7 Commanders players Adam Peters was right to part ways with in 2024

Nick Gates - Former Commanders OL

As previously mentioned, it came as no surprise to see Adam Peters implement significant changes across the offensive line during his first offseason as the team's front-office leader. Those around during the previous campaign failed to meet even modest expectations aside from Sam Cosmi. With the prospect of a new quarterback coming into the fold, solidifying the protection was among the Washington Commanders' biggest priorities.

Peters wasted no time in finding an upgrade at the center position. Tyler Biadasz was signed in free agency to link back up immediately with Dan Quinn. As a result, Nick Gates was deemed surplus to requirements and released after just one season in the nation's capital.

Gates struggled right out of the gate and was benched by Ron Rivera in favor of Tyler Larsen. His production improved slightly upon his return to the lineup, but it was nowhere near good enough to get a reprieve under the new regime.

The fact Gates is still seeking employment elsewhere is a damning indictment of how his production last season is perceived around the league. If no opportunities arrive before Week 1, that could be it for his football journey in the pros.

Curtis Samuel - Former Commanders WR

Curtis Samuel arrived in 2021 free agency after going over 1,000 all-purpose yards for the Carolina Panthers the previous season. Big things were expected of the former second-round selection out of Ohio State as a result, but he never quite managed to meet these lofty projections upon reuniting with head coach Ron Rivera in a different environment.

Samuel suffered problems with injuries that hindered his early contribution. There was a lot to like about the wide receiver's production when healthy, but the Commanders opted not to match the lucrative offer he received from the Buffalo Bills when the legal tampering period began.

The versatile offensive weapon signed a three-year, $24 million deal with just over $15 million guaranteed. Looking at the way Adam Peters has worked contracts since arriving, seeking alternatives was always a genuine possibility.

Whether the Commanders have enough at the wide receiver position to compensate for Samuel's departure is debatable. However, the team does have additional financial resources to acquire another capable performer or two if the right opportunity comes along.