenure and none of his first-round selections, Standig believes it was essential for Peters to make bold moves to compensate for so many misses.
"The four years of drafting misfires from the Ron Rivera era as a leading factor in the roster skewing older, while noting that trades for cornerback Marshon Lattimore, left tackle Laremy Tunsil and [Deebo] Samuel costing Washington a net of six draft picks were executed by the current leadership. The former certainly influenced the latter. Of Washington’s 33 draft selections from 2020 to 2023, eight remain with the organization, and five are starters/rotation pieces. Dyami Brown and Benjamin St-Juste, 2021 draft picks, played extensively last season before signing elsewhere in free agency, but their careers were mainly underwhelming."Ben Standig
Peters didn't think much of this free-agent class. He thought even less of the way Rivera went about his business over the four drafts he was in charge.
Chase Young was shipped to the San Francisco 49ers before Peters came on board. Jahan Dotson got traded to the Philadelphia Eagles. Jamin Davis couldn't find a role under the new regime and became surplus to requirements. The Commanders gave up on Emmanuel Forbes Jr. — the apple of Rivera's eye during his pre-draft evaluations in 2023.
While the focus of Washington's reasoning centers on the team's new win-now status, incredible resurgence under head coach Dan Quinn in 2024, and the need to maximize quarterback Jayden Daniels' rookie contract, the fact Rivera whiffed on his top-end draft picks also played a significant part.
If Rivera had taken Christian Darrisaw over Davis, Kyle Hamilton over Dotson, and Christian Gonzalez over Forbes, there's no doubt Peters would have had far fewer needs to fill. That wasn't the case, so the general manager deserves credit for recognizing these failings and striking with purpose to improve the team's fortunes.
The level of professionalism, collaboration, and long-term planning attached to the new regime represents the biggest breath of fresh air imaginable. Peters led the charge and the Commanders surged. He did this without jeopardizing Washington's financial flexibility.
There is more hard work ahead. The Commanders are only in phase two of this ambitious project. They are way ahead of schedule, but there are countless examples around the league of teams falling flat when complacency creeps in.
Fortunately for Peters, he's got plenty of experience being part of perennial contenders. That's the goal in Washington, and the franchise is in good hands at long last.
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