Grading the latest five Commanders moves including Tyre Phillips signing

Adam Peters is never sitting on his hands. The Washington Commanders' general manager is constantly searching for ways to improve every aspect of the franchise. He'll stop at nothing to ensure a memorable 2024 campaign becomes the catalyst for a more prosperous future for this ambitious project.

The recruitment period has wound down following a frantic free-agent period this spring. The 2025 NFL Draft and undrafted free agency are firmly in the rearview mirror. Even so, the Commanders are still examining all options to enhance the squad. And if Peters believes the right opportunity has presented itself, he won't hesitate to pull the trigger.

This is an exciting time for Washington's passionate fan base. There is legitimate hope for the first time in decades. Incredible plans are being formed behind the scenes to turn the Commanders into a perennial powerhouse. Their remarkable early on-field accomplishments bring added pressure, but it's nothing this close-knit group cannot handle if complacency doesn't become an issue.

That's for the not-too-distant future. For now, we graded the latest five Commanders' moves, starting with the recent addition of Tyre Phillips.

Grading the latest five Commanders' moves during 2025 offseason

Commanders signed Tyre Phillips

The Washington Commanders revealed their biggest offseason priority relatively early on. Adam Peters wanted to surround quarterback Jayden Daniels with an improved supporting cast. And this all started in the trenches.

Peters caused a huge uproar by trading for five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil. That didn't stop the Commanders from taking Oregon standout Josh Conerly Jr. at No. 29 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. This could potentially provide Daniels with a bookend edge tandem capable of keeping his pocket clean consistently next season.

The Commanders are never settling. They are always looking for ways to increase competition for places. Another example of this arrived after the team's rookie minicamp with the signing of veteran offensive tackle Tyre Phillips.

Those in power were suitably impressed after bringing Phillips in for a tryout. He's got experience as a starter but was used on a limited basis by the New York Giants in 2024. Expecting miracles right away is unrealistic, but his previous connection to offensive line coach Bobby Johnson should smooth the transition.

• Grade: B

This isn't going to move the needle much. Phillips could be a camp body and nothing more. He could also force his way onto the 53-man roster in a backup role, depending on how things play out.

Commanders signed Matt Gay

The Washington Commanders chose not to select a kicker with one of their five picks in the 2025 NFL Draft. Adam Peters wasn't entirely convinced by the options available in undrafted free agency. Fortunately, the general manager had something else in mind.

Zane Gonzalez got a one-year deal this offseason, but his situation remained precarious after a solid if not spectacular first season in Washington. As it turned out, the former seventh-round pick didn't even get the courtesy of a training camp battle after the Commanders signed Matt Gay.

This raised a few eyebrows in more ways than one. The Commanders not only signed Gay, but they also gave him the most guaranteed money on a one-year agreement received by a kicker in NFL history. That brings raised expectations that he must meet sooner rather than later.

The Commanders are in a fine margins situation next season. They cannot afford their kicking position to become a weak link in crucial situations. Gay has proven production under his belt. He also regressed enough last time around for the Indianapolis Colts to go in a different direction.

• Grade: B-

The life of a kicker could go either way. Gay will either excel or fall flat on his face. There is likely no in between.

Commanders signed Josh Johnson

The Commanders seemed pretty set at the quarterback position. Jayden Daniels is the superstar. Marcus Mariota is the experienced backup. Sam Hartman is the development project looking to make the 53-man roster in Year 2 of his professional career.

Adam Peters had different ideas. The general manager secured the services of journeyman Josh Johnson, who fills the void left by Jeff Driskel. This is another veteran presence in the room, although nobody is expecting him to earn anything more than the No. 3 spot if the Commanders decide to take three signal-callers onto the squad once again.

This is Johnson's second spell in Washington after being part of the team during the 2018 campaign. He's never stuck anywhere, even trying his luck in the AAF and UFL before returning to the big leagues. The player also knows Peters from their time together on the San Francisco 49ers, so Hartman faces a real fight to remain relevant from the outside looking in.

The former Notre Dame star would be an ideal candidate for the practice squad again if he cannot beat out Johnson. But that would be a damning indictment of how his development is being perceived.

• Grade: C+

As for Johnson? He's getting one more shot to prolong his career. Whether he can take it remains to be seen.

Commanders signed T.J. Maguranyangab

Not many Washington Commanders fans believe Adam Peters has done enough to solve their pass rush this offseason. The general manager seems pretty confident with the options available, but he's taking a big risk if this is the group he rolls with when Week 1 rolls around.

There is a lack of dynamism and expansiveness. The Commanders should be better against the run, but they don't have anyone to strike fear into the hearts of opposing offensive lines. Their most productive player in terms of sacks last season, Dante Fowler Jr., departed for the Dallas Cowboys in free agency to further raise concerns.

T.J. Maguranyangab is being listed as a defensive end, for what it's worth. The Zimbabwean rugby star joined the Commanders as part of the NFL's international player pathway program. He doesn't count against the roster or the salary cap, so it'll be interesting to see how quickly he picks things up over the summer.

There have been some notable success stories from this initiative in previous years. Maguranyangab is looking to be the next, but establishing himself on a contending team is an almost impossible task.

• Grade: C

It's not costing the Commanders anything to find out whether Maguranyangab's athletic attributes can be molded into something more. But it seems like a long shot, all things considered.

Commanders hired Wes Welker

It's not just the roster where Adam Peters is bolstering the ranks. The Commanders also brought in an accomplished former NFL wide receiver turned coach to help guide the next generation.

Wes Welker is Washington's new personnel analyst. He'll spend time in the front office and with the coaching staff, providing useful insight on developments while also lending his expertise to improving the options at Washington's disposal.

This brings significant intrigue. It also tied directly to Washington's decision to acquire Deebo Samuel Sr. via trade from the San Francisco 49ers.

Welker gained widespread praise for getting Samuel to an All-Pro caliber standard. He installed a sense of professionalism in the player that was supposedly lacking previously. He taught him how to prepare, maintain peak physical conditioning, and become someone others could follow. It had the desired effect, and Peters had a front-row seat as part of San Francisco's front office at the time.

• Grade: A+

If Welker can have a similar impact on Samuel in a different environment, the better Washington's hopes will be. He'll have more responsibilities than just keeping the former South Carolina star on the straight and narrow, but the already developed relationship between the two is only going to help in his quest to seize this fantastic opportunity.

More Commanders news and analysis