We are just a few short days away from the Washington Commanders coming together once again for the most intense stage of preparations for the 2025 campaign. And there is immense pressure on everyone involved.
The Commanders went into last summer with quiet optimism. There was a new front office, a new coaching staff, and a roster that had been completely gutted for the better by general manager Adam Peters. What followed was a mesmerizing campaign beyond any fan's wildest dreams, but things are different this time around.
Head coach Dan Quinn's squad is in win-now mode with a superstar quarterback on a rookie deal. They are among the Super Bowl favorites after another aggressive offseason. They'll also have a bigger target on their back after reaching the NFC Championship game in 2024.
There's nothing to suggest the Commanders cannot go deep into the postseason again, but Quinn needs more from everybody. Revelling in last season's accomplishments is only going to end one way. Fortunately, this is a strong-willed group looking ahead at the next challenge and nothing more.
The foundations will be laid at training camp. And here are five Commanders players under pressure to shine early.
Commanders players under pressure to shine early at training camp
Will Harris - Commanders S
Adam Peters came out of his second recruitment period with enormous credit once again. However, there was one contentious decision that left Washington Commanders fans feeling perplexed.
The Commanders got some outstanding production from Jeremy Chinn last season. He was a revelation on the back end of Joe Whitt Jr.'s defense, impacting proceedings at all three levels en route to galvanizing his career after things fizzled out with the Carolina Panthers. This wasn't enough for a long-term commitment from Washington.
Peters didn't think Chinn was worth what the Las Vegas Raiders offered in free agency. The Commanders replaced the former second-round pick with Will Harris, who is dependable enough without boasting the same instinctive explosiveness.
Harris was solid for the New Orleans Saints last season. He showed weakness in coverage but flashed against the run. He missed four games through injury and was primarily a backup before that with the Detroit Lions, so fans are right to be a little skeptical.
The Boston College product will get the first chance to start opposite potential breakout star Quan Martin. But with the likes of Tyler Owens, Jeremy Reaves, and Percy Butler all shining over Washington's offseason program, the margin for error is razor-thin.