The Washington Commanders reached heights not seen for decades during the 2024 season. Ensuring this becomes sustainable as part of a prosperous new era for this big-market franchise is a different challenge entirely.
Adam Peters recognized the opportunity awaiting the Commanders this offseason. The general manager got more aggressive, securing two more bold trades for proven veterans with Pro Bowl-caliber production. He brought in several free agents with experience of going deep into the postseason. The front-office supremo also used his five draft picks wisely, finding immediate difference-makers and rough diamonds who could potentially enter consideration quicker than anticipated.
Couple this with retaining most of the players who accomplished so much during the previous campaign, and hopes are high that the Commanders can make another deep playoff run next season.
It will be more difficult in 2025. The Commanders' schedule structure altered significantly after surging into the limelight once again. They have eight standalone games, five of which are on prime time. They have an international contest, a Christmas Day encounter, and a Saturday showcase versus the Philadelphia Eagles late in the campaign that could have big-time ramifications attached. Hopefully, Dan Quinn's squad can navigate things successfully enough for this to become their new normal rather than a fleeting flash in the pan.
Speaking of the squad, we thought now would be a good time to examine who could make the 53-man roster in 2025, with the recruitment period winding down and OTAs on the immediate horizon.
Commanders 53-man roster projection dares critics to doubt Dan Quinn again
Commanders quarterbacks (3)
Jayden Daniels, Marcus Mariota, Sam Hartman
The Washington Commanders have a superstar quarterback at long last. Jayden Daniels put together one of the finest rookie campaigns in NFL history, displaying the inner desire, poise, dynamic traits, and ability to come through in the highest stakes this franchise desperately lacked previously.
Adam Peters did everything possible to surround Daniels with the improved supporting cast capable of taking his game to new heights. The Commanders also maintained stability in the quarterback room, re-signing Marcus Mariota to be the veteran backup and strong mentor presence to the former LSU standout.
Mariota gained huge plaudits for the way he helped Daniels last season. His production when called upon led many to wonder whether a starting offer would arrive from elsewhere. The former No. 2 pick opted to remain in Washington instead.
The Commanders took three quarterbacks onto their roster last season. If the same trend continues, Josh Johnson and Sam Hartman will fight it out for the No. 3 spot. Preference is for the younger option, but it could go either way.