5 Commanders veterans primed to flip the NFL on its head in 2025

The Washington Commanders look primed for another deep postseason run in 2025. Their fairytale first season under new head coach Dan Quinn was hard to believe. Ensuring this becomes a small part of a brighter future long-term is the next, and far more testing, challenge.

Adam Peters made the moves needed to put the Commanders in a better position. He was aggressive, finding immediate difference-makers and solid veterans capable of solidifying depth. Washington found value in its five draft selections, and the general manager kept faith with most of the squad that accomplished more than anyone dreamed of in 2024.

There are loftier expectations on Washington's shoulders. The league placed a substantial amount of faith in the project with eight standalone games, five of which are on prime time. It's an unusual position for the Commanders after being a toxic franchise just a couple of years ago. Seizing on this refreshing change of pace is crucial.

And if these five Commanders veterans manage to perform as expected or better than anticipated, it could flip the NFL on its head when push comes to shove in 2025.

Commanders veterans ready to flip the NFL on its head in 2025

Daron Payne - Commanders DT

The Washington Commanders released established veteran Jonathan Allen after no willing trade suitor came forward. This seemed inevitable from a long way out, but things worked out pretty well for all parties.

Allen's departure makes Daron Payne the No. 1 interior defensive lineman entering 2025. He's got the biggest salary-cap hit next season with a whopping $26.17 million coming his way. That's a big responsibility to take on, but it's now or never for the former first-round pick out of Alabama.

Payne flashed dominance last season, but more is needed. He needs to make a swift return to his Pro Bowl form in 2022, which saw the Commanders hand him a lucrative contract extension. Having Johnny Newton and free-agent signing Javon Kinlaw on the defensive tackle rotation will help, but there's no doubt who the main man is.

The stakes are high for Payne this season. One could argue he hasn't lived up to his loftier price tag as yet. If the same trend continues, he could follow Allen out of the door in 2026 either via trade or release.

Hopefully, it doesn't come to that. Payne has every physical tool imaginable to be more impactful. He showcased this to full effect once upon a time. Doing the same again in 2025 would change everything for Washington's defense in the trenches.

Laremy Tunsil - Commanders OT

Surrounding quarterback sensation Jayden Daniels with an enhanced supporting cast was Adam Peters' primary objective throughout the offseason. And the general manager stopped at nothing to achieve this objective.

If the trade for wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. wasn't enough, the Commanders also swung for the fences with a bombshell move to acquire five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil from the Houston Texans. This was another astonishingly aggressive transaction that proved Washington means business.

Tunsil is widely regarded as one of the league's most accomplished blindside presences. He's an elite pass protector, boasting the technical prowess and footwork that very few edge rushers get the better of. He's a sound run blocker and an outstanding leadership presence in the locker room for good measure.

The penalties conceded in 2024 need to come down. Aside from that, this acquisition has the scope to change things considerably.

Tunsil is easily the best blindside enforcer the Commanders have had since Trent Williams. He's highly motivated to make a real difference and is looking forward to protecting one of the league's brightest young stars. The Commanders had to pay a premium to bring him on board, but nobody will be complaining about the compensation if the same performance levels continue.

Marshon Lattimore - Commanders CB

When the Commanders sacrificed significant assets to land four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Marshon Lattimore before the 2024 trade deadline, it was seen as a major coup. It was the move that formally announced Washington's football franchise back on the national stage after decades in the wilderness.

Things didn't go according to plan. Lattimore came into the franchise with a hamstring complication that he couldn't shake off. The former first-round pick featured in just two regular-season games. He came back for the postseason but never looked right despite an impressive display versus the Detroit Lions in the divisional round.

The fact that Washington had to take Lattimore off the likes of Mike Evans and A.J. Brown spoke volumes. Speculation rose about his future after the campaign, but general manager Adam Peters emphatically stated that the Ohio State graduate was part of the team's plans.

With an extended period to fully heal from his hamstring ailment and a full offseason to immerse himself in Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr.'s schematic concepts, Lattimore has the potential to bounce back accordingly. And he's now got a big chip on his shoulder after receiving heavy criticism throughout the previous campaign.

If Lattimore can return to his brilliant, shutdown best, it'll be like having a new signing in Washington.

Brian Robinson Jr. - Commanders RB

Fans were clamoring for the Washington Commanders to address the running back position this offseason. Adam Peters brought in one new addition, but the front office leader remains confident in the options that contributed during the previous campaign.

That's a contentious issue among the fan base. They saw how the ground game regressed over the second half of 2024 and into the playoffs. They didn't want the same occuring again, which would pile extra strain on quarterback Jayden Daniels.

Aside from seventh-round pick Jacory Croskey-Merritt, the Commanders are standing pat. They believe that with their offensive line improvements throughout a busy offseason, the running backs available can keep things ticking over nicely.

It's a big vote of confidence in Brian Robinson Jr., who's set to lead the backfield again in 2025. The former Alabama standout began last season extremely well before tailing off dramatically. When the running lanes diminished, he found life difficult. However, the Commanders are betting that more ferocity on the offensive line can help him excel.

Robinson doesn't need any extra motivation heading into the campaign. He's heard the criticism and is no doubt eager to silence his doubters. This is also the final year of his rookie deal, so performing well might be enough to get another financial commitment from the Commanders.

Deebo Samuel Sr. - Commanders WR

Adam Peters' aggressive offseason began with a blockbuster trade for wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. This sent shockwaves through the league and proved the Commanders were not going to sit on their hands in pursuit of becoming a perennial contender.

Things turned stale between Samuel and the San Francisco 49ers in 2024. The team struggled to cope with several key injuries, and there was a distinct lack of offensive rhythm. With some high-profile names up for extensions, general manager John Lynch and the player mutually agreed that his future lay elsewhere.

Most thought the Niners would release Samuel. Peters had other ideas, such as sending a fifth-round selection to his old employers to jump the queue.

That raised eyebrows, with some claiming Samuel is on the slide performance-wise. San Francisco ate more than $34 million in dead cap money to part ways with the former second-round pick — a sign they agree with this notion.

Peters knows the player well, so Commanders fans should trust his judgment. He reworked his contract to include more guaranteed money and some extra incentives. Washington also hired Wes Welker, who played an instrumental role in transforming the versatile weapon into an All-Pro performer with the Niners.

If Samuel seizes this exciting challenge and thrives alongside Terry McLaurin, the Commanders will be in great shape.

More Commanders news and analysis