The Washington Commanders had a standout 2024 NFL season, finishing with a 12-5 record before falling in the NFC Championship Game to the eventual Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles.
NFL experts say the Commanders’ loss to the Eagles came from turnovers, since all four resulted in possessions that ended in touchdowns and heavily influenced the 55-23 final score.
Despite the loss, it was a phenomenal rookie season for QB Jayden Daniels, the No. 2 overall pick in last year’s draft. For instance, Tedy Bruschi said Daniels is the best rookie quarterback he’s ever seen.
With NFL free agency looming, the Commanders still have key positions to address for 2025—and former NFL linebacker Shawne Merriman believes there’s one signing that could take them to the next level.
Shawne Merriman sees Myles Garrett as a great possible signing by the Commanders
Former San Diego Chargers star Shawne Merriman believes Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett would be the ideal addition for Washington in 2025.
Speaking before the Commanders pulled off a trade for wide receiver Deebo Samuel, he expressed his opinion on how they could strengthen.
“If The Commanders go out and get someone like a Myles Garrett, this off-season, that could instantly put these guys back in contention,” Merriman told NFL Analysis in an exclusive interview.
Garrett has requested a trade from the Browns, despite being under contract through 2026. He insists the decision isn’t about money but about chasing a Super Bowl title, which seems unlikely in Cleveland after a disastrous 3-14 season—tied for the worst record in the league with the Titans and Giants.
Now, with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Browns are in full rebuild mode, making a trade for Garrett a real possibility.
For Garrett, a move to Washington makes sense if he’s looking for a legitimate championship opportunity, and according to NFL insiders, the Commanders are one of the most logical destinations from both a team and financial perspective.
Commanders’ exceeded expectations in 2024 for Shawn Merriman
While Washington had potential with Jayden Daniels, Merriman admits he was still surprised by how good the team was.
“I think The Commanders were probably the biggest surprise,” Merriman told NFL Analysis. “We talk about Jayden Daniels and how good he is. He’s really good. I didn’t see them beating The Lions.”
Merriman pointed out that the Lions were missing key players in that matchup, including G Kevin Zeitler, DL Pat O’Connor, and CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr.
“Whether people want to say that it’s because The Lions were banged up with injuries and missing a lot of guys, call it whatever you want, I did not see that happening,” he said. “I thought they had no shot—they were going to get smoked, and I was wrong.”
The Washington Commanders hold the No. 29 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, meaning their free agency moves will heavily influence their draft strategy.
If the team lands a high-impact player like Myles Garrett, it could shift their draft priorities. With so many teams picking ahead of them, it’s difficult to predict which position they’ll target, but their free agency signings will offer a clearer picture.
