If the Washington Commanders want to go one better and dethrone the Philadelphia Eagles in 2025, they cannot afford any weak links. A collective effort is needed, and all signs are pointing up after an off-season workout program that brought some surprising standouts to the fore.
The Commanders have preached the importance of competition this offseason. Head coach Dan Quinn and general manager Adam Peters believe this brings more from everybody. It keeps urgency high and guarantees that players don't take anything for granted. It also helps build bonds and enhance cohesion much sooner than anticipated.
That's exactly what the Commanders need with increased expectations on their shoulders. Making the final four last season was a miraculous achievement nobody thought possible. Sustaining that greatness to become a perennial contender represents a stiffer challenge, but hopes are high that they can progress with the right blend of youth and experience across the depth chart.
And if a few surprising contributors emerge along the way, the better Washington's chances will be.
With this in mind, here are five Commanders players who shocked everyone for the right reasons over their 2025 offseason program.
Commanders who unexpectedly shone during 2025 offseason program
Percy Butler - Commanders S
It's fair to say that Percy Butler has underachieved over his first three seasons with the Washington Commanders. The talented safety has all the physical tools to be impactful, but his inconsistencies when tasked with responsibilities on the defensive rotation have been glaring. That placed his future firmly in doubt heading into the final year of his rookie deal.
The Commanders are giving Butler another chance to impress. Aside from signing Will Harris to replace Jeremy Chinn, they didn't do much to enhance their safety options this offseason. Those in power have faith in those already around, and the added urgency around Butler's long-term future brought the best out of the former fourth-round pick over Washington's offseason program.
Butler came back into the building looking like a different player, according to head coach Dan Quinn. There was extra purpose regarding his approach, and all signs point to the defensive back playing an important role in 2025 if the same trend continues.
This resurgence won't count for anything if Butler cannot take it through into a competitive setting. But at the very least, the Louisiana product figures to be an integral special-teams contributor and core depth piece behind the starting tandem of Harris and Quan Martin.
Whether that'll be enough for a new deal remains to be seen, but Butler is off to the best possible start.