Sam Cosmi extension signifies Commanders' professional culture shift

After decades of mismanagement under Dan Snyder's ownership, the Washington Commanders are finally being run like a respectable football operation once again. Adam Peters immediately brought a sense of purpose, controlled aggression, and collaboration that was a breath of fresh air throughout the offseason. There is long-term thought attached to almost every decision rather than gambling on win-now moves and big names who couldn't move the needle.

Another example of this arrived just a few short days before Washington's regular-season opener at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The team confirmed that stud offensive lineman Sam Cosmi signed a four-year extension. This keeps the former second-round selection around for his prime years and cements his status as a franchise cornerstone under the new regime.

Commanders gave Sam Cosmi a deserved contract extension before the season

This is outstanding news for Cosmi and the Commanders. His transition from the edge to right guard was the only personnel move Ron Rivera got correct along the protection. He was outstanding last season as all around him crumbled. After impressing head coach Dan Quinn throughout the offseason based on comments via the team's website, this decision went from a possibility to a no-brainer.

"Sam Cosmi has shown really consistent play. You would've thought he'd been a guard for a really long time and in fact he wasn't, from moving from tackle to guard. I would say his ability to stay square, to pull. He's an athlete that's inside. He's somebody that has impressed me by the size of him, his movement to go. He doesn't turn, doesn't give up the edges. And then I think for the size of him, his initial quickness off the ball, so he just seems ideally suited at guard. I thought that was the right move to put him to there, and he's really hitting his strides."

- Dan Quinn via Commanders.com

This was a smart business decision by the Commanders. Peters knows the price was only going up if Cosmi continued his exceptional production in a contract year. Getting it done now provides the player with an added sense of confidence and keeps his mind solely on football. It also probably saved the organization a good chunk of change, although the money attached - $74 million with more than $45 million guaranteed - is still a substantial commitment.

The culture is changing in Washington. You can feel it. More importantly, the actions of Peters and others in positions of power throughout a dramatic offseason dictate as much.

Cosmi earned his cash and a longer-term commitment. He was one of the few shining lights from last season and someone the team can build around for future success. This also represents a message to other players on the squad.

If their performances are good enough, they will be rewarded accordingly.

Providing the fanbase with a sense of stability that was sorely lacking for more than two decades was the first primary objective for the new regime in 2024. They still need to show growth in a competitive setting, but things couldn't have gone much better since Peters came into the fold.

Cosmi's extension is the latest in a long line of examples of the professional culture shift. Hopefully, it's a trend that will continue long into the future.

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