The Washington Commanders took a very big initial step in their rebuild by hiring former San Francisco 49ers assistant general manager Adam Peters to run their front office. Peters comes into a situation that has changed drastically over the past calendar year.
Daniel Snyder is no longer in charge after the former owner had to sell the team in disgrace. Josh Harris took over ahead of the 2023 season, and made it clear that he wanted to change the culture in Landover. Bringing in former Golden State Warriors general manager Bob Myers to help with the search for a new head coach and GM was the first step.
All of this comes after Washington fired head coach Ron Rivera following an ugly 4-13 season in which the team lost 13 of its final 15 games.
To say that Peters has a monumental task would be an understatement. But he was a key figure in building up a continual Super Bowl contender with the 49ers since joining that organization back in 2017.
His ability to identify some mid-to-late round gems with GM John Lynch helped build that roster in the San Francisco. The hope is that this can transition to Washington. Here, we look at some moves Peters should make in his first offseason with the Commanders.
Related: Ideal Washington Commanders head coach candidates
Washington Commanders hire Ben Johnson to be next head coach
Peters worked with an offensive-minded head coach in San Francisco. He worked with one in Kansas City. It’s pretty much all he knows. Based on the Commanders draft positioning (more on that below), it would make sense to go this route in Washington.
We’re sure the new Commanders front office head wants to find a way to duplicate the success that Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch have had in San Francisco. Why not bring in an up-and-coming offensive mind such as Johnson?
What the young man has done since taking over as the Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator has been nothing less than extraordinary. That includes ranking No. 5 in scoring both seasons. Having this type of pedigree and previous success lead a young team would go a long way in Washington.
Commanders move off several veterans
Peters is going to want to build this team in his mold. That will mean moving off several key members of the Commanders’ roster to create even more salary cap flexibility while bringing in his own guys.
Releasing tackles Charles Leno and Andrew Wylie as well as tight end Logan Thomas would save a cool $16 million against the cap.
There could also be something to be said about trading one of Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen to build a more well-rounded roster. Having two defensive tackles counting a combined $43 million against the NFL salary cap just isn’t sustainable.
Washington Commanders go to San Francisco 49ers well
We saw it when the Tennessee Titans hired Ran Carthon away from San Francisco to be their GM last offseason. To a lesser degree, we saw it when the New York Jets (Robert Saleh) and Houston Texans (DeMeco Ryans) hired former 49ers assistants to be their head coaches.
Adding from a stacked roster to create a culture of success. With the Commanders’ projected cap room of $87 million, they can afford to overpay a tad for 49ers free agents. In no particular order, specific targets here should be as follows:
- Javon Kinlaw, defensive tackle
Oren Burks, linebacker
Jauan Jennings, wide receiver
These might not seem like sexy names. But as mentioned above, building a culture of sustained success and continuity is key. None of these three would be too expensive, and would add to the Commanders’ depth.
Target young NFL free agents
A team that loses 13 of 15 to conclude a season is missing talent clear across the board. That goes without saying. With Washington boasting a projected $86.9 million in cap room, it can afford to go out there and add free agents.
The key for Peters and Co. must be to get players who are coming off their rookie deals and fit into the long-term plans with the Commanders. Why overpay for aging veterans?
Some realistic targets here include safety Xavier McKinney, wide receiver Tee Higgins, linebacker Devin White and offensive tackle Jonah Williams.
Related: 2024 NFL mock draft
Don’t overthink NFL Draft, go quarterback
It’s obvious that quarterback will be Washington’s target with the No. 2 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. It’s also obvious that Caleb Williams will end up going No. 1 overall once the USC star officially decides to declare.
This would leave Washington in position to go with North Carolina QB Drake Maye. It’s not time for Peters to overthink it with such an important decision ahead of himself.
Sure, the Commanders will receive trade-down offers. There is going to be bait. But the decision here has to be to either go with Maye at two or see if they can entice the Bears to trade down from one.