5 Commanders players under immense pressure to rebound in 2025

With immediate success comes raised expectations. That's the complex challenge facing the Washington Commanders in 2025, so it's an all-hands-on-deck situation for the ascending franchise.

Dan Quinn achieved more than anyone expected. The head coach installed a phenomenal culture that got everyone buying in. They were a close-knit group who fought for everything and almost always came through in the clutch. This must continue if the Commanders want to stand any chance of going deep into the postseason once again.

Despite the Commanders going from a top-two pick to the NFC Championship game in one year, it wasn't perfect. Most players reached their billing, but others didn't. They cannot afford to have any passengers this time around — not when Quinn's squad is among the Super Bowl favorites and officially in win-now mode.

That also goes for players who joined this offseason. There's pressure to hit the ground running and make a lasting contribution. The bar has been raised, and everyone must respond accordingly.

With this in mind, here are five Commanders players under immense pressure to rebound in 2025.

Commanders players under immense pressure to rebound in 2025

Javon Kinlaw - Commanders DL

The Washington Commanders saved their big offseason splashes for the trade market. However, general manager Adam Peters raised eyebrows around the league with his biggest financial commitment in free agency.

Javon Kinlaw wasn't expected to get anything like the three-year, $45 million deal with $30 million guaranteed he received from the Commanders. He was coming off another underwhelming campaign with the New York Jets, but Peters' trust in the defensive lineman from their time together on the San Francisco 49ers sealed the deal.

Criticism has been scathing around Kinlaw's contract. It's a boom-or-bust move that could go either way, but the Commanders are quietly confident that the former first-round pick out of South Carolina can thrive in this environment.

Expect Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. to move Kinlaw around to exploit mismatches. He'll spend time on the interior. He'll also go out on the edge if the situation dictates. He's a big body and provides more aggressiveness. Most of his good work doesn't show up on the stat sheet, so it'll be interesting to see if he can finally become the complete package under Washington's guidance.

The Commanders placed a hefty wager on Kinlaw. And after hearing all the ridicule this offseason, the lineman shouldn't be lacking in motivation to silence his increasing doubters.

Nick Allegretti - Commanders OL

Adam Peters urgently addressed the protection in front of quarterback Jayden Daniels this offseason. It's a revamped unit led by two new offensive tackles in Laremy Tunsil and Josh Conerly Jr. That could provide the spark to ignite this offense to even greater heights moving forward.

The Commanders are shifting Brandon Coleman to the left guard position. His skills are better suited there, which could see veteran Nick Allegretti shift over to the right-hand side to provide a solid insurance policy until Sam Cosmi is ready to return from a torn ACL.

Allegretti is a seasoned professional, so the move over shouldn't be a problem. However, last season's free agency acquisition from the Kansas City Chiefs needs to raise his production levels in no uncertain terms.

According to Pro Football Focus, Allegretti's 57.5 pass-blocking grade ranked 85th out of 136 qualifying guards. Things were moderately better on running plays, with his 63.9 run-blocking grade coming in 59th.

That won't suffice if the Commanders want to get over the hump and into the Super Bowl. Allegretti needs to be more effective, especially considering he'll likely have a rookie right tackle in Conerly next to him on the edge. If he can't, then he becomes a potential cut candidate heading into the final year of his deal.

Clelin Ferrell - Commanders DE

It's no secret that fans have major concerns about the edge rushing room. General manager Adam Peters could still add to the team's options if he chooses, but the front-office leader hasn't been in any great rush.

The Commanders are taking a big risk. They are right on the cusp of something special, but that could change if Joe Whitt Jr.'s unit cannot generate pressure consistently and set better edges against the run.

Clelin Ferrell surprisingly got a new deal from the Commanders this offseason. The No. 4 overall selection in 2019 will never fulfill his pre-draft promise, and he was taken way too high, but those in power still believe some untapped potential remains.

Ferrell flashed nothing more than brief glimpses of promise last season. He offers almost nothing from a pass-rushing standpoint. He's better versus the run, but the fact that Washington phased him out down the stretch and into the playoffs spoke volumes.

Whether Ferrell can raise his performance levels enough is debatable. He's got 17 sacks in six seasons, which doesn't exactly scream dependability. Making the squad is his first objective. After that, it's about taking chances as a rotational piece when opportunities arrive.

The Commanders won't be as lenient next time around if Ferrell cannot achieve these realistic objectives.

Marshon Lattimore - Commanders CB

No player is under a bigger microscope than Marshon Lattimore in 2025. The Washington Commanders didn't get an immediate return on their big trade investment last season, but general manager Adam Peters wasn't going to throw in the towel just yet.

This was a no-brainer when one considers the mitigating circumstances attached to Lattimore's lack of consistency. He came into the Commanders with a hamstring strain that impacted his performance levels. The four-time Pro Bowler never looked remotely healthy, although he deserves credit for having the courage to give it his all.

Speculation rose around Lattimore's future this offseason. Peters immediately threw his support behind the defensive back. And based on the way he showed up to mandatory minicamp, the former first-round pick out of Ohio State is ready to repay this faith.

Lattimore looked explosive. He looked sharp and confident. More importantly, he looked healthy.

There's just no telling what a refreshed and focused Lattimore will do for Washington's secondary. He was one of the league's most accomplished shutdown presences before injuries took their toll. If he can get a better run of luck on the health front next season, another Pro Bowl selection might not be too far behind.

Daron Payne - Commanders DT

Daron Payne is Washington's biggest salary-cap commitment entering the 2025 campaign. Now is the time to justify this lofty financial commitment.

Payne earned a megabucks extension from the Commanders after reaching the Pro Bowl in 2022. The former first-round pick out of Alabama hasn't reached the same heights since, so he heads into the new season with plenty on the line.

If Payne doesn't improve, he instantly becomes a cut candidate next spring. But with veteran leader Jonathan Allen no longer around, his old college teammate came to the fore with more conviction than ever over Washington's offseason program.

Coaches and reporters lauded Payne for his improved focus and willingness to lead. That was always difficult with an alpha like Allen on the squad, but his departure is allowing others to flourish.

All signs point to Payne having a major bounce-back season in 2025. The Commanders' defensive front is among the biggest concerns, especially on the edge. But if the Shades Valley High School product gets back to anything like his 2022 form, that'll be a massive positive.

Anything less comes with potentially grave consequences attached. These raised stakes haven't gone unnoticed by Payne, who's ready to silence his doubters in the best way possible.

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