Commanders may have blown it as castoff breaks out at OTAs

Not everyone who contributed to last season's sensational efforts with the Washington Commanders is coming along for the ride in 2025. Adam Peters had a price in mind for everyone. When the demands were too high, the general manager had no problem going in a different direction.

This is all part of Peters' ruthless roster-building strategy that always puts the team's best interests at the forefront. But one notable departure's impressive transition to a new environment seems depressingly familiar.

The Commanders finally got some decent production from Dyami Brown in the final year of his deal. It took a while for everything to click, but the former third-round pick's improved performance levels down the stretch and into the playoffs left reasons for encouragement. As it turned out, this also provided the perfect platform to cash in when free agency arrived.

Brown was widely expected to draw interest in the open market. The Jacksonville Jaguars came in with a one-year, $10 million deal — $9.5 million of which is guaranteed — to get this transaction over the line.

Dyami Brown making instant impact after contentious Commanders departure

Washington had already moved on, trading for Deebo Samuel Sr. They weren't willing to match the offer, and Brown departed with little fanfare attached. How this will work out for all parties hasn't been determined, but it's not taken long for the player to start climbing the ranks in Jacksonville.

The early reports around Brown are extremely encouraging. Travis Holmes from SB Nation highlighted the former North Carolina standout's starring performance at organized team activities, which is something that could make him a focal point with the Jaguars if the same trend continues.

Dyami Brown has clearly been heating up. With really strong outings in both Day 1 and today’s practice, Brown has slowly continued to show an early acclimation into this Liam Coen offense. With two 20+ yard catches in 7-on-7, another 25-yarder, and 15-yarder in 11-on-11s, Dyami wrapped up today with around 6 noticeable catches on the day in teams periods.Travis Holmes

This was a familiar story with the Commanders, too. Brown would always catch the eye in shorts and shells over the summer. But when competitive action arrived in an intense environment with high stakes, he was often found wanting.

Perhaps last season's mini-renaissance will provide the springboard to a profitable career moving forward. Brown also has the added incentive of getting a longer-term, more lucrative financial commitment from the Jaguars or elsewhere next spring. That always brings about raised urgency and increased effort.

It'll be interesting to watch Brown's progress from afar. The Commanders won't be looking at his fortunes with regret if everything goes well. They were right not to give him this sort of money, and Peters did an outstanding job of molding their wideout room to a high standard entering 2025.

But if Brown steps things up and becomes a Pro Bowler, however unlikely that may be, that's when questions will be asked.