Context:

The Washington Commanders are aggressively enhancing their roster to capitalize on their Super Bowl window before quarterback Jayden Daniels requires a substantial contract. Key offseason moves include re-signing veterans like Bobby Wagner and Zach Ertz, trading for versatile players such as Deebo Samuel and Laremy Tunsil, and drafting top prospects like Josh Connnerly Jr. and Jaylin Lane to bolster both offensive and defensive capabilities. Despite these efforts, the running back position remains a potential area of improvement, with discussions about acquiring Najee Harris to complement Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler. Sean Labar, a seasoned football journalist, provides insights into these strategic decisions, emphasizing the Commanders' focus on building a formidable team around Daniels for the upcoming seasons.

Dive Deeper:

• The Washington Commanders are focusing on maximizing their Super Bowl potential over the next three years, strategically re-signing key veterans Bobby Wagner and Zach Ertz to maintain leadership continuity from the 2024 team.

• In a bold move to enhance offensive versatility, the Commanders acquired Deebo Samuel, a player known for his adaptability, allowing offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury to deploy him in various roles within the team’s strategy.

• The acquisition of six-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil was a surprising and impactful addition to the Commanders' roster, significantly strengthening their offensive line alongside first-round draft pick Josh Connnerly Jr.

• Virginia Tech wide receiver Jaylin Lane was drafted in the fourth round, promising to add depth and dynamism to the team’s offensive play as well as special teams, with his ability to stretch defenses and contribute creatively.

• The running back position is under scrutiny, with Brian Robinson Jr. needing to prove his potential quickly as discussions of acquiring former Steelers running back Najee Harris surface, aiming to provide quarterback Jayden Daniels with a reliable backup to Austin Ekeler.

• Sean Labar, with extensive experience in covering college football and the NFL, highlights the strategic maneuvers of the Commanders, underlining their commitment to building a strong supporting cast around Jayden Daniels for sustained competitive success.

• The Washington Commanders have made it abundantly clear they are trying to capitalize on their Super Bowl window over the next three years before they have to pay Jayden Daniels. 

• It started shortly after the season ended, when GM Adam Peters and the Commanders brass made the decision to bring back key veteran leaders from the 2024 team by re-signing Bobby Wagner and Zach Ertz. They also brought back WR Noah Brown, who was a key target for Daniels last season. 

• As the offseason continued, Washington continued to make moves to surround Daniels with weapons, while giving him the best chance to succeed in year two. The first big splash was was trading for 49ers jack-of-all-trades Deebo Samuel, who OC Kliff Kingsbury will be able to use in a variety of ways in the Commanders offense. 

• After that, the Washington Commanders stunned the entire NFL world by trading for 6-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil, who nobody believed was even available. 

• When the NFL Draft rolled around, the trend of building around Daniels continued. In the first round, Washington opted to stay in the first round and select Oregon tackle Josh Connnerly Jr., who will almost certainly play opposite of Tunsil on the right side in D.C. 

• Suddenly, the Commanders have one of the best offensive lines in the NFL, which will help both Jayden Daniels as a passer and the run game, opening up holes. In the fourth round Washington added another dynamic weapon by adding Virginia Tech WR Jaylin Lane, who can take the top off defenses, be used in creative ways and thrive on special teams as a returner. 

• Washington has added plenty of talent on defense as well, setting up the Commanders for a strong season in 2025. 

• All offseason, there’s been chatter about Washington adding another running back alongside Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler. The Commanders got a potential steal in the 7th round by adding Jacory Crosby-Merritt from Arizona, but one NFL writer believes they are in the market to add another veteran in the backfield. 

• Bleacher Report believes former Steelers RB Najee Harris — who signed with the Chargers this offseason — is a potential trade candidate heading into 2025. 

• Anthony Palacios of Last Word on Sports believes Washington might make a move to trade for Harris. 

• If the Commanders have any weak point in their offense, it’s the running back department. Brian Robinson Jr. is eyeing a breakout season, but he has to work quickly to make that happen, or else there will be a replacement waiting for him. Harris won’t single-handedly save this offense, but it gives quarterback Jayden Daniels another capable weapon to thrive when Austin Ekeler can’t.