Adam Peters didn't make any moves before the 2025 trade deadline. Fans were expecting some potential outgoings with the Washington Commanders' hopes this season fading quickly. Still, the general manager kept faith with the options available before a pivotal offseason for the franchise next year.
This is a sign of the times. The Commanders had massive expectations coming into the campaign, but injuries, poor performances, age catching up with influential figures, and young players regressing have contributed significantly to their demise. And it already looks like last season's exceptional run to the NFC Championship game was an anomaly.
Peters will have a plan in place. He also won't stop looking for ways to improve the roster, and one NFL analyst believes that should start in the running back room with quarterback Jayden Daniels on the shelf.
Commanders urged to shake up backfield with Zack Moss signing
Enzo Flojo from Clutch Points thought the Commanders should take a look at what Zack Moss could potentially bring to the backfield dynamic. He hasn't played this season after being cut by the Cincinnati Bengals during the summer. Still, the analyst thinks his physical running style could be an asset to Washington over the second half of 2025.
"If Washington wants to find a reliable, every-down runner without breaking the bank, Zack Moss should be the top target. Moss has proven he can carry the load when healthy. He has the durability and a physical running style tailor-made for winter football. Moss also wouldn’t command a massive contract, making him a low-cost, high-reward signing for a team that needs to allocate cap space across multiple positions. His bruising style also complements Daniels’ dual-threat skill set."Enzo Flojo
The Commanders haven't got the ground game going this season. Whether it's offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury's play-calling or the players' lack of consistency is debatable. But applying a band-aid fix with an outside presence doesn't seem likely at this juncture.
Any new signing would hinder Jacory Croskey-Merritt's development. The seventh-round rookie has tailed off after a mesmerizing start, so he needs to get back on track. And if the Commanders are looking for an additional spark, getting Chris Rodriguez Jr. and maybe even Jeremy McNichols more touches would be beneficial.
Moss was a capable performer when tasked with significant responsibilities, especially with the Indianapolis Colts in 2023. If the Commanders were in contention or in the playoff hunt, things might be different. That's not the case, so riding out the storm with the running back options available is the sensible approach.