Looking Ahead: What the Commanders Need to Focus on This Offseason
Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders experienced an unexpected season that concluded in Philadelphia on Sunday.
In the NFC championship game, the Commanders were defeated by the Eagles with a score of 55-23. Despite the visible disappointment on the sidelines, there’s reason for optimism regarding the future of the franchise.
Daniels stands out as the frontrunner for the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award, while Dan Quinn is a strong candidate for Coach of the Year.
The Commanders ended the regular season with a record of 12-5, showing a significant improvement of eight wins from their 4-13 season in 2023. The outlook is promising for Washington.
What are the next steps for the Commanders as they gear up for the 2025 season? YSL News Sports provides an analysis.
Key Free Agents for the Commanders in 2025
Bobby Wagner, LB
Wagner has recorded over 100 tackles for the 13th consecutive season, now just one behind former Washington linebacker London Fletcher, who achieved this milestone in 14 seasons. It would be fitting for Wagner to equal Fletcher while playing for the Commanders. At 34 years old, he continues to demonstrate his tackling prowess.
Dante Fowler Jr., LB
Fowler recorded a team-best 10.5 sacks, marking the second time in his career that he has reached double-digit sacks in a season. The former No. 3 overall draft pick may have secured another contract in Washington, displaying consistent performance as the team’s leading pass rusher.
Zach Ertz, TE
The experienced tight end became a reliable target for Daniels this season. Ertz showed he still has plenty to offer, enjoying his best performance since 2021. Turning 35 during the 2025 season, he proved he can still compete at a high level.
Offseason Strategy for the Commanders: Three Key Areas to Address
Edge Rusher
Fowler (10) and Frankie Luvu (8) were the top sack leaders for the Commanders. With Fowler entering free agency, the franchise has yet to fully replace former edge rushers Montez Sweat and Chase Young. An option to consider is free agent DeMarcus Lawrence from the Dallas Cowboys, who has a connection with coach Dan Quinn from his previous role as the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator. It’s also advisable for the Commanders to prioritize this position in the upcoming draft.
Offensive Line
Daniels faced 47 sacks this season, with some results stemming from his rookie experience and others linked to the offensive line’s performance. A stronger offensive line would be beneficial for the likely NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. Prospects like Ohio State tackle Josh Simmons and West Virginia tackle Wyatt Milum are anticipated to be available in the initial rounds of the draft.
Wide Receiver
Terry McLaurin stands out as the Commanders’ top wide receiver. Olamide Zaccheaus and Noah Brown, the next two leading receivers, are set to become free agents. Together, McLaurin and Ertz contributed to 20 of Daniels’ passing touchdowns. The Commanders will need additional playmakers on the receiving end. Notable free-agent wide receivers like Keenan Allen or Chris Godwin could be valuable additions in D.C.
Draft Needs for the Commanders
If the Commanders do not make significant moves, their drafting priorities should include:
- Edge Rusher
- Wide Receiver
- Offensive Line
The Commanders will have seven selections in the 2025 NFL Draft:
- Round 1
- Round 2
- Round 3 (from PHI)
- Round 5 (from NOLA)
- Round 7
- Round 7 (from PHI)
- Round 7 (from PHI)
Stay updated with News Sports’ Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.
