If there was any doubt of the Washington Commanders plans past Year 1 of the Jayden Daniels era, those have now been put to rest with this offseason. Move after move, Washington has set the tone of a team looking to become a consistent winner
This plan centers on capitalizing on Daniels' rookie contract years. Their franchise quarterback will not be a cheap asset past the next few years, so the Commanders have some urgency to beef up the roster now before that pay day comes.
Washington's trade for Deebo Samuel exemplified that mentality with the team showing aggression to nail down the No. 2 receiver spot. However, it may have been a similar move that left a more resounding impact.
The Commanders also traded for Laremy Tunsil, upgrading an offensive line that needed some adjustments after last season. That followed with the team's selection of Josh Conerly Jr. in the first round of the draft, adding a piece with some pedigree to this unit.
Those two moves helped the Commanders earn recognition from PFF as one of the most improved line across the league, as noted by Andrew Ites.
"While Tunsil did struggle with penalties in 2024, he should bring some much-needed stability to the Commanders’ offensive line for at least the next two seasons," he wrote of the veteran.
"Washington is betting that Josh Conerly Jr. can hold up at tackle in the NFL, but he may project better as a guard. Either way, the Commanders are getting a good athlete who earned a 78.1 PFF grade on true pass sets last season."
Offensively, the Commanders have a strong ground game, dangerous receivers and a quarterback that makes it all ago. But none of this works with out the offensive line.
To get Kliff Kingsbury's offense operating at maximum efficiency, this unit needed some major upgrades. There is no doubt Washington delivered.
And this all stems back to helping Daniels be successful. The Commanders want their young quarterback fighting through any struggles and learning through mistakes.
But those processes are far less daunting with a support system, and a front five, as strong as the one he has now.