Commanders Team Notes

[Washington Commanders]

Have the Browns changed their minds on trading Myles Garrett?

Myles Garrett shocked the NFL world earlier this month when he revealed he wanted a trade out of Cleveland this offseason. Citing a desire to win, Garrett publicly declared his desire to head elsewhere.

While fans and analysts across the NFL began immediately preparing fantasy trades for Garrett, the Browns insisted they had no desire to move their franchise player. The eight-year veteran is a six-time All-Pro and former NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

Have the Browns changed their minds?

In a recent report from NFL insider Dianna Russini of The Athletic, she noted the Browns weren’t changing their minds — yet.

Meanwhile, Cleveland is playing hardball. Teams from both the NFC and AFC have been calling and the response from Cleveland’s front office? “We are not moving him… but stay tuned.”

Stay tuned is certainly a different response than the original “we are not trading him.”

Russini mentions multiple AFC and NFC teams have inquired about Garrett, which they should. He’s arguably the best defensive player in the NFL and impacts every game. The Washington Commanders have been a popular potential destination for Garrett after their surprising success in 2024 with rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels.

Garrett was asked at the Super Bowl if he’d welcome a trade to the Commanders, to which he responded, “Absolutely.”

Garrett has even apparently done his homework on the Commanders.

“I think they need a pass rusher,” Garrett said of the Commanders. “I think that’s something that they dearly missed. They’re in the playoffs and some of the big games, and I feel like I can fill that role.”

He’s correct. A game-changing pass rusher is arguably Washington’s biggest need this offseason.

While no one can officially say which teams have checked in on Garrett, you can bet Commanders GM Adam Peters has at least inquired.

So, don’t count out Garrett to Washington just yet.

Source: https://commanderswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/20/cleveland-browns-myles-garrett-trade-commanders/

 

[Washington Commanders]

What trait is important for Commanders GM Adam Peters?

We are one week away from the 2025 NFL combine. That means the entire NFL world will gather in Indianapolis, Indiana, where we officially begin the countdown to the 2025 NFL draft.

The combine is important for many reasons, least of which are the 40-yard dash times. Yes, teams want to see a player’s speed, but the film always trumps workouts. Teams use the 40 as more of a confirmation than anything about a player’s speed and athleticism.

Different teams, specifically general managers, look for different things. What is an important trait for Washington Commanders general manager Adam Peters?

Ryan Fowler, an NFL analyst for The Draft Network, uncovered some excellent information about Peters. Peters is a big fan of the short shuttle drill.

Certain teams have specific thresholds from a height, weight, speed, length perspective, while some GMs have certain testing landmarks that can really move the needle on a player.

For Commanders GM Adam Peters, the short shuttle – where a players ability to quickly change… pic.twitter.com/7dxI3FDAW1

— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) February 20, 2025

The Commanders drafted players with two of the three best short shuttle times from last season’s NFL combine, three of the top 12, and four of the top 22.

Cornerback Mike Sainristil and wide receiver Luke McCaffrey had the second and third-best short shuttle times from last year’s combine. Linebacker/safety Domonique Hampton and tight end Ben Sinnott were two of the other players Washington drafted with excellent short shuttle times.

What does the short shuttle measure? Most importantly, it tests a player’s change-of-direction ability and indicates quickness and agility. These are arguably more important traits than only a 40-yard dash, especially at specific positions, such as cornerback, wide receiver and tight end.

So, while it’s not the ultimate indication of who Peters will choose, if you’re a Washington fan, you should pay close attention to those short shuttle times next week.

Source: https://commanderswire.usatoday.com...n-commanders-gm-adam-peters-2025-nfl-combine/

 

[Washington Commanders]

Commanders boast 3 of NFL's rising 50 under 40

When the Los Angeles Rams hired Sean McVay as their head coach in 2017, he became the youngest head coach in the NFL at the age of 30. His hiring sparked a league-wide wake-up call that there are more young people who are capable of making an impact in the NFL than most realize. To that end, The Athletic created its top 40 under 40 in 2020, which is the result of younger hiring trends across the league.

