The Washington Commanders surprised the NFL in 2024. After finishing 4-13 in 2023, they went 12-5, won two road playoff games, and enjoyed their best season since 1991.
What’s impressive for Washington is that the 2024 season was supposed to be a rebuilding year, or a “recalibration,” as head coach Dan Quinn has stated multiple times.
Now, the real challenge begins for the Commanders and general manager, Adam Peters. Washington has the third-most salary cap space available, but with 28 unrestricted free agents, Peters will be measured in how he spends. With star quarterback Jayden Daniels on a rookie contract, the Commanders are expected to be aggressive this offseason, specifically to improve a struggling defense.
Washington overachieved with its roster in 2024, primarily because Daniels was phenomenal. However, the Commanders must improve their talent to take the next step.
Expectations may be so high for Washington in 2025 that a step back could be in the cards. That doesn’t mean the Commanders will miss the playoffs, but falling short of anything but another trip to the NFC championship game would disappoint many.
In fact, CBS’s Jeff Kerr named five teams he believes are due for a major fall next season, including the Commanders.
Year 1 under Jayden Daniels was better than anything the Commanders anticipated. Washington won 12 games in Daniels’ first season — including the only team to beat the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles since October began — than won consecutive playoff games on the road and reached the NFC Championship game.
The Commanders are a conference title contender and have a franchise quarterback in Daniels, but it will be hard to replicate last season’s success. They still have to play the Eagles twice and have the Detroit Lions on the schedule, while playing five teams that won double-digit games on their road slate.
Even if Daniels plays well, it’s hard to win 12 games and go to the conference championship game. The Commanders may have a better roster in 2025 — and have $75.2 million in cap space to make it better — but still may not replicate what they accomplished this season.
Kerr is not wrong here. It will be hard to win 12 games again. Remember, Washington hadn’t won this many games in 33 years before last season. Things are different now, but the good vibes surrounding the Commanders may not carry into next season. The roster must improve, specifically the defensive and offensive line, and Daniels must continue to prove himself.
But a major fall? Yes, it could happen, but the Commanders understand entirely the opportunity in front of them with Daniels on a rookie deal. The time to load up the roster is now. Of course, in doing that, you also potentially damage what was a super-tight locker room. However, unlike the past, Washington has strong enough leaders on the field and the coaching staff to handle any potentially strong personalities.