The Commanders Went All-In on 2025 - Now It’s Time to Reset
When Adam Peters made his first big splash as Washington’s top football decision-maker, it came with an eye toward the future. Midway through the 2024 season, he pulled the trigger on a deal that sent three draft picks to New Orleans in exchange for Pro Bowl cornerback Marshon Lattimore and a fifth-rounder. Lattimore was coming off an injury, and while Peters acknowledged he hoped the veteran could contribute right away, the real value was in the long term - Lattimore was under contract through 2025.
That move, in hindsight, was the first clear signal: Peters wasn’t just building for the long haul - he was betting big on 2025.
And who could blame him? Jayden Daniels had just wrapped up a dazzling rookie campaign, accelerating the timeline and raising expectations.
The original plan, built around patience, youth, and smart roster construction, suddenly gave way to a more aggressive approach. Instead of slow and steady, the Commanders hit the gas.
But the road ahead turned rocky fast.
A Promising Plan, Derailed by Injuries and Overreach
Some of what happened in 2025 can be chalked up to bad luck. Injuries hit hard, and not just to the older guys.
But as the season unraveled, it became clear that the bigger issue wasn’t just health - it was miscalculation. The roster wasn’t ready to make that leap.
The Commanders are now staring at a likely 4-13 finish - the same record that closed the book on the Ron Rivera era.
And while Daniels remains the franchise’s most valuable asset, the team around him suddenly looks like it needs a full reset.
The most jarring part? This is now the oldest roster in the NFL.
That’s a stunning turn for a team that, just a year ago, was brimming with youth and upside. Peters had added some seasoned vets - Zach Ertz and Bobby Wagner among them - but the core of the 2024 roster was built around players in their mid-to-late 20s, guys like Dorance Armstrong Jr., Frankie Luvu, and Tyler Biadasz.
That group, paired with Daniels, looked like the foundation of something special.
But instead of letting that young core grow together, Peters doubled down on experience in 2025. And it cost them.
Youth Took a Backseat - And the Results Speak for Themselves
Peters had drafted and signed a number of promising rookies. Cornerback Mike Sainristil and offensive lineman Brandon Coleman both turned heads in Year 1. Others, like defensive tackle Johnny Newton and tight end Ben Sinnott, needed more time to develop.
But instead of giving them that time, Peters opted for win-now moves.
Despite Coleman’s strong rookie season, Washington traded for veteran tackle Laremy Tunsil - a clear upgrade, yes, but also a player on the back nine of his career. Instead of handing the tight end job to Sinnott in Year 2, they brought back Ertz for another run.
At wide receiver, the Commanders re-signed Noah Brown and traded for Deebo Samuel Sr., adding two more veterans to a room that already featured Terry McLaurin. That left rookie Luke McCaffrey waiting in the wings, while younger options like Dyami Brown and Mitchell Tinsley were allowed to walk.
Each individual move made some sense. Collectively, they shifted the team’s identity - and not in a good way.
Injuries piled up. Lattimore, Deatrich Wise Jr., and Austin Ekeler - all veterans - missed significant time.
But it wasn’t just the older guys. Armstrong and rookie corner Trey Amos also went down.
The injury bug didn’t discriminate. Still, the age issue is hard to ignore.
Right now, Washington has 12 offensive players on the 53-man roster who will be 30 or older when the 2026 season kicks off. The defense has another dozen.
Five more players on injured reserve - all of them expected starters - will also be on the wrong side of 30. Even two of the three specialists, punter Tress Way and long snapper Tyler Ott, are deep into their 30s.
Add it all up, and 31 of the 64 players currently on the active roster or IR will be at least 30 when next season begins.
A Crucial Offseason Ahead
Peters has six picks in the upcoming draft, but only two come in the top four rounds. That means if Washington is going to turn this around quickly, Peters will need to get creative - and get it right.
Expect a roster shakeup. Some veterans could be moved to recoup draft capital.
Others might be released to free up cap space. The Commanders need to get younger, faster, and more flexible.
And they need to hit - not just on their top two picks, but in free agency as well.
Peters found value in 2024 with mid-level signings. He’ll need to replicate that success - and avoid the kind of gamble he took in 2025 with players like Javon Kinlaw.
The good news? The cupboard isn’t bare.
Daniels is still the guy. There are young pieces to build around.
The 2025 season may have been a misstep, but it doesn’t have to define the Peters era in Washington.
The reset button is there. Now it’s time to press it - and get back to the plan that made so much sense to begin with.