This year, The Athletic released its top 50 under 40 list, which includes rising coaches, executives, personalities, and other personnel who significantly impact the NFL. The Washington Commanders boast two coaches and an executive on this list:

Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

David Blough, Assistant Quarterbacks Coach​

“The 29-year-old Purdue product bounced around the NFL as a backup quarterback before connecting with Kliff Kingsbury in Arizona. He then followed Kingsbury to Washington, where he assisted Kingsbury, Brian Johnson and quarterbacks coach Tavita Pritchard with the development of Jayden Daniels. Kingsbury described Blough as “one of the brightest quarterbacks I’ve ever been around,” and praises his rapport with his players, his insight and communication skills. Blough received interest from Aaron Glenn and the Jets about their quarterbacks coach opening, but the Commanders blocked Blough from interviewing, viewing him as a valuable piece of their quarterback room and with potential to rise through the ranks of their organization.”

Blough’s football IQ exceeds his football ability, and that’s okay. His experience as a player might have been brief, but it is enough for him to relate to the younger players and help them acclimate to the league, which is exactly what he did with Jayden Daniels. And his ability to connect with players and provide valuable insights to the team will be an asset to Washington for years to come.

Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Brian Johnson, Assistant Head Coach/Offense​

“The former Utah quarterback spent 11 seasons in the college ranks before joining the Philadelphia Eagles as quarterbacks coach in 2021 and 2022 and offensive coordinator in 2023. Johnson moved to the Washington Commanders’ staff as assistant head coach and offensive pass game coordinator last season. There, he joined forces with Kliff Kingsbury to help guide Jayden Daniels to Offensive Rookie of the Year honors in a season in which Washington won 12 games and reached the NFC Championship Game after fielding one of the top offenses in the league. Kingsbury may depart for a head coaching job in the next hiring cycle. Johnson would likely succeed him as OC if he doesn’t get snatched up by another team.”

After just one season with the Commanders and their success with Jayden Daniels, the Houston Texans came knocking and interviewed Johnson for their vacant offensive coordinator position. The Texans ended up going in a different direction, but Johnson is certainly catching the eye of teams around the league.

Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Brandon Sosna, Senior VP of Football Operations​

“After holding a variety of administrative jobs with college programs like the Cincinnati Bearcats and USC Trojans, Sosna joined the Detroit Lions as senior director of football administration in 2022. After two years, he moved to Washington, where as senior vice president of football operations, Sosna serves as lead contract negotiator. Sosna also oversees Washington’s analytics, health and performance departments while also taking part in aspects of the team’s business operations.”

Sosna joined the Commanders in 2024, like most of the coaching staff and other executives. He worked closely with Adam Peters and Dan Quinn, among others, to ensure that the Commanders not only brought in the right players but that the money made sense, too. He’s been involved in several things in Washington, gaining some experience and piquing the interest of other NFL teams that may want to bring him on in the future.

Related​

Mitchell: Commanders should make Wagner top priority free agent​

Legendary Washington running back is now a college coach​

Commanders cap space update after NFL gives Washington good news​

Source: https://commanderswire.usatoday.com...ommanders-boast-3-of-nfls-rising-50-under-40/

 

[Washington Commanders]

Commanders projected to be Super Bowl contenders in 2025

The Washington Commanders had a miraculous season in 2024, far better than anticipated and their best since 1991. They rode the coattails of rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels to the NFC Championship game, earning him Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.

After such a stellar performance, it’s no wonder some are predicting that the Commanders will make a serious run at the Super Bowl in 2025, and that includes NFL analyst Bucky Brooks. Brooks named the eight teams with the biggest Super Bowl window and the Commanders were seventh.

The presence of the 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year gives the Commanders a puncher’s chance against any opponent. Though Jayden Daniels’ magical debut season and run to the NFC title game must be kept in perspective, the Washington star undeniably showed he is a playmaking wizard with the talent and tools to elevate the team around him.

