Commanders news: Dan Quinn, Magic Johnson, Austin Ekeler and stadium funds

Magic Johnson's excitement

Magic Johnson has been in the proverbial shadows throughout the offseason. He's been influential - especially in choosing the new general manager and head coach. The Pro Basketball Hall of Famer's stroke also played a significant role in Kliff Kingsbury's decision to spurn the Las Vegas Raiders in favor of becoming Washington Commanders offensive coordinator.

While the hiring of Quinn didn't sit well with everyone, he's winning even his harshest skeptics around. Johnson seems confident in his ability to take the Commanders where they want to go based on comments via USA Today Sports. He also acknowledged the need to provide strong support by hitting on free-agent signings and draft picks over the next couple of years.

"We’re excited because Coach Quinn has been a head coach in the league before. He took the Falcons to the Super Bowl. He’s done an amazing job with the Cowboys. We needed an outstanding leader, and we got one in Coach Quinn. And, so, now he’s put together an amazing staff. So it’s up to us to do a good job in free agency and the draft and just build it and take steps. You got two teams in our division that we’re trying to catch, and that’s the Cowboys and the Eagles. And so we got to take steps to do that and build our team the right way."

- Magic Johnson via USA Today Sports

The signs are positive early. Players are actively choosing to join the Commanders for the first time in years thanks to Quinn's presence. This has to transition onto the field and all these new pieces must mesh quickly, but a solid draft would put Washington in a decent spot for progress in 2024.