Commanders quietly handed perfect fix for overlooked flaw at the right time

Adam Peters is an aggressive roster builder. It's a big reason why the Washington Commanders went from also-rans to contenders after just one year under his leadership. It's also a reason why they are expected to go deep into the playoffs once again in 2025.

Peters won't hesitate to ring the changes if he isn't satisfied with what's unfolding. The general manager is a shrewd personnel evaluator who knows the Commanders are in win-now mode. If that means shaking things up, it's a small price to pay for greater fortunes.

Everyone will get a shot to earn their stripes at training camp. But one notable development around the league will no doubt have Peters' attention.

In a somewhat surprising move, the San Francisco 49ers released George Odum after three seasons. He joined in 2022 free agency when Peters held a prominent position in their front office, so it's not hard to connect the dots.

Commanders could check in on George Odum after surprising 49ers release

Odum is a former All-Pro performer with some good football left. Injuries dented his progression over the last two years, which led San Francisco to go in a different direction. He was recently placed on the non-football injury list, which stems from an elbow complication that required surgery and should be fully healed in six to eight weeks.

That would rile him out of training camp, so anyone signing him would be taking a risk. Peters knows more about the veteran safety than most, and he's also got the physical profile typically associated with defensive backs in Dan Quinn's defensive system.

The Commanders have some slight concerns about their safety options heading into the campaign. Quan Martin is a legitimate breakout candidate, but replacing Jeremy Chinn with Will Harris cannot be seen as anything other than a downgrade right now.

Unless someone like Jeremy Reaves, Tyler Owens, or Percy Butler takes a meteoric surge in the coming weeks, Peters could easily decide that more is needed. Much would depend on the medical assessments and rehabilitation progress, but checking in on Odum wouldn't be the worst idea in the world.

This also fits the Commanders' current recruitment ethos. A series of abysmal drafts from Ron Rivera left Peters relying on proven veterans on short-term deals to plug the gaps. That will change when the front-office leader starts stacking good drafts, but this puts Odum potentially in the equation.

It wouldn't cost the Commanders much to find out one way or another. But if the current options at the safety position all perform up to expectations in the coming weeks, don't be surprised if Peters stands pat either.

Time will tell on that one…

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