7 hidden weapons the Commanders must unleash to dominate 2025

If the Washington Commanders want to reach similar heights or perhaps even go one better than their 2024 campaign efforts, it must be a collective effort.

There is no room for passengers. Everyone has to play their part. From the franchise cornerstone pieces to those on the fringes, anything less than exceeding expectations has detrimental consequences attached. That is the price of success, something the Commanders achieved a significant amount of during a season that nobody associated with the club will ever forget.

Adam Peters worked hard to ensure that head coach Dan Quinn had everything needed on the playing personnel side of things. He was ultra-aggressive, making bold trades and signing free agents with vast playoff experience. That's only going to help the options already around, but Washington's chances will enhance considerably if some unheralded players surprisingly come to the fore.

Easier said than done, of course. However, it's not impossible by any stretch of the imagination if the right improvements are made over the summer.

With this in mind, here are seven hidden weapons the Commanders must unleash to dominate in 2025.

Hidden weapons the Commanders must unleash to dominate 2025

Ben Sinnott - Commanders TE

There was some intrigue about what Ben Sinnott might be able to offer in Year 1 of his professional career. The Washington Commanders saw enough in the tight end to take him in the second round, but he was largely on the fringes where the offensive rotation was concerned in 2024.

That was out of his control, to a certain extent. Zach Ertz galvanized his career after choosing to reunite with Kliff Kingsbury in Washington. John Bates' exceptional blocking came in for constant praise. This left Sinnott firmly entrenched as the No. 3 option, but he did flash promise when caleld upon.

Ertz and Bates both signed new deals this offseason. However, the Commanders will be expecting Sinnott to make a bigger contribution with another summer to hone his craft.

Sinnott is a well-rounded athlete. He can block, catch, and isn't afraid to do the dirty work in pursuit of helping the team. The former Kansas State star also caught the eye on special teams when needed.

Even so, the Commanders didn't draft Sinnott on Day 2 for the player to become a special-teams ace. They want him to gradually emerge as a valuable outlet in the passing game. If he can achieve this in Year 2, he'll be a surprise most teams won't see coming.

Luke McCaffrey - Commanders WR

Much like the situation with Ben Sinnott, wide receiver Luke McCaffrey didn't get many targets in 2024. The rookie played a decent amount of snaps, which should serve him well, but the Washington Commanders were reluctant to put too much on his plate in Year 1.

McCaffrey remains something of an unknown quantity as a result. He shone as a kick returner, but remains a work in progress on the wideout front. There was a lot to like about his ability to create separation, so it's a case of building more trust with quarterback Jayden Daniels and offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury.

The Commanders didn't sit on their hands this offseason. They traded for Deebo Samuel Sr., drafted Jaylin Lane, coaxed Michael Gallup out of retirement, and re-signed Noah Brown. McCaffery must hit the ground running this offseason. If he does, don't be surprised if he emerges as the team's slot specialist in 2025.

Jordan Magee - Commanders LB

Jordan Magee took the Commanders by storm over early workouts last summer. The rookie linebacker was physical, fast, and explosive. This was exactly what the coaching staff had in mind, but a devastating injury dented his progress significantly.

Magee suffered a knee complication that required surgery. He managed to return during the season but wasn't much of a factor on the defensive rotation. Although no doubt disappointing, all hope is not lost with the former Temple star by any stretch.

The Commanders have Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu as their starting linebacker duo. They are looking for one of their young guns to surge forward into a key rotational role. Magee has the athletic attributes to achieve this objective, but Washington also drafted Kain Medrano to keep the urgency high.

How Magee performs over the summer and the preseason will ultimately determine his 2025 outlook. If he impresses enough, the second-level force will be rewarded accordingly.

Tyler Owens - Commanders S

Tyler Owens was the story of Washington's training camp last year. Very little was expected of the undrafted free agent despite his impressive combination of size and speed. He put together a sensational few weeks to cement his place on the 53-man roster.

The dynamic safety wasn't utilized much aside from special teams. Owens got hurt at a bad time, which didn't help his chances. There were flashes of genuine quality on special teams, but nothing to overly convince anybody that he's got a long-term future with the franchise.

That's the big objective facing Owens this time around. Catching the eye and being a big surprise right out of the gate is one thing. Making sure these standards are sustained en route to more involvement is something else entirely.

The Commanders didn't do much to bolster their safety corps throughout the offseason. There's still time for that to change, but it could also be a sign that those in power believe Owens can improve enough to become a dangerous asset in 2025.

Johnny Newton - Commanders DL

The Washington Commanders thought Johnny Newton was too good to turn down at No. 36 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. They didn't have a particularly dire need for another defensive tackle, but general manager Adam Peters always takes the best prospects available and worries about the rest later.

Newton's preparations were hindered by foot surgeries. Although it prevented him from getting up to speed quickly, the Commanders wasted no time in throwing him into the fire. There were some growing pains, especially against the run, but the flashes suggest he can become an important part of Washington's long-term strategy.

The former Illinois game-wrecker has Daron Payne alongside him on the interior once again. Washington also signed Javon Kinlaw to replace the released Jonathan Allen. That could reduce the second-year pro to pass-rushing responsibilities as a 3-technique, but this could be the best way for him to thrive next season.

Jaylin Lane - Commanders WR

While there is optimism that running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt can establish himself quicker than anticipated, it's also worth remembering that he's a seventh-round pick. Tempering expectations would be wise, but that's not the case with Jaylin Lane.

The Virginia Tech graduate has to wait until No. 128 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft to hear his name called. Lane has a big chip on his shoulder, and there's a growing sense that the Commanders might have a steal on their hands with a smooth transition this summer.

Lane looks like a tremendous scheme fit within Kliff Kingsbury's offensive concepts. He got enough speed to stretch the field if needed. He's a dynamic threat with the football in his hands and elusive in tight windows. This will make him a significant threat in the return game if it takes him a little longer to impact the offensive rotation.

If Lane capitalizes on every chance he gets leading into Week 1, the Commanders would be wise to throw him in at the deep end to see how he fares.

Quan Martin - Commanders S

Considering Quan Martin has been a starter across the secondary for most of his first two seasons in the league, his contribution remains under the radar. That might not be the case for much longer.

The Commanders opted to let Jeremy Chinn walk for the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency. Adam Peters signed Will Harris to fill the void. Whether he can raise his performance levels enough remains to be seen, but it unquestionably makes Martin the alpha dog in the safety room in Year 3 of his professional career.

Martin is ready for the responsibility. He's gradually improved, is evolving as a leader, and communicates extremely well from the backend. The Commanders trust him — they wouldn't have let Chinn go otherwise. Any raised performance levels from the Illinois product could see a genuine breakout campaign emerge.

After that, it won't just be Washington fans familiar with his talent. It'll be the entire league.

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