Commanders News: Josh Harris, Magic Johnson, Dan Snyder and rookie deals

Which Washington Commanders news stories are hitting the headlines after yet another memorable day in the franchise's storied history?

Occasions can disappoint when built up to a degree where expectations are unlikely to be matched. That was not the case on Friday as the Washington Commanders held their first official press conference under new owners and saw thousands of fans descend on FedEx Field for a specially-arranged pep rally that turned into a joyous celebration.

Obviously, an abundance of news and rumors followed. Among the stories causing debate include Josh Harris' ambitious plans, Magic Johnson's rallying cry, the Commanders locking up their entire 2023 NFL Draft class, and the Snyders releasing one final statement before walking off into the sunset for good.

Let's delve into each topic in more detail.

Commanders round off signing draft class

It seems as if Josh Hraris and his group meant what they said about getting straight down to business. A mere hours after their purchase of the Washington Commander became official, the team announced that both Emmanuel Forbes and Quan Martin penned their rookie deals, which locks up the team's entire 2023 NFL Draft class.

The timing couldn't be better, either. Rookies reported for training camp yesterday and had Forbes or Martin not agreed to their respective deals, then they'd be kept out of practice until everything got rubber-stamped per NFL rules.

Thankfully, that won't be a problem. The defensive back tandem can focus on imposing themselves further throughout the coming weeks in Ashburn as they look to generate starting reps from Week 1 against the Arizona Cardinals.

Dan Snyder's final statement before Commanders departure

Nobody will look back on Dan Snyder's 24-year spell as Washington Commanders owner with any great fondness. This is a man who cut corners, alienated an entire fanbase, enveloped the franchise in scandal, and offered no accountability whatsoever for his actions - so the relief and enthusiasm that came following the NFL sale vote spoke volumes.

Snyder might be walking away with a healthy profit, but the $60 million fine he received following the Mary Jo White report will have stung. And yet, in a statement released just before the sale become official, the Snyders offered no apology or remorse for how things turned out via USA Today Sports.

"We are proud to have built the most diverse leadership group of any NFL Team, including having the highest representation of women, underrepresented groups, and the first full time black female coach in League history. Being stewards of this historic organization for the last quarter century has been the privilege of a lifetime. When we purchased the team nearly 25 years ago, Dan was quoted as saying “I’m a fan. A huge fan. It’s that simple.” That is as true today as it was then. During our next chapter, we are looking forward to spending time with family and devoting our energy to the causes that matter very much to us, including furthering our long-standing support of breast cancer research."

Dan and Tanya Snyder via USA Today Sport

Talk about being oblivious to your circumstances. But in many ways, this final statement was an insight into how Snyder approached his time as owner - with his head in the sand and very little substance to back up his big claims.

Thankfully, Commanders fans and the franchise can move forward in a positive manner not seen for more than two decades.

Magic Johnson issues Commanders rallying cry

Others might have put more money into the ownership group that purchased the Washington Commanders, but Magic Johnson represents the recognizable sporting figurehead that can be the key to progress. He'll be heavily involved from the outset, providing knowledge of running sports teams and also restoring the franchise to an invaluable community asset along the way.

This was sorely lost under Dan Snyder and leaves Josh Harris' new regime with a lot of hard work ahead. Johnson was more enthusiastic than most during the introductory presser, with his speech leaving fans optimistic about what the Commanders could accomplish with renewed purpose behind the scenes.

The most telling statement from Johnson was why he got involved. It wasn't for egotistical purposes, it was all about winning - something the Commanders have enjoyed very little over the last 24 years.

Johnson wins wherever he goes. Whether it be on the Showtime Los Angeles Lakers, as Los Angeles Dodgers owner, or in the business world with Magic Johnson Enterprises, everything he touches turns to gold.

With a little bit of luck and some meticulous planning for the future, Johnson might accomplish the same in Washington. And that, above all else, represented the biggest rallying cry of all to a fanbase that was brought to its knees under Snyder's ownership.

Josh Harris looking to change Commanders culture

Josh Harris was the man of the hour. The business mogul that put an exceptional group of investors together to purchase the Washington Commanders has been basking in his success over the last two days, which is more than deserved after having to deal with Dan Snyder over the months leading up to the sale.

Harris is deeply connected to the team having been besotted as a young boy. Based on his press conference comments via Ben Standig of The Athletic, the majority partner has set his sights firmly on shifting the culture after everything that transpired under the previous regime's complete incompetence.

"A lot of stuff happened that was unfortunate. We’re focused on changing the culture. It’s about creating a management team that doesn’t look the same. It’s about zero tolerance on ethically challenged behavior. When you own a sports team in a city, everyone looks at what you do. To the Commanders fans, our promise to you is straightforward. We will work tirelessly to make you proud once again of this franchise. This franchise is a part of who I am, who I became. It’s part of my DNA, but I appreciate that it’s not just about being a fan. I feel a tremendous sense of responsibility to this city to win championships, to create a positive impact on the community and create great experiences and memories for future fans, just like I had growing up as a kid."

Josh Harris via The Athletic

Commanders fans have heard all this before. Yet somehow, it feels completely different this time around.

Judging by the fans that came out in force for Washington's pep rally, the sale has reignited everyone associated with the franchise. But there is much hard work ahead to accomplish some lofty initial goals.