The margin for error has shrunk considerably for general manager Adam Peters during his third offseason with the Washington Commanders. Things went completely downhill last time around, which was deeply disappointing. However, all hope is not lost for this ambitious franchise just yet.
There is the potential for a quick turnaround if the correct approach is implemented. The Commanders have six draft picks, but only two of those are in the first four rounds. Washington could have north of $100 million to spend in free agency, and Peters must maximize every cent.
Not all of Washington’s pending free agents will be let go. Pro Bowl punter Tress Way and versatile offensive lineman Andrew Wylie have already received new deals. More will be coming, but the Commanders must also swing for the fences with bold, aggressive moves to enhance their chances of getting back on track immediately.
This is no time for half-measures. Pressure is building after such a poor campaign. Head coach Dan Quinn fired both coordinators, so there are no real scapegoats left. That places the onus on Peters to find the players needed to get this sleeping giant onto the path to prosperity.
And with the money available to the Commanders, Peters has no business missing on his preferred targets. Here are 10 possibilities.
Adam Peters has no business missing out on these players in Commanders free agencyCommanders could sign Jaylen Watson
The Washington Commanders have two promising young cornerbacks in Trey Amos and Mike Sainristil. If they want to take the next step, adding some proven experience at the highest level will be advantageous for new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones.
Marshon Lattimore will be cut. Jonathan Jones, Antonio Hamilton Sr., and Noah Igbinoghene are free agents and might not return. The Commanders need to think big, which makes Jaylen Watson’s future with the Kansas City Chiefs a situation worth monitoring.
Watson hasn’t given up a touchdown over the last two seasons. He’s got the size and length that head coach Dan Quinn and Jones might be looking for. At 27 years old, he’s got some productive football left in the tank.
This is the kind of investment Washington should be pursuing in free agency. Adam Peters must move away from aging veterans looking for one more payday. There needs to be a focus on the now and the future. Watson ticks those boxes, and the Commanders have the financial resources to make him a considerable offer that would be difficult to turn down.