Potential Commanders target makes intentions clear with bold statement

Adam Peters' roster building doesn't stop. The new general manager is always examining ways to improve the Washington Commanders heading into the 2024 campaign. They also have enough spare salary-cap space to make additional moves to improve their chances of an immediate turnaround under new head coach Dan Quinn.

The Commanders could be looking for a left tackle before Week 1. Those in power started Cornelius Lucas on the blindside over early workouts. They also allocated some reps to third-round pick Brandon Coleman, who is seen as a project and also someone who could potentially be better suited to interior blocking responsibilities at the next level;

It would be wise for Peters to examine every alternative if the aforementioned duo cannot meet expectations. One name being speculated with a potential target made his intentions clear after dealing with some rough injury issues in recent years.

David Bakhtiari's comments should put Commanders on red alert

David Bakhtiari is one of the biggest remaining names on the market. He's a perennial All-Pro and one of the best edge protectors around when fit and firing on all cylinders. Unfortunately, he's missed a ton of football due to various knee complications. This eventually led to his early departure from the Green Bay Packers.

Bakhtiari gave an encouraging prognosis when speaking to Adam Schefter of ESPN. He also seems highly motivated to silence those who've written him off en route to returning to his previous cornerstone status with a better run of luck on the health front.

"A lot of other people wanted me to just kind of grit through it, but no one experiences what you truly experience. Look, I've been gritting through it for three years. I'm in constant pain. I'm so happy now to be on the other side of it and get the actual surgery that I needed because my knee was not in a good place. My goal right now is just to make sure that I not only fully recover but I can withstand and play the game that I want to play but also play and be there for a team no matter what. I'm not a reliever guy, I am your cornerstone guy. Someone that's not only going to play in September but in December and into February and obviously hopefully for another couple of years."

- David Bakhtiari via ESPN

This should be something the Commanders are monitoring closely. Bakhtiari represents an immediate upgrade on anything the team has currently. Adding the former fourth-round pick out of Colorado almost seems too good to be true if everything checks out medically.

The Commanders are one of a few teams that could offer Bakhtiari a chance to start immediately. They also have the means available to make him a decent financial offer, albeit on a one-year, prove-it deal based on how things have unfolded for the player over the last three campaigns.

Peters might be comfortable with what's on the books already. At the same time, anything less than 100 percent conviction leaves a level of doubt that might jeopardize rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels' chances of a profitable first year in a professional environment.

It might come to nothing, but the Commanders should be keeping a close eye on Bakhtiari's progress in the coming weeks.