5 unheralded Commanders with legitimate breakout potential in 2025

Adam Peters is counting on experience to steer the Washington Commanders toward another deep postseason run in 2025. That doesn't mean some younger players on the roster don't have the potential to become breakout stars next time around.

The Commanders are in win-now mode. They attained more positive national media attention and on-field success than anyone dreamed of. They went from a national disgrace to a respectable operation with a bright future. The best part? This was just phase one of Peters' ambitious project.

While keeping the long-term in mind is important, Peters recognized the need to get more aggressive. Trades for wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. and left tackle Laremy Tunsil put the league on notice. Veterans with winning credentials were acquired on one-year deals. The large majority of free agents who made lasting contributions were re-signed. Washington is eager for this instant success to become something more.

Experience is a sound foundation from which to build. Last season's turnaround should serve the Commanders well. But if they want to dethrone the Philadelphia Eagles, they need some fledgling stars to step up and make more of an impression.

With this in mind, here are five unheralded Commanders players with legitimate breakout potential in 2025.

Unheralded Commanders players with legitimate breakout potential in 2025

Johnny Newton - Commanders DL

The Washington Commanders released veteran defensive tackle Jonathan Allen when no willing trade suitor came forward. This was a classy move by the organization, giving the two-time Pro Bowler a head start on free agency rather than making things more complicated.

Washington found a replacement quickly, signing Javon Kinlaw in free agency. Most thought this was a huge overpay, but Adam Peters believes his physical presence can go a long way to making the defensive trenches more imposing when competitive action begins.

Allen's departure also represents a huge opportunity for Johnny Newton. Last year's second-round pick flashed promise as a rookie. He's an explosive pass-rusher, but there is work ahead to improve his core base against the run. This should be easily coachable, especially if the Illinois graduate gets a better run of luck on the health front during preparations.

The Commanders felt that Newton was too good to pass up at No. 36 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. With Allen no longer around, he's got the scope to emerge into Washington's pass-rushing force on the interior alongside Kinlaw and Daron Payne.

Newton's production wasn't perfect last season by any stretch. Even so, the ceiling remains incredibly high.

Ben Sinnott - Commanders TE

There was plenty of intrigue attached to Ben Sinnott's arrival during the 2024 NFL Draft. The Washington Commanders took the tight end at No. 53 overall, but they were in no rush to place too much pressure on his shoulders as a rookie.

Sinnott was brought along gradually. Zach Ertz's exceptional efforts made him a focal point of the passing game. The Commanders utilized John Bates as the blocking specialist, leaving the Kansas State graduate as the third option, accumulating just 27 percent of offensive snaps during the regular season.

That was somewhat disappointing for fans, but the Commanders have a plan in place for Sinnott. He flashed potential as a pass-catcher and blocker. There was also a lot to like about his special-teams contribution when reps came his way. This was fleeting, but it was there.

It's a big offseason for Sinnott. The Commanders kept the same dynamic in their tight end room after re-signing Ertz and Bates. That'll help from a continuity standpoint, but the coaching staff will be anticipating the second-round selection to make the necessary steps forward over the summer en route to a bigger role.

Ertz is 35 years old next season and isn't going to play forever. If Sinnott develops accordingly this offseason, don't be surprised if his influence increases exponentially.

Tyler Owens - Commanders S

Tyler Owens became one of the best stories last summer. The undrafted free agent seized the chance to make a strong claim. After impressing considerably over early workouts and training camp, the Commanders rewarded him accordingly with a place on the 53-man roster.

That was the first objective for Owens. The Commanders brought him along slowly, utilizing him as a special teamer with athletic upside throughout his first campaign in the pros. This was the correct strategy as part of a long-time plan to raise his role on the depth chart.

Owens has the size and physical profile that look well-suited to Dan Quinn's defensive schematics. His explosiveness jumped off the tape at times when tasked with special-teams responsibilities. If he can benefit from this experience and progress more this offseason, the Commanders could move him up the safety depth chart.

The Commanders let Jeremy Chinn walk in free agency, replacing him with Will Harris. Quan Martin showed enough promise to start again in 2025, but there's an opening for Owens to become the key backup behind this starting duo, depending on what reinforcements arrive during the 2025 NFL Draft.

If Owens keeps the same mindset and ensures that complacency doesn't become an issue, a big opportunity awaits him next time around.

Jordan Magee - Commanders LB

The Washington Commanders haven't done much to improve their linebacking corps this offseason. Retaining Bobby Wagner was a top priority accomplished with minimal fuss. His partnership with Frankie Luvu looks set to flourish once again, but there's an opening for someone else to fill the other starting void.

It would be a surprise if the Commanders didn't find a versatile pass-rusher to fill the void left by Dante Fowler Jr. during the 2025 NFL Draft. This is a rich crop emerging from the college ranks. Adam Peters would be wise to take advantage of that, even though he's only got five picks at his disposal currently.

Even if another gifted prospect arrives, Jordan Magee could feature more prominently in 2025 with another offseason to hone his craft. The rookie looked set for big things last summer before a disappointing knee injury dented his early momentum considerably. The fifth-round selection out of Temple returned after surgery, playing eight regular-season games but featuring more on special teams.

Magee flashed athleticism and explosiveness, which indicates more could be on the way with another preparation period to improve. Getting another year to learn from Wagner — one of the most decorated linebackers of the modern era — is only going to help his cause.

At worst, Magee has the scope to be a core rotational second-level presence next season.

Luke McCaffrey - Commanders WR

The Commanders made a landmark splash at the wide receiver position this offseason. Adam Peters gave up a fifth-round pick to acquire Deebo Samuel Sr. from the San Francisco 49ers, which could be a steal in no uncertain terms if the All-Pro uses the criticism of his down year in 2024 as a source of motivation.

This looks like a good environment for Samuel. Terry McLaurin is the alpha, and the Commanders also brought back Noah Brown on a one-year deal. They also hold high hopes that Luke McCaffrey can thrive with some extra responsibilities on his shoulders.

McCaffrey came into the Commanders with just two years of wide receiver experience in college. His raw athleticism made him a risk worth taking at No. 100 overall, but asking him to accumulate significant targets was a stretch. That didn't stop him from displaying some encouraging separation skills and dependability when his number was called.

The former Rice standout also put his elusiveness to good use in the return game as the campaign wore on. Wes Welker coming onto Washington's staff is something that can help McCaffrey become more polished. Looking at his high work ethic and dedication to enhancing his skills, all signs are pointing up.

If McCaffrey makes the right impression, a big campaign could await in 2025.

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