2024 season: 12-5, second at NFC East, lost against Eagles in the NFC championship
Preview: What a season in Washington. Jayden Daniels and the commanders arrived before the calendar in 2024 thanks to a sensational recruit campaign from Daniels who culminated in a trip to the NFC championship match, the first franchise since Joe Gibbs and Mark Rypien led a race for a super bowl title in the 1991 season. What to do for a reminder?
It is over time of low expectations. Commanders could have the best quarter of the NFC. The task This offseason will be to ensure that the list of Daniels is able to rely on the success of last season.
NFLPA report card
Classification: 11th
The commanders have made a huge death jump in the satisfaction of the players in the past two years at 11th, a credit to the new owner Josh Harris taking over for Dan Snyder very criticized. Players have reported a significant improvement in the food program, treatment of families and comfort during team trips. On the other hand, the changing rooms and the installations remain worn and outdated.
Key -free agents
LB Bobby Wagner
Te Zach Ertz
Edge Dante Fowler Jr.
S Jeremy Chinn
QB Marcus Mariota
Pa Tress Way
CB Noah igbinoghene
CB Benjamin St-Just
Wr Kj Osborn
Who is in / out: The list of free agents includes several key contributors, including Wagner, Fowler, Ertz and Chinn. Wagner, 34, made his 11th All-Pro team as a captain and leader of Washington. He always has gas in the tank, and there should be mutual motivation to conclude another agreement. Ertz, also 34, was the second Washington receiver and a trusted security valve for Daniels. He always wants to playAnd could come back to a new agreement.
Fowler, 30, led the team in bags (10.5) in his first season in Washington and will not return to the same one year discount, $ 3.25 million on which he played in 2024. He will be looking for what is probably his last big salary of the NFL. Chinn, 26, borne fruit on a one -year prouvance agreement during his first year in Washington as the second commanding plauses and starting from 17 games. He will also seek a long -term agreement. Washington should be a pretender for both.
The time of St-Juste in Washington probably affects an end at the end of his recruit contract after an intermediate campaign in 2024.
Key needs for free agent
Wide receiver
Offensive line
END
Corner
Why the holes? With Daniels Lancing, Terry McLaurin became an option n ° 1 in good faith which captured 13 affected last season. It’s time to find a real n ° 2 like his running mate. Daniels took advantage of the jet at Olamide Zaccheaus, Noah Brown and Dyami Brown. But the addition of a talent like Tee Higgins will be terribly attractive in a free agency.
In accordance with the maximization of Daniels, commanders need an upgrade in Tackle. Brandon Coleman could hold one side after progressing as a recruit last season. On the other hand, Andrew Wylie could be done in Washington with a year remaining on his contract if the commanders guarantee an appropriate upgrade, which they should look for.
Even if Ertz returns, it will be a short -term solution at a start at the age of 34. Washington could turn to the project or free agency for a longer term response. At the corner, a Mid-season trade against the ancient March-lance-Marmiraire Lettimore did not succeed. An upgrade is in store, especially if Washington leaves St-Just Walk.
Do they have the money?
The good news for commanders is that they have a lot of flexibility with Daniels on his recruit contract. By spotracWashington has around $ 80 million in the planned salary ceiling space, which is the top five of the NFL.
Notable potential cuts
CB marshon lattimore
Ot Andrew Wylie
Why they might have left: The commanders caused a sensation in November by exchanging Lattimore, who made four pro-bols with the saints, but did not do it since the 2021 season. He missed six games with an injury to the persistent hamstrings, then was a responsibility in the loss of the NFC championship of Washington at the eagles. Cutting a 28 -year -old lattimore would not be optimal after abandon several draft choices to acquire itincluding the third and fourth rounds. But $ 36.5 million in ceiling savings During the following two seasons, commanders can force commanders to reduce their losses.
According to the note above, the upgrade of Tackle on Wylie should be a priority during the offseason while the commanders seek to protect Daniels. Release it before the last year of his contract would be equivalent to $ 7.75 million in ceiling savings For commanders.
Draft choice
1st round: n ° 29
2nd round: n ° 61
3rd round (Dolphins): n ° 79
5th round (saints)
6th round
7th round (broncos)
7th round (Eagles)
Good draft adjustment
Josh Conerly Jr., Ot, Oregon
Why him? If the commanders cause sensation to the wide receiver in free agency, the offensive line should be the absolute priority of the project. There is an additional need in the line with ACL tear at the end of the season to keep Sam Cosmiwho could miss part of the 2025 season.
A Recruit five stars Who won the Anthony Muñoz Prize as a high school line player in the country, Conely was a two -year start to the left tackle of Oregon which projects as a starter with an advantage in the NFL. Conly would be an excellent choice at No. 29 if it is available.
Jayden Daniels was a dream as a recruit, and he did it despite a support casting that could use upgrades. Brian Robinson Jr. is probably on average at best, and expectations must be attenuated on the Austin Ekeler satellite back, which enters its 30 -year season. Passers could also use a boost; Terry McLaurin is an undeniable superstar, but there is no dynamic WR2 on the list, and even if Zach Ertz exceeded expectations in 2024, he entered his 35 -year season. –Scott Pianowski
