NFL analyst pinpoints potential difference-maker for Commanders in 2025

Dan Quinn and his Washington Commanders are focused on getting over the finishing line to make the postseason. For Adam Peters and his staff behind the scenes, their thoughts are further afield.

Peters is gearing up for his second offseason at the helm. The general manager emerged from his opening efforts with tremendous credit, gutting a talent-devoid roster and molding it into a much more competitive outfit under Quinn's experienced coaching team.

The Commanders are way ahead of schedule whether they make the playoffs or not. Revelations before the 2024 trade deadline indicate that Washington is also becoming a hotbed destination for pending free agents thanks to the improved culture without Dan Snyder holding absolute power.

While Peters will be methodical and always keep the long-term vision in mind, the Commanders' trade for stud cornerback Marshon Lattimore highlights his willingness to be aggressive when the situation dictates. Expect this measured approach to continue during the upcoming recruitment period.

The options are plentiful right now. They'll diminish with franchise tags and extensions, but it would be a surprise if Peters didn't have a large list of veterans set to hit the free-agent market who could be acquired. The Commanders also have close to $100 million available with 31 players under contract.

Analyst believes Commanders should target Budda Baker in 2025

This was a topic discussed by Matt Holder from The Bleacher Report. He thought the Commanders shouldn't settle. This involves upgrading incumbent safety starter Jeremy Chinn with All-Pro Budda Baker if the Arizona Cardinals let him test the market.

"Washington could use some safety help as it's one of the team's current weaknesses, and Jeremy Chinn, the defense's best player at the position, is an impending free agent. Part of what makes Chinn so valuable is he wears multiple hats, lining up in the box, playing as the deep safety and covering the slot. [Budda] Baker can do all of that as well but is the superior player. Heading into this past weekend, the 28-year-old who turns 29 in January had earned coverage and run defense grades from Pro Football Focus in the mid-70s while lining up all over the field."

- Matt Holder, The Bleacher Report

There's no doubting Baker's credentials. He's a leader, organizes defenses exceptionally well, and has an innate ability to be around the football consistently in all phases. That would be harsh on Chinn, but Peters won't hesitate to go in a different direction if he feels like it can benefit the team.

Baker is unlikely to be cheap. What Peters needs to figure out is whether a loftier financial commitment than Chinn would demand results in a significant upturn in performance levels.

The Commanders have other needs to also address. Peters will have a good lay of the land by this point. Chinn's done well enough to get a new deal and he's a good scheme fit for Washington. But there's no doubt Baker is among the league's most dominant players at the position.

It'll be interesting to see how things play out. But fans should have complete confidence the right decisions will be made thanks to Peters' sensational start as general manager.

More Commanders news and analysis