An optimist's guide to the 2025 Washington Commanders

He also finished as the league’s 16th-leading passer, better than all quarterbacks in his division, and had the highest QBR (70.6) in the NFC. Additionally, he became the first rookie QB to win 10 or more games with at least 30 touchdowns and 4,000 total yards in a single season. Just imagine what he can do with a year’s worth of experience under his belt.

2. WR Deebo Samuel

After leading the team with five straight 1,000-yard seasons, wide receiver Terry McLaurin will finally get some help with the arrival of the former 49ers receiver. While Samuel hasn’t been able to reproduce the numbers of his breakout 2021 season (1,405 yards and six scores), he remains one of the league’s most versatile players.

In six seasons, Samuel has 22 touchdowns through the air and 20 on the ground, rushing for 5.7 yards per carry and 1,143 yards. What he doesn’t have is a contract for 2026, which means the Commanders should get his best effort in 2025.

3. Offensive line

Not only did the team trade for left tackle Laremy Tunsil, a five-time Pro Bowler, but it also used this year’s first-round pick to take former Oregon tackle Josh Conerly Jr., an All-American in 2024. Together, the two will look to shore up a unit that ranked 22nd in pass-blocking grade, per Pro Football Focus, and allowed Daniels to take 47 sacks last season.

4. Zach Ertz

The veteran tight end has the trust of his quarterback. Ertz ranked second on the team last season with 66 catches on 91 targets for 654 yards and seven touchdowns. In last year’s conference championship game, he led the Commanders with 11 catches for 104 yards. Ertz will turn 35 years old in November but appears to have plenty left in the tank.

5. Vibes

The malaise that surrounded the Dan Snyder era of ownership is gone, with Josh Harris and head coach Dan Quinn leading the way toward better days. On the field, the team’s record speaks for itself. Off the field, things are going even better.

Not only will Washington host the 2027 NFL Draft, but Harris recently revealed plans to build a new multi-billion-dollar stadium on the site of RFK Stadium, the team’s home from 1961-96. Groundbreaking won’t happen until 2026 with construction planned through 2030 but all things considered, now is a good time to be a Commanders fan.