The Washington Commanders roster looks almost unrecognizable from the group that concluded Ron Rivera's final campaign as head coach. Adam Peters was ruthless in pursuit of turning this once-proud organization around. He cut loose any perceived deadwood and acquired the right characters to fit into the coaching staff's collective ethos during one of the most memorable recruitment periods in franchise history.
Whether it'll be enough to make legitimate strides in 2024 remains to be seen. Peters has a long-term plan in place and seems to be following the strategy he helped implement with the San Francisco 49ers. After some gradual growth, they are now considered to be an NFC powerhouse capable of contending for the Super Bowl every year.
That's the end objective where the Commanders are concerned. The roster looks in better shape thanks to Peters' frantic activity during the 2024 NFL Draft and free agency. However, some areas of concern could hold them back when push comes to shove.
One of these centers on the cornerback position. Mike Sainristil should upgrade the slot coverage if his production at Michigan is any indication. But keeping faith with Benjamin St-Juste and Emmanuel Forbes on the outside represents a major gamble on the outside after Kendall Fuller left for the Miami Dolphins in free agency.
Commanders urged to consider veteran CB Marcus Peters
Perhaps the addition of Michael Davis can help, but there's just no telling for sure. If Peters and head coach Dan Quinn aren't quite convinced, they have enough financial resources to find another legitimate difference-maker if the right opportunity presents itself.
This was a topic brought up by Enzo Flojo from Clutch Points. The writer felt the Commanders would be wise to bring in opportunistic cornerback Marcus Peters to provide additional competition and assured production before Week 1 at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives.
"Securing the services of cornerback Marcus Peters would address the secondary’s need for a proven playmaker. Peters is renowned for his ball-hawking skills and ability to read the opposing quarterback. This would immediately strengthen the Commanders’ pass defense. His knack for creating turnovers and making pivotal plays in crucial moments is exactly what the team needs to close out tight games. Peters’ experience and football IQ would serve as a stabilizing force in the secondary. He could provide guidance to younger players and elevate the unit’s overall performance. His addition would make the Commanders’ defense one of the most formidable in the league."
- Enzo Flojo, Clutch Points
Peters is a two-time All-Pro who was widely regarded as one of the best coverage cornerbacks around once upon a time. His production regressed last season with the Las Vegas Raiders, but his length and ability to create chances into turnovers look like a decent fit within Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr.'s scheme.
Perhaps the Commanders want to go younger and hope someone steps up into the borderline elite category. Peters has been there and done that, which is invaluable knowledge to pass on to the next generation while also accumulating prominent starting reps in this scenario.
Much will depend on the money involved, but the Commanders could do far worse than look in Peters' direction if they opted for more cornerback assistance. He's the wrong side of 30 years old now - which is always a potential complication considering how explosive wide receivers are becoming. At the same time, there is no substitute for veteran savvy.
The Commanders know they might not have enough, especially considering how Forbes struggled to adjust throughout a rookie campaign to forget. Any help those in power can get, the better their chances will be.
Peters ticks the boxes and could have a couple more good years left. But being on the proverbial scrap heap at this stage of the offseason doesn't bode well for his chances.
