The Washington Commanders are running it back with the squad that achieved so much in 2024. Whether that strategy pays off remains to be seen.
Some deserved to come back. Others could have gone either way. A couple of extensions have raised eyebrows among the fanbase after less-than-stellar contributions when more was expected.
One of the more baffling moves made by Adam Peters came when news broke regarding Clelin Ferrell's one-year extension.
The Commanders' general manager brought the former first-round pick with him from the San Francisco 49ers in the hope he could build on a promising campaign. Aside from a few flashes, it was a largely underwhelming contribution from Ferrell's perspective.
Ferrell played 14 games during the regular season — 10 of which he started. He gained 3.5 sacks, nine quarterback hits, and four tackles for loss. He couldn't generate pressure effectively enough and showed weakness against the run. That's a dangerous combination that saw his snaps reduce to just 39.9 percent during the postseason.
Commanders give Clelin Ferrell surprising reprieve after inconsistent 2024
It was widely expected that Ferrell would take his chances elsewhere. Instead, Peters gave him a reprieve in keeping with his overall approach throughout his second free-agency period at the helm.
Peters, and a lot of others around the league, weren't particularly enamored with this crop of available veterans. He made one major acquisition, signing defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw to a three-year, $45 million deal with $30 million guaranteed. The front-office leader focused on more one-year deals aside from that.
Continuity is important for Peters. He believes this group still has something to offer. That they can build on a remarkable first campaign together and improve with a few notable acquisitions. It's a risky strategy, especially considering most have either not met career expectations or are on the wrong side of 30 years old these days.
Ferrell was probably surprised to see an extension come his way. He's not a starting-caliber defensive end despite having countless opportunities to cement his status. Re-signing the lineman shouldn't come with any guarantees whatsoever about his roster spot. He'll have to prove his worth like everyone else.
It also shouldn't prevent the Commanders from adding to their pass-rushing room via the 2025 NFL Draft. This is a deep group to pick from, and Washington needs some fearless young explosiveness to complement what they already have. That will be considered by Peters, but the additions and extensions this offseason mean he can keep his options open.
Peters has earned plenty of trust. If he thinks Ferrell has more to give and will benefit from another offseason under Dan Quinn's coaching staff, that should be enough for fans.
No matter how bemusing this particular deal appears.