With $75 million of projected salary-cap space at the Commanders’ disposal, Daniels could enter 2025 with a more dynamic supporting cast. Washington can morph from a surprising upstart into an NFC heavyweight by adding speed and explosiveness on the perimeter and bringing in bullies at the point of attack.

The veteran-laden defense flourished in Dan Quinn’s first season, but the unit needs reinforcements to upgrade the speed and athleticism along the front seven. Veterans — and pending free agents — Dante Fowler Jr. and Bobby Wagner were essential to the team’s playoff run in 2024. Still, the Commanders could climb higher on the ladder of contention with an upgraded roster.

Given the salary cap increase announced earlier this week, the Commanders have plenty of capital to work with this offseason. They’ll work to keep the pieces they can and seek replacements for those they can’t or those who simply aren’t working out.

Adam Peters and Dan Quinn got a taste of success in 2024, as did the Commanders’ players. The entire organization wants more of that and will do whatever it takes to make it happen. Expect the Commanders to be just as formidable next season as they were in 2024.

Related​

What trait is important for Commanders GM Adam Peters?​

Could Commanders' Jonathan Allen be a salary cap casualty?​

Mitchell: Commanders should make Wagner top priority free agent​

Source: https://commanderswire.usatoday.com...manders-projected-super-bowl-contenders-2025/

 

[Washington Commanders]

Bobby Wagner, Zach Ertz may cost more than Commanders want to pay

The Washington Commanders are shaping up to be very busy over the next few weeks. Free agency opens in less than three weeks, but before that, Washington must determine how many of its 31 free agents, including 28 unrestricted free agents, it wants to retain.

Two of the Commanders’ top free agents are linebacker Bobby Wagner and tight end Zach Ertz. Both 34, Wagner and Ertz were outstanding on and off the field for Washington in 2024. Wagner continued to defy age, while Ertz proved he was still a very capable starting NFL tight end. The two veterans started all 17 regular-season games and each of the three playoff games.

Even better, they did it on the cheap. Wagner had a salary cap number of $6.5 million last season, while Ertz earned $3 million. Both veterans want to return to Washington in 2025.

The team would like to retain them, too, but at what cost? The Commanders are trying to take the next step and must be careful about paying for past production. Wagner and Ertz meant so much more to Washington than what they produced on the field.

Judging by their performances last season, Wagner and Ertz earned a raise, but again, that’s tricky.

What would a new contract for each player look like in 2025?

Former NFL agent Joel Corry appeared on the “BMitch & Finlay” show on 106.7 The Fan in Washington on Friday and discussed both players.

“Ertz was practically the lowest-paid starting tight end on a veteran contract at $3 million base last year, and if you look at him statistically, it compares to Pat Freiermuth, who signed for $12.1 million as an extension of his rookie deal, and Hunter Henry, who is at $9 million,” Corry said of Ertz, via Lou DiPietro of Audacy.

“So, where they are, I think maybe $7 or $8 million on a one-year deal for him,” he said.

Would the Commanders, who have around $80 million in salary cap room want to commit to that number for Ertz?

What about Wagner?

“Wagner, all the guy does is get accolades, and last year, Lavonte David signed a one-year deal for $8.5 million with up to $10 million in incentives, and Demario Davis signed for two years at an average of $8.625 million,” Corry said of the future Hall of Famer. “Bobby’s better than both of those guys always have been, and the cap has gone up at least 10 percent, so I think that $10 million could be his floor, because you have to throw age stuff out the window with him.”

So, if Corry is correct, Washington could be paying Wagner and Ertz a combined $18 million in 2025. The good news is they will likely only require one-year deals, but with so many holes, the Commanders would like to spend money across the roster to give Jayden Daniels more help.

It should be fascinating to see how general manager Adam Peters handles this over the next couple of weeks. The odds are Washington will find a way to get it done with both veterans.

Source: https://commanderswire.usatoday.com...h-ertz-washington-commanders-nfl-free-agency/