Context:

The Washington Commanders had a remarkable turnaround in the 2024 NFL season, achieving a 12-5 record and advancing to the NFC Championship game, a feat last accomplished in 1991. This success was attributed to a complete organizational overhaul, including new ownership, management, and a roster filled with high-potential free agents and rookies, led by standout quarterback Jayden Daniels. Daniels, the second overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, broke records and earned numerous accolades, showcasing his poise and clutch performance throughout the season. Despite a solid offensive setup for 2025, the Commanders' defense remains a concern, with strategic acquisitions aimed at strengthening the unit. Speculation surrounds acquiring 5-time Pro Bowl safety Minkah Fitzpatrick from the Steelers to further bolster their defense.

Dive Deeper:

• The Washington Commanders underwent significant changes in 2024, culminating in a successful season that saw them reach the NFC Championship game for the first time since 1991, following decades of underperformance under previous ownership.

• The team's resurgence was largely driven by key organizational changes, including a new owner, GM, head coach, and a roster composed of promising rookies and high-upside free agents who emphasized character as a core trait.

• Quarterback Jayden Daniels was pivotal to the Commanders' success, achieving a record-breaking rookie season with 3,568 passing yards, 25 touchdowns, and leading the league with a 69.0% completion rate, complemented by an NFL record 891 rushing yards for a rookie QB.

• The Commanders focused on bolstering their offensive line by acquiring 6-time Pro Bowl tackle Laremy Tunsil and adding wide receiver talent through trades and the draft to support Daniels' continued development.

• Defensive concerns persist as the unit, ranked 13th in 2024, seeks improvement through strategic acquisitions, including drafting CB Trey Amos and signing veteran players, yet gaps remain, especially with the potential loss of key contributors from the previous season.

• Amidst rumors of the Pittsburgh Steelers entering a rebuild phase, the Commanders are linked to a potential trade for safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, which could significantly enhance their defensive backfield.

• Sean Labar, with over 15 years of experience covering college football and the NFL, highlights the Commanders' comprehensive efforts to ensure both offensive and defensive competitiveness in the upcoming season.

• The Washington Commanders have been one of the most active teams of the offseason. 

• Washington stunned the NFL in 2024, finishing the season with a (12-5) record before making a magical run to the NFC Championship game for the first time since 1991. 

• So much went in to Washington’s turnaround after decades of losing and dysfunction under Dan Snyder’s leadership as owner. The Commanders won just four game in 2023, but with a new owner, new GM, new head coach and staff and an overhauled roster, everything came together last season. 

• The Commanders clearly made the most important decision for the future of the franchise by selecting Jayden Daniels with the second overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft. 

• While the roster — which was spliced together by GM Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn last offseason wasn’t filled with massive talented players — but instead a group of high-upside free agents and promising rookies with character being the most important trait. 

• But from Week 1 until the Commanders got knocked out of the playoffs in January, Daniels never looked like a rookie in the NFL. He started 17 games, and finished the year with  331 completions on 480 attempts (69.0% completion rate). He thew for 3,568 yards, 25 touchdowns and just nine interceptions with a QBR of 70.6, which ranked fourth in the NFL. 

• The Commanders rookie QB put together arguably the best season of any rookie in professional sports. Daniels’ 891 rushing yards set a new NFL record for a rookie quarterback, surpassing Robert Griffin III’s previous mark.  His 69.0% completion rate also established a new rookie record.  

• He earned a bevy of honors while the Commanders continued to thrive as he had ability to elevate the talent around him. Daniels was named AP Offensive Rookie of the Year, Pepsi Zero Sugar NFL Rookie of the Year, a Pro Bowl Selection, NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month (September) and was named NFL Rookie of the Week a whopping 11 times. 

• His most important traits were his poise, ability to stay calm in high-pressure situations and he proved time and time again… he had the “clutch” gene that only the great signal callers have. Daniels orchestrated four fourth-quarter comebacks and was instrumental in several late-game victories, including a memorable 52-yard Hail Mary touchdown against the Chicago Bears which helped give a major spark to the Commanders as they prepped for the second half of the season. 

• And while Peters and company have used this offseason to focus on protecting him by trading for 6-time Pro Bowl Laremy Tunsil and drafting one of the most dominant tackles in this year’s class. They also traded for Deebo Samuel from the 49ers, and added another speedy WR in the draft. 

• Offensively, it’s safe to say Kliff Kingsbury and Daniels shouldn’t take a step back in 2025. 

• But the Commanders defense is a different story. While it wasn’t an awful unit in 2024 finishing No. 13 in overall defense giving up 326 yards per game and 45 touchdowns on the season, there are some gaping holes, especially since they lost a few of last year’s biggest contributors. 

• They have addressed some of these by drafting Ole Miss CB Trey Amos, who many talent evaluators had a first round grade on, signing a few veteran defensive backs like longtime Patriots CB Jonathan Jones, and bringing back veteran staples like Bobby Wagner and Daron Payne from last year’s group. 

• With the trade of George Pickens to the Cowboys and no clear QB 1 in place yet for 2025, there’s plenty of speculation if the Pittsburgh Steelers are in rebuild mode. 

• Anthony Palacios of Last Word on Sports believes 5-time Pro Bowl safety Minkah Fitzpatrick may be on the trading block and he thinks the Commanders will make a move to trade for the veteran ball hawk. 

• Meanwhile, the Commanders are in the best position on offense. Quarterback Jayden Daniels has the right weapons and help to keep the chains moving. Despite signing Jonathan Jones this year and trading for Marshon Lattimore last season, there’s still left to be done in this defensive system. Fitzpatrick is the perfect secondary piece that may bolster this unit.