What pressing priorities must Washington Commanders general manager Adam Peters address during his first offseason with the franchise?
Adam Peters will begin his Washington Commanders' journey by speaking to the media this afternoon. It'll be fascinating to hear what attracted the new general manager to the organization. We should also get more clues about what his vision for the future will be in the short and long term.
Peters comes into the Commanders with a glittering reputation, but the size of the task awaiting him cannot be overstated. He'll get time to turn things around after signing a five-year deal. Looking at the resources available, there's also a chance Washington's rebuild can bear fruit quicker than anticipated if the right moves are made.
This is the only job Peters was interested in. He spurned multiple advances from elsewhere. He believes in the ambitious plans outlined by majority ownership partner Josh Harris. He's also eager to get into the business at hand and wake a sleeping giant.
With this in mind, here are five pressing priorities facing Peters during his first offseason as Commanders general manager in 2024.
Commanders must hire the right head coach
This is the first and arguably most important item on Adam Peters' agenda. The Washington Commanders must get their preferred head coaching target into the organization. According to multiple reports, this appears to be Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.
The Commanders are casting their net far and wide to find someone who correctly fits the team's vision. But the urgency to act swiftly could increase if the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles enter the hiring cycle following their early playoff exits.
Washington will have a grand plan in place. They've gone about their business this offseason with supreme conviction up to now. Expect the same trend to continue with Peters leading the charge.
Commanders must address contracts
Once the new head coach comes into the fold, attention will quickly turn to the playing personnel side. Pre-draft assessments and free-agent targets generate the most speculation among fans and the media. For Adam Peters and others in positions of power, they must also address the futures of those out of contract.
With a different regime comes fresh ideas. The Washington Commanders have enough salary-cap space to work out extensions with a few established figures should they wish. Considering the team is unlikely to use the franchise tag on anybody following another woeful season, a few veterans might decide to take their chances elsewhere in the hope of landing on a contender.
When one looks at the free agents, keeping cornerback Kendall Fuller and safety Kamren Curl should be prioritized. Things didn't go well for the secondary this season, but the two aforementioned individuals shone more than most despite significant failings elsewhere.
Curtis Samuel and Antonio Gibson could be retained depending on the money involved. All-Pro special teamer Jeremy Reaves' injury prognosis will likely determine his fate. As for the rest? The jury is well and truly out.
Peters must also determine whether certain players should be cut. Players like Charles Leno Jr., Logan Thomas, and Dyami Brown might be on the chopping block. There will also be no emotional attachment to Washington's decision-making given the new general manager wasn't around when any of them were signed or drafted.
Commanders must finalize Jonathan Allen's status
There is plenty of excitement surrounding the Washington Commanders as their upcoming rebuild gets underway. That is not a sentiment shared by veteran defensive tackle Jonathan Allen based on his thoughts throughout a down season overall.
Allen remained an influential figure within the locker room. His on-field performance levels regressed, but another losing campaign took its toll on a player who's experienced nothing but losing since joining the franchise.
The former first-round pick out of Alabama made no secret about his unhappiness this season. Allen stated he didn't want to go through yet another transitional period, hinting a move away would be considered if he felt like it was the best thing for his career.
After signing a lucrative extension, that decision is out of his hands to a certain extent. Allen could become difficult if he's intent on seeking a trade. Speaking to the player to find out one way or another should be among the first items on Adam Peters' lengthy to-do list.
If the two sides cannot come to a mutual agreement, then Peters should immediately start working the phones to extract maximum compensation. Something that would add to Washington's already hefty draft capital and provide extra financial flexibility for good measure.
Allen's future could go either way. Peters' primary objective will be convincing the Pro Bowler this is a project worth being part of. If not, then expect the two sides to go their separate ways amicably.
Commanders must prioritize OL revamp
One of the biggest flaws regarding Ron Rivera's roster building centered on the offensive line. The recently fired head coach didn't prioritize this critical area of the field with nearly enough urgency. Relying on suspect free-agent signings and mid-level draft prospects became an ongoing source of frustration.
Sam Howell was the league's most-sacked quarterback during the regular season. He was once on course to smash the NFL's single-season record before Eric Bieniemy shifted his approach schematically. Only right guard Sam Cosmi emerged with any credit after making a seamless transition from the edge.
When new general manager Adam Peters takes stock of the roster - if he hasn't already - the only conclusion is a major revamp to the Washington Commanders' protection is essential. Fortunately for the franchise, they have the financial means and draft picks to find the right balance.
Cosmi should return as a starting option. Aside from that, nothing is set in stone. Much will also depend on the head coach and what blocking concepts he plans to implement as part of his offensive strategy.
Reinforcements should arrive on the offensive line as a matter of urgency in the coming months. Peters has seen first-hand the benefits of exceptional protection during his various stops around the league. Something the Commanders were devoid of during Rivera's four-year stint at the helm.
Commanders must find a franchise QB
Aside from choosing the next head coach, Adam Peters' biggest task is finding a franchise quarterback capable of leading the Washington Commanders into an exciting new era. Football's most important position needs stability - something Ron Rivera couldn't accomplish en route to four-straight losing seasons.
Sam Howell started well enough. It wasn't easy in a pass-happy scheme behind one of the league's worst offensive lines, but his clear regression over the second half of 2023 didn't leave the best impression heading into an offseason of wholesale changes.
The Commanders currently hold the No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. This is high enough to potentially secure a legitimate difference-maker under center. Someone capable of providing genuine hope for the future while also giving Peters a rookie contract to build around.
It would be surprising if the Commanders didn't go in this direction. Peters could swing for the fences with a veteran acquisition, but the temptation to mold his roster around Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, or Jayden Daniels is too tempting to ignore.
Find a quarterback. Stick them them through good or bad. Keep the long-term objectives in mind. Surround them with the right staff and playing personnel to thrive. It sounds complicated, but it's pretty simple with the correct infrastructure in place.
This all starts with Peters, who's got the right experience and proven credentials to restore this once-perennial powerhouse to relevancy.