5 urgent priorities Commanders must tackle to ignite 2025 playoff push

The main part of general manager Adam Peters' recruitment is over. Free agency is a distant memory, and the 2025 NFL Draft is firmly in the rearview mirror. However, there are still some urgent priorities for the Washington Commanders to resolve in the not-too-distant future.

Once again, Peters has been widely praised for his efforts this offseason. The Commanders were more aggressive with their Super Bowl window open. Bold trades, shrewd free-agent signings, and striking with conviction during the draft leave Washington's passionate fan base hopeful of another deep postseason run. Anything less would be a big disappointment after the miracles achieved in Year 1 of this ambitious project.

Momentum couldn't be much higher for the Commanders on and off the field right now.

Reaching the NFC Championship game with a franchise quarterback leading the charge quickly turned this squad from also-rans into legitimate contenders. Josh Harris is meeting his end of the bargain. A new venue at the RFK Stadium site and the NFL Draft coming to D.C. in 2027 represent fine examples of the changing perceptions around this once-toxic franchise.

This is just the start of something special. If Peters and head coach Dan Quinn can tackle these urgent priorities, the Commanders' playoff push will ignite in 2025.

Urgent priorities Commanders must tackle to ignite 2025 playoff push

Commanders' running back conundrum

Fans grew increasingly concerned about the lack of additions to the running back room this offseason. Adam Peters gave those who contributed in 2024 another go-around, which was a subject of debate after injuries and performance regression left the Washington Commanders relying too much on quarterback Jayden Daniels to gain yards on the ground.

The Commanders spent their seventh-round selection on Jacory Croskey-Merritt. This is being seen as a potential steal among the media, but asking a late Day 3 pick to immediately assume heavy responsibilities is unfair and unrealistic in equal measure.

It's not impossible by any stretch. It's just unlikely.

Croskey-Merritt missed a lot of football last season after his eligibility was revoked by the NCAA. The Commanders will bring him along gradually, which could mean they're confident Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler can shoulder the load in the final year of their respective deals.

That's a risky strategy, especially considering the problems both players had as the 2024 campaign wore on. Peters, Dan Quinn, and offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury will be watching developments closely. If they believe more is needed, the Commanders must act swiftly to get another immediate contributor into the fold.

Who's going to replace Jeremy Chinn?

The Washington Commanders let Jeremy Chinn walk in free agency. His production last season warranted another financial commitment, but general manager Adam Peters didn't believe the athletically gifted safety was worth the money he got offered by the Las Vegas Raiders.

That was a disappointment to the fans who believed Chinn could become a long-term piece of the puzzle. Peters isn't in the business of overpaying if he doesn't think it's worth it. However, it leaves the Commanders facing a conundrum about who will replace the former second-round pick as the team's dynamic safety/linebacker hybrid.

Will Harris should get the first shot at securing the role. He's got some likable traits, but he doesn't have the same dynamism Chinn brings to the table. He's also seen more as a typical backend safety option, so placing the defensive back out of his comfort zone is a gamble.

Perhaps one of the young, athletic hopefuls such as Tyler Owens or Dominique Hampton can make the transition. Perhaps the Commanders could switch incoming draft pick Kain Medrano into the role, although his tackling awareness and technique need to improve significantly before confidence increases. Perhaps Quan Martin will spend more time in the box with the physical gifts at his disposal.

It's something to watch over the summer. One couldn't dismiss the possibility of another capable veteran coming onto the squad either.

Commanders' veteran contract extensions

Now that the Commanders have navigated free agency and the draft successfully, Adam Peters can turn his attention to other priorities. This brings the contract status of two veteran stars firmly under the microscope.

One decision looks simpler than the other.

Wide receiver Terry McLaurin has one more year on his deal. He remains a core part of the Commanders' plans thanks to his high-level production on the field and undisputed leadership credentials in the locker room. Peters wants to make him part of the franchise moving forward. Resolving this matter sooner rather than later would give everyone a massive boost.

Extending McLaurin won't be cheap, but he's worth every cent coming his way.

Laremy Tunsil's situation is more complicated. The offseason's marquee trade acquisition revealed that he's made his contract feelings known to those in power. The elite left tackle still has two years remaining on his current agreement, but there's only $10 million left in guarantees and nothing in 2026.

Tunsil wants more long-term financial security. Peters could provide it to avoid any unnecessary complications. However, he might also adopt a wait-and-see approach before giving him a new deal.

There are ways to work around it. The Commanders could guarantee more of his 2026 salary, which would provide them with breathing space to fully assess Tunsil's performance and overall fit.

Commanders' offensive line dynamic

Adam Peters had one big priority above all else this offseason. He wanted to ensure quarterback sensation Jayden Daniels had the supporting cast to build on one of the greatest rookie campaigns in NFL history.

This started in the trenches. The Washington Commanders invested heavily in the offensive line, trading for five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil and selecting another edge protector, former Oregon standout Josh Conerly Jr., at No. 29 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Washington could have a long-term bookend tackle tandem on its hands if Conerly transitions smoothly. It shakes up the dynamic, especially considering right guard Sam Cosmi is set for an extended spell on the sidelines after tearing his ACL against the Detroit Lions.

The Commanders will move Brandon Coleman to the right-hand side initially. He'll compete alongside Andrew Wylie for the starting interior spot until Cosmi is ready to return. There's also speculation linking him to the left guard position currently occupied by Nick Allegretti, who performed well last season but also experienced moments of struggle.

Finding the right starting five is going to be crucial. Once that happens, it's about making them a cohesive unit capable of keeping Daniels clean in the pocket through consistent production and exceptional communication.

Nothing else will do.

Commanders' edge rushing options

One area causing concern among the fanbase is Washington's edge-rushing options. The Commanders have some dependable veterans capable of being productive, but the unit lacks explosiveness.

It lacks that one player who strikes fear into opposing offensive lines. Everyone else in the NFC East has one (or more) exceptional pass-rusher who can wreak havoc. The Commanders resisted the temptation to strengthen the edge with their limited draft picks, which indicates a level of contentment. But it's not hard to see where the complications could arise.

This is a fluid situation. Adam Peters is always looking for ways to improve the roster. Options are a little thin on the ground, so it would be surprising if another veteran with proven production wasn't acquired before Week 1 rolls around.

Trading for All-Pro defensive end Trey Hendrickson seems unlikely. Adding someone like Za'Darius Smith carries more weight, but Peters could also wait until later in the summer to see which players get released elsewhere for one reason or another. Fans are eagerly awaiting further developments, and they have complete faith that the front office will do what's needed.

The Commanders cannot afford their pass-rush to become a weak link in 2025. Unless someone takes a meteoric surge over the team's preparations, that's exactly what it could become.

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