The Washington Commanders are no longer the laughing stock of the NFL.
After just one season with a new owner, new general manager, new head coach and a new quarterback that became must-watch TV for casual fans, the Commanders went from one of the most dysfunctional franchises in the NFL to a legitimate Super Bowl contender in 2025.
Last year’s run to make it to the first NFC Championship game since 1991 was unexpected, but it wasn’t a fluke. General manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn overhauled the roster, and the culture quickly last offseason. It became apparent to anyone watching the players bought in and Daniels had all the qualities the best NFL quarterbacks possess.
The Commanders QB put together a historic rookie campaign where he set multiple records. He proved he shined in the biggest moments, leading Washington to victories in five different games where they were trailing with two minutes or less. He’s the kind of quarterback that makes every one around him better, and outside of Terry McLaurin, the Commanders made last year’s run with players who would be third or fourth options on other teams.
Now? Peters and Quinn have made it abundantly clear they believe the window for the Super Bowl is right now, over the next three years before they have to give Daniels a major payday.
They traded for Deebo Samuel which gives the offense a versatile weapon. Then they solidified Daniels’ blind side by trading for one of the top left tackles in the NFL in a deal with the Texans to bring Larmey Tunsil to D.C.
In the NFL Draft, the Commanders continued to fortify the offensive line, using their first round pick on Oregon tackle Josh Connerly Jr., who will likely play opposite of Tunsil at RT.
But if Washington is going to make a run to the Super Bowl, the defense will have to play better than it did last year. The Commanders are hoping Marshon Lattimore plays at the elite level he has most of his career, and they signed veteran CB Jonathan Jones and drafted Ole Miss CB Trey Amos.
Bobby Wagner, Frankie Luvu and the corps of linebackers is returning. They lost Jonathan Allen on the defensive line, but are banking on Daron Payne, Johnny Newton and Javon Kinlaw — who they handed a chunk of cash in free agency — will be disruptive against the run and the pass.
The biggest question all offseason has been focused on the lack of proven pass rushers currently on the roster. Last year’s sack leader, Dante Fowler Jr. has moved on and Dorrance Armstrong is back in 2025, but was far from consistent disruptive force last season.
Bleacher Report believes the Commanders should make a move to sign 3-time Pro Bowl pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney, who was released by the Panthers a few weeks ago.
Last season, Dante Fowler Jr. led Washington in sacks with 10.5. In free agency, he signed with his former team, the Cowboys. The Commanders have tried to shore up the defensive end position, signing Deatrich Wise and Jacob Martin. They can continue to stockpile veterans to bolster their pass-rushing committee.
At 32, Clowney can be productive in a rotational role. Last year, he recorded 46 tackles, nine for loss, 5.5 sacks and 22 pressures while on the field for 64 percent of the defensive snaps.
