Adam Peters made earth-shattering changes to the Washington Commanders after taking control of the front office in 2024. Two-thirds of the playing personnel were replaced. Most of Ron Rivera's high-end draft picks fell by the wayside, replaced by established professionals with proven experience of going deep into the playoffs.
The turnaround was immediate. Washington made the NFC Championship game and looked primed for a prosperous future. That might still be the case, but this season's regression is a clear sign of how much hard work remains for the Commanders to cement themselves at the NFL's top table.
Significant alterations are on the way once again this offseason. And for one longtime veteran who surprisingly got a reprieve when Peters came on board, he's nearing the end of his Washington run.
Commanders and Trent Scott could go their separate ways this offseason
The Commanders signed Trenton Scott at the start of Rivera's final season in 2023. He'd spent time with the Los Angeles Chargers, Carolina Panthers, and Pittsburgh Steelers in the years before. He'd also performed well, albeit from a rotational role more often than not. But he did enough to make the team, and the versatile lineman even got the chance to stick around under the new regime.
Scott made the 53-man roster. He amazingly caught quarterback Jayden Daniels' first-ever touchdown pass. When starting right guard Sam Cosmi went down with a torn ACL in the divisional playoff round versus the Detroit Lions, he stepped into the breach and shone.
It was a fleeting yet invaluable contribution. Scott earned another one-year deal for his efforts. And again, he made the 53-man roster after impressing enough during the summer.
Unfortunately for the Grambling State product, Scott's moved firmly to the fringes this time around. He's been active just five times and hasn't played an offensive snap. The Commanders have made him a healthy scratch more often than not in recent weeks, which indicates that the writing is firmly on the wall regarding his future.
The chances of Scott being offered another deal in Washington are remote. He's been nothing but professional, understanding his role and staying ready in case his number was called. Almost everyone is further ahead in the pecking order, so a parting of the ways seems inevitable when Peters is forced to make his roster decisions next spring.
What that means for Scott's future in the league is anyone's guess. He's got the experience to play almost anywhere across the line, which is a trait teams covet heavily. At the same time, even though 32 isn't old in linemen terms, his best days are firmly behind him.
It'll be interesting to see how things play out.