Adam Peters opted to keep faith with most of his Washington Commanders squad, who accomplished so much during the 2024 campaign. Their remarkable run to the NFC Championship game was nothing short of a fairytale. The general manager is convinced there remains some magic left.
That's not to say he sat on his hands, far from it. The Commanders were aggressive in the trade market. They signed several proven veterans with outstanding achievements under their belts. Peters also managed to find exceptional value from his five draft picks to raise optimism further.
It won't be easy next season. The Commanders have a tricky-looking schedule, so starting well is crucial. That should provide the springboard needed to contend for the NFC East once again, although the Philadelphia Eagles remain the benchmark after their all-conquering Super Bowl triumph.
Fans are expectant. The NFL schedule-makers gave the Commanders eight standalone games in 2025, so they're expecting big things too. This is a different pressure than anything this franchise has experience over the last two decades, but the improved culture and inner desire within the locker room stands them in extremely good stead.
That's for the not-too-distant future. For now, here are five Commanders players with everything to prove after receiving a shocking vote of confidence this offseason.
Commanders with everything to prove after shocking 2025 vote of confidence
K.J. Osborn - Commanders WR
When Noah Brown was ruled out for the campaign after suffering a serious internal injury against the Tennessee Titans that required kidney surgery, the Washington Commanders moved swiftly. Adam Peters plucked K.J. Osborn off the waiver wire, which came with intrigue despite things not going according to plan during his time with the New England Patriots.
Osborn was confident he could be an asset immediately. But it didn't take long to figure out the Commanders brought him in to be an emergency option in case another injury struck the wide receiver room.
Most fans thought Osborn's time in Washington would be short-lived. The front offiice and coaching staff must have seen something in the wideout that warranted another look, giving the former Auburn standout a new one-year deal to fight for his roster spot.
This doesn't come with any guarantees. The Commanders traded for Deebo Samuel Sr. and spent the No. 128 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft on Jaylin Lane to boost their pass-catching options. There is also intrigue around the presence of Michael Gallup, who came out of a one-year retirement to reunite with head coach Dan Quinn.
If Osborn cannot establish himself immediately, he'll find it difficult to force his way into Washington's plans.