Did the Washington Commanders “win” the offseason? Don’t tell that to longtime Washington fans who were accustomed to winning the offseason under former owner Dan Snyder. In those days, Snyder would make multiple flashy offseason moves that went nowhere. That was a long time ago. Long before Snyder sold the team, he quit spending money, and Washington was as bad in the offseason as it was during the season.

The Commanders found themselves in a unique position this offseason. They were coming off a 12-win season and an appearance in the NFC championship game. And while Washington has more needs than most teams that won 12 games, the focus was on improving the roster, not overhauling it. Most importantly, the Commanders weren’t looking for a quarterback. Jayden Daniels was everything they envisioned and more last season. So, this offseason was about building around Daniels.

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How’d they do? While Washington didn’t go crazy in free agency, mainly focusing on short-term deals with veterans and re-signing key internal free agents, general manager Adam Peters swung for the fences in two trades. The Commanders acquired wide receiver Deebo Samuel and offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil in different trades, filling massive holes at those positions.

Bucky Brooks of NFL.com believes that Washington, along with four other teams, did win the offseason:

It’s hard to improve from good to great in the NFL, but the Commanders might join the league’s elites with an improved roster that features more blue-chip players around 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels. The trades for Laremy Tunsil and Deebo Samuel place a pair of Pro Bowl-caliber players in marquee positions (left tackle and WR2) that should help the offense unlock another gear in 2025. If the team can resolve Terry McLaurin’s contract situation, the Commanders will have a chance to open the season with an electric offense that will put plenty of stress on defensive coordinators crafting plans to stop the juggernaut.

Defensively, the additions of Deatrich Wise and Jonathan Jones fortify a unit that is coming into its own under the direction of head coach Dan Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. If the Commanders continue to receive key contributions from their young defensive backs (Mike Sainristil, Quan Martin and Trey Amos), the reigning NFC runner-up could take the next step in 2025.

My expectation for 2025: The Commanders are built to run through the NFC with a superstar quarterback surrounded by a stellar supporting cast. If Washington can secure the NFC’s No. 1 seed, we could see a championship parade in the nation’s capital come February.

It’s hard not to like how Peters approached the offseason. While questions remain about the pass rush, the Commanders worked hard to strengthen their run defense and add valuable depth to the secondary.

It’s challenging to fill every need in one offseason, but in two years as Washington’s GM, Peters has restocked three of the NFL’s most important positions. The Commanders have a franchise quarterback, two bookend offensive tackles and quality cornerback depth. That’s a tremendous offseason.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Analyst names Commanders as an offseason winner