2024 Season: A Cinderella Story
The 2024 season was a monumental year for the Washington Commanders, as they finished with a impressive 12-5 record and secured a second-place finish in the NFC East. Under the leadership of rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, the Commanders not only made the playoffs but also reached the NFC Championship game, marking the franchise’s first appearance at this level since the 1991 season when Joe Gibbs and Mark Rypien led the team to a Super Bowl victory. The future looks incredibly bright for a franchise that has long struggled with low expectations and inconsistent performances. The burning question now is: what can they do for an encore?
A New Era of Player Satisfaction
The Washington Commanders’ transformation extends beyond the field. According to the NFLPA report card, the team made a significant leap in player satisfaction, jumping from dead last in the previous two years to 11th place. This remarkable improvement is largely attributed to the new ownership under Josh Harris, who replaced the much-criticized Dan Snyder. Players have reported significant enhancements in the food program, treatment of families, and comfort during team travel. However, the locker room and facilities remain a work in progress, still feeling worn down and outdated. While the Commanders have made strides, there is still room for improvement in creating a world-class environment for their players.
Key Free Agents: A Mix of Old and New
The list of free agents for the 2025 season is a blend of veteran contributors and younger players who have established themselves on the roster. Linebacker Bobby Wagner, tight end Zach Ertz, edge rusher Dante Fowler Jr., safety Jeremy Chinn, quarterback Marcus Mariota, and punter Tress Way are among the notable names. Wagner, a 34-year-old who made his 11th All-Pro team, continues to be a cornerstone of the defense, and there is mutual interest in him returning. Ertz, also 34, was Washington’s second-leading receiver and a trusted safety valve for Daniels. Both players have expressed a desire to continue their careers with the Commanders.
On the other hand, Fowler, 30, led the team in sacks with 10.5 and is eyeing a lucrative long-term deal after playing on a one-year, $3.25 million contract in 2024. Chinn, 26, also proved his value as a second-leading tackler and a 17-game starter. Both Fowler and Chinn will be attractive free agents, and the Commanders should be active in re-signing them. Cornerback Benjamin St-Juste, however, may be moving on after a middling 2024 season that saw him struggle to establish himself.
Addressing Key Needs: Bolstering the Roster
The Commanders must focus on protecting and adding firepower around Jayden Daniels to ensure sustained success. The wide receiver position is a top priority, with Terry McLaurin emerging as a bona fide No. 1 option, catching 13 touchdowns in the 2024 season. Finding a dynamic No. 2 receiver to pair with McLaurin is crucial. Players like Tee Higgins in free agency could be attractive targets to complement the existing corps.
Upgrading the offensive line is another critical need. Despite the progression of rookie Brandon Coleman, the Commanders need a more reliable presence at tackle. Andrew Wylie, who has a year remaining on his contract, may be a candidate for release, freeing up cap space to pursue a suitable upgrade. Tight end is another area that needs attention, especially if Ertz returns as a short-term solution. The Commanders could look to the draft or free agency for a younger, more long-term option.
Financial Flexibility and Potential Cuts
The good news for the Commanders is that they have significant financial flexibility, with about $80 million in projected salary cap space, ranking them among the top five in the NFL. This cap space is a direct benefit of Daniels being on his rookie contract, allowing the team to make substantial improvements in other areas. However, they may need to make tough decisions to maximize this flexibility.
One such decision could involve cutting cornersback Marshon Lattimore, who was acquired in a midseason trade from the Saints but failed to meet expectations. Lattimore’s lingering hamstring injury and subpar performance in the NFC Championship game against the Eagles have led to discussions about potentially parting ways with him. Releasing Lattimore would provide the Commanders with $36.5 million in cap savings over the next two seasons, a significant amount that could be used to address other needs.
Another potential cut is offensive tackle Andrew Wylie, who could be released before the last year of his contract, freeing up an additional $7.75 million in cap space. These moves would allow the Commanders to reinvest in key positions and build a more formidable roster around Jayden Daniels.
Draft Picks and a Strategic Fit
The Commanders have a strong position in the 2025 NFL Draft, with several picks that can be leveraged to address their needs. Their first-round pick at No. 29 is a valuable asset, followed by a second-round pick at No. 61 and a third-round pick from the Dolphins at No. 79. They also have picks in the fifth, sixth, and seventh rounds, including an additional seventh-round pick from the Broncos and another from the Eagles.
A strategic fit for the Commanders in the first round could be Josh Conerly Jr., a tackle from Oregon. Conerly, a five-star recruit who won the Anthony Muñoz Award as the top high school lineman, has the potential to be a starter in the NFL. His two years of experience as a left tackle at Oregon make him a compelling choice at No. 29, especially given the team’s need for offensive line upgrades. If Conerly is available, he would be an excellent addition to the Commanders’ roster, providing immediate help and long-term depth.
Conclusion: A Bright Future Ahead
The 2024 season was a breakthrough for the Washington Commanders, and the future is bright with Jayden Daniels at the helm. The team’s success has raised expectations, and the challenge now is to build on that momentum. With significant cap space and a strong draft position, the Commanders have the resources to make key upgrades and address their roster needs. The focus will be on protecting Daniels and adding firepower to the offense, while also making strategic decisions to optimize their financial flexibility. The path forward is clear, and with the right moves, the Commanders could be poised for even greater success in the coming years.
