There's no shortage of problems that must be fixed in order for the Washington Commanders to return to the playoffs in 2026 after their dismal 2025 season. But aside from quarterback Jayden Daniels' health, the most important ingredient involved general manager Adam Peters nailing free agency.
Optimism wasn't high, and fans had every reason to be skeptical. In his first offseason, Peters leaned on veterans in the twilight of their careers. Then, because that strategy somehow worked, he doubled down in 2025 with much less ideal results.
This offseason was a make-or-break test for the general manager. At least on paper, he passed his test with flying colors.
Adam Peters is getting his flowers after doing exactly what he needed to turn the Commanders around
Commanders fans have been critical of Peters and the front office, but due credit is in order for what they pulled off in free agency. Count Eric Bickel of 106.7 The Fan among those willing to eat their words.
"Their first two years, they took a very cautious approach... they signed some veterans on one- and two-year deals, very low guarantees, 'Let's just figure out where we are.' This year, a little bit more aggressive, a lot more name-quality, starter guys. If you look at the list of guys they signed, it's pretty safe to say at least five of them are starters."
Washington signed edge rushers Odafe Oweh and K'Lavon Chaisson, tight end Chig Okonkwo, running back Rachaad White, linebacker Leo Chenal, safety Nick Cross, and more. Most of them are on bargain deals, with the Commanders spreading their money around wisely.
The best part? None of Washington's new additions is over 30. These are long-term investments that have already proven their worth in filling major team needs and still have room to improve.
Only time will tell how well the Commanders' new additions perform on the field. But if they underperform expectations, their shortcomings can't be blamed on Peters. He did exactly what fans had been begging him to do, and he has put Washington in a position to bounce back from last year's mistakes.
It's often lost on fans that, just as players and coaches can grow within their craft, general managers can as well. Peters was a first-time front-office leader when the Commanders hired him, and after some early success, he met his harsh reality.
Now, he is correcting course ahead of the season that will define his long-term future with the organization.