Adam Peters knew what he needed to do this offseason. The Washington Commanders accomplished so much during the 2024 season, but it was only the first step in their master plan to get this sleeping giant back among the NFL powerhouses.
The Commanders were well-placed to be aggressive this offseason. Peters knew their Super Bowl window was open and there was a need to maximize quarterback Jayden Daniels' rookie contract. He also emphasized the need to reward those who gave so much to the cause last season.
This wasn't perceived as the wealthiest crop of free agents. Peters held a similar opinion, making one big splash but focusing more on re-signings and proven veterans on one-year deals. His main acquisitions came in the trade market, with wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. and left tackle Laremy Tunsil further legitimizing the front-office leader's project.
Some were richly deserving of the extensions that came their way. Others raised a few eyebrows, but Peters is doing what he believes is best to ensure Washington's memorable 2024 campaign starts a profitable new era for the organization.
With that being said, here are five Commanders players who didn't necessarily deserve another season, but got one anyway for one reason or another.
Commanders players who don't deserve another season (but got one anyway)
Michael Deiter - Commanders OL
The Washington Commanders made one landmark addition to their offensive line. It was a move that quickly sent shockwaves through the entire league.
Laremy Tunsil is widely regarded as one of the league's most prolific left tackles and someone who'll completely shift the mindset. Adam Peters gave up decent draft capital to get him on board, but there's no doubt whatsoever he represents a significant upgrade on anything the team's had on the blindside since Trent Williams was traded to the San Francisco 49ers.
There was one move above all else that caused a few raised eyebrows among the fanbase. Michael Deiter surprisingly got another one-year deal despite some underwhelming performances when called upon in 2024. He's only costing $1.19 million against the salary cap, so there's no guarantee the versatile piece will be on the 53-man roster when Week 1 rolls around.
Deiter was seen as a high-caliber backup capable of playing anywhere along the interior after joining last spring. He was a substantial downgrade whenever starting center Tyler Biadasz got hurt. The fact that Washington went with Trent Scott — an offensive tackle by trade — when Sam Cosmi tore his ACL against the Detroit Lions spoke volumes.
The Commanders went with continuity over a fresh face with more upside. Deiter gets another shot to prove himself, but the margin for error is nonexistent.
Clelin Ferrell - Commanders DE
Adam Peters saw enough in Clelin Ferrell to bring him on board from the San Francisco 49ers. The defensive end played relatively well for the NFC West club in 2023 and was instantly thrown into a starting role with the Washington Commanders. It didn't take long for things to sour.
Ferrell flashed brief moments of promise, especially against the run. However, he couldn't generate pressure consistently enough and was sluggish in pursuit when defending outside runs. This was reflected in his diminished snaps over the second half of 2024 and into the postseason.
It's highly unlikely that Ferrell will ever justify his lofty draft billing as the No. 4 overall pick in 2019. The Las Vegas Raiders reached for the player, so that's not his fault, but the Commanders gave him a vote of confidence when all hope seemed lost.
The former Clemson star signed a one-year deal when most expected him to move on. Ferrell will count $1.88 million against the cap next season, which is a pay decrease and more reflective of his roster status.
Washington added to its defensive front this offseason. Peters will likely bolster the edge-rushing options at some stage during the 2025 NFL Draft. Where that leaves Ferrell is anyone's guess, but at least he's still around to fight for his spot.
Jeremy McNichols - Commanders RB
The obvious regression in the running back room last season didn't provoke any immediate action from Adam Peters. Some fans demanded a free-agent signing who could provide an injection of energy that was sorely lacking down the stretch. Washington's general manager opted to stand pat instead.
For now, at least.
Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler were both under contract. They are heading into the final year of their respective deals, so a huge effort is needed from the tandem to get another go-around beyond 2025. It was a profitable partnership over the first half of the campaign, but injuries and poor performances after that mean the jury is still out.
Chris Rodriguez Jr. got an exclusive rights tender to prevent him from speaking with other interested parties in free agency. The Commanders also brought back Jeremy McNichols on a one-year deal to provide insurance.
McNichols has six explosive runs of 10-plus rushing yards from 55 carries last season. He's a solid professional without ever setting the world alight throughout his career. Keeping him around is fine, but it shouldn't stop the Commanders from identifying another gifted running back from a deep 2025 NFL Draft class.
The Commanders only have five picks as things stand. Peters will look to increase this by moving back at some stage. But identifying one of the top-end running backs could be a strong possibility.
Percy Butler - Commanders S
The Washington Commanders made some slight tweaks to their safety unit during the offseason. This was a necessity for Adam Peters after he decided Jeremy Chinn's production in 2024 wasn't worthy of another commitment from the franchise.
Chinn performed well en route to 117 tackles. He was an ever-present who thrived within Dan Quinn's defensive schematics. Peters had a different opinion, letting the dynamic weapon walk in favor of the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency.
The Commanders brought in Will Harris on a two-year deal. He's got similar athletic traits and is cheaper, but this was a huge gamble unless Washington identifies one of the top-end safeties emerging from the college ranks.
Everyone else got a reprieve aside from that. This was a numbers game rather than any notable production last season, especially from Percy Butler's standpoint after another campaign littered with inconsistencies on the defensive rotation.
Butler gave up 70.6 percent of targets thrown in his direction and a whopping 131.5 passer rating when targeted. The former fourth-round pick became a liability in coverage and wasn't much better against the run. There were flashes of production on special teams, but nothing that moved the needle too much.
Some speculated whether Butler would be a salary-cap casualty this offseason. The Commanders haven't made that move as yet, but the Louisiana graduate has a lot of hard work ahead heading into the final year of his rookie deal.
K.J. Osborn - Commanders WR
The Commanders acted swiftly to offset the loss of Noah Brown after he suffered a serious kidney injury that required surgery. Adam Peters scooped K.J. Osborn off the waiver wire, which brought some intrigue despite things not going well with the New England Patriots.
Osborn made his intentions clear. The wide receiver wanted to transition smoothly and make an immediate impression to help Washington's playoff quest. As it turned out, his adjustment took much longer than initially projected.
The former Auburn standout was a healthy scratch more often than not. It quickly became clear that the Commanders signed Osborn to be an insurance policy rather than a plug-and-play piece. Although understandable, it didn't offer much hope that the player would be around for long.
Peters had other ideas. After Dyami Brown and Olamide Zaccheaus left in free agency for the Jacksonville Jaguars and Chicago Bears respectively, the Commanders re-signed Osborn to a one-year deal. They want to see if he can flourish with a full offseason, which is fine. But the wideout must return to his form with the Minnesota Vikings to get an extended reprieve on the 53-man roster.
Osborn has a surprising shot at redemption. But if the Commanders land a wide receiver in the 2025 NFL Draft, his task becomes more difficult.
