Adam Peters has several glaring problems to fix when the 2026 offseason arrives. The Washington Commanders haven't met expectations this season, and even though injuries played a role in their demise, this roster isn't currently built for sustainable success.
Peters should be well aware of what needs to be done. Not every problem will be solved, but the Commanders need to start molding a competitive squad into a long-term force. Anything less comes with grave consequences attached.
Everything and anything is on the table. And a startling development elsewhere around the league could provide Peters with a golden opportunity to solve an overlooked concern.
Commanders must strongly consider Isaiah Likely pursuit after shocking Mark Andrews extension
The Baltimore Ravens raised more than a few eyebrows around the league by extending veteran tight end Mark Andrews. Most experts thought he'd be let go by the franchise this offseason due to injuries and regressing influence. Instead, the AFC North club handed him a three-year, $39.5 million contract with $26.5 million guaranteed.
Considering promising tight end Isaiah Likely is set to enter free agency, it doesn't exactly bode well for getting a lucrative commitment from the Ravens. And if the former Coastal Carolina star gets the chance to test the open market, Anthony Palacios from Last Word on Sports believes the Commanders should be at the front of the queue.
"Washington needs younger playmakers, and that’s exactly what Isaiah Likely can be. Zach Ertz is well past his prime, and he’s the only tight end on this roster with more than 100 receiving yards. With Deebo Samuel and Terry McLaurin both on the older side, the 25-year-old Likely could develop alongside Daniels and provide the quarterback with a reliable set of hands for years to come."Anthony Palacios
The Commanders could lose Zach Ertz to retirement this offseason. Ben Sinnott remains an unknown quantity two years into his professional career. John Bates is a blocking specialist, and Colson Yankoff doesn't look like anything more than a backup capable of assisting on special teams.
If Ertz does depart as expected, the Commanders need to find a productive pass-catching tight end capable of filling the void. Likely is an underrated performer who's been held back behind Andrews. But his consistency when called upon, coupled with his nose for the end zone before this season, suggests he could excel in a more expanded role.
Much will depend on the money Likely's representatives want for his next deal. But he's only just entering his prime, ascending, and fits into the mold Peters should be looking for this offseason.
And the Ravens' decision to stick with Andrews could be the springboard Washington needs to secure Likely's services.