Analyst Names 2 Commanders Concerns On Offense

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Adam Schultz | Last updated Apr 14, 2025 8:31 AM ET

The Washington Commanders are taking advantage of Jayden Daniels' rookie contract with the signings of Deebo Samuel and Laremy Tunsil this offseason.

Already one of the better offenses in football last season, the Commanders have upgraded two key positions for Kliff Kingsbury. But there isn't much in terms of long-term futures.

And it is here that The Athletic's Ben Standig thinks the Commanders would be wise to invest in the future, given that they've gone all-in on the now.

"The offense is obviously Washington’s strongest unit, especially after trades for left tackle Laremy Tunsil and wide receiver Deebo Samuel," Standig writes. "However, investing more in the Daniels-led group is appropriate. The Commanders return the bulk of last season’s offensive skill players that contributed to the league’s fifth-highest scoring attack. There are immediate concerns, though, namely the lack of speed and long-term options."

The long-term options thought are valid: Deebo is a one-year rental, Terry McLaurin, Brian Robinson Jr., and Austin Ekeler will be free agents after 2025, while Zach Ertz is on a one-year deal.

So that is a host of key players set to enter free agency next offseason, which is why it makes sense to look toward the future in the draft.

We fully expect McLaurin to put pen to paper on a new deal, but for the rest? They could easily be moved on, leaving the Commanders short on firepower.

Drafting a couple of offensive pieces would help soften that potential blow. There are ample receivers and tight ends that will be available in the early rounds of the draft, and the Commanders would be wise to entertain the thought of taking them.

An Ertz replacement, plus another receiver to grow with McLaurin, are smart choices because while the Commanders are in the win-now business, they must be in the long-term business too.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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