The Washington Commanders are no longer flying under the radar heading into the 2025 NFL season.
After catching the entire NFL off guard last year by finishing with a (12-5) regular season record and making an incredible run in the playoffs to reach the NFC Championship game, the Commanders are now viewed as legitimate Super Bowl contenders.
Jayden Daniels — after a historic rookie campaign that was capped off with NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year — is already regarded as a top ten NFL QB by most experts. Some have the second-year Commanders signal caller in the top five.
All offseason, GM Adam Peters has been making moves so the momentum from the 2024 season will continue heading into 2025.
First and foremost, the Commanders were able to retain nearly all of their coaching staff. The most notable is OC Kliff Kingsbury returning despite having plenty of interest from other NFL teams. Kingsbury was critical for the success of Daniels and the Commanders offense in 2024 and him coming back is a massive deal.
Peters had to let some players walk and sign with other teams, but he made a point to re-sign key veterans who contribute on the field and set the tone in the locker room. Bobby Wagner and Zach Ertz, both who have Super Bowl experience and played major roles last year, will be back again in 2025.
The Commanders were active when free agency began, with a clear focal point being centered around setting Daniels up for success. They traded for Deebo Samuel to give him a versatile weapon, and shocked the NFL by reaching a deal with the Texans for Larmey Tunsil.
Washington added more talent in the NFL Draft, with at least two players who will start in Week 1, possibly more.
With success, comes a harder schedule, and it won’t be a cakewalk for the Washington Commanders to reach the NFC Championship again.
But with the NFL schedule release set for tonight, leaks are beginning to sprinkle out on social media.
Multiple insiders including Jordan Schultz have announced the Commanders will host the New York Giants at home in Week 1 to kick off the 2025 season.
Washington beat the Giants in both matchups last season, and while New York has added some pieces this offseason, fans should be thrilled about the opening matchup.