The Washington Commanders were one of the most intriguing teams to watch this offseason after their efforts last year with Dan Quinn and rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels.
After a four-win season in 2023, Washington managed a 12-5 record and a spot in the NFC Championship game after two playoff wins in 2024. That is a good start.
Again armed with significant cap space, the Commanders this time around didn't splurge as they did a year ago; instead, they were more laser-focused, with Deebo Samuel and Laremy Tunsil coming in.
A host of re-signings were headlined by Zach Ertz, Bobby Wagner, and Marcus Mariota, while defensive lineman Jonathan Allen was moved on with Javon Kinlaw replacing him.
So as things stand, is Washington's roster better than a year ago? Pro Football Focus thinks so.
"The Commanders did a lot of in-house work this offseason, bringing back Bobby Wagner (88.3) and Zach Ertz (67.0), while making big trades for Laremy Tunsil and Deebo Samuel to improve the offense," Pro Football Focus writes. "On defense, the big move was releasing Jonathan Allen, and replacing him with Javon Kinlaw."
Offensively on paper, the Commanders look formidable.
Pairing Samuel with Terry McLaurin gives Daniels a superb one-two punch, while Brian Robinson Jr. as the lead back along with Zach Ertz as another offensive option and the offensive line now reinforced with Tunsil, Kliff Kingsbury is free to go cook in 2025.
Defensively, there are still questions, but the Commanders are expected to answer those in the draft as coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. will look for significant improvement from his unit.
The Commanders knew their weaknesses and attacked them early in the free agency, as they had clearly upgraded a roster that made the NFC title game last season.
And barring an injury crisis, could be set to go one better in 2025.
