#washington-commanders

#washington-commanders

When the Washington Commanders paid Frankie Luvu handsomely in 2024 free agency, it was a risk that turned into a rapid reward. A fringe rotational player with the New York Jets before becoming a standout on the Carolina Panthers, the hybrid linebacker-edge rusher had spent much of 2024 playing like a fringe NFL Defensive Player of the Year candidate in Washington. His explosiveness, relentless energy, and versatility made him one of the most valuable pieces in Washington's front-seven.

The Washington Commanders have run their well pretty dry when it comes to trade expenditure in recent months. That doesn't mean general manager Adam Peters won't make another daring move if he believes it can benefit the team's chances when the playoffs arrive. Getting into the postseason will be tough. The NFC looks a lot stronger this season. The Commanders are dealing with some troubling injury problems, although the likes of Jayden Daniels and Sam Cosmi are gearing up for their imminent returns.

Through roughly a quarter of the 2025 NFL campaign, limiting opposing aerial attacks has been a glaring area of weakness for the Washington Commanders. They've been susceptible to giving up the big play, specifically safety Quan Martin. Rival offenses have recognized his shortcomings and exploited them accordingly. This raises significant questions, both short-term and long-term. Martin, a 2023 second-round pick, has regressed this season when many expected a breakout year.

This was an afternoon to forget. The eventual scoreline didn't reflect how one-sided the contest was, for the most part. It was always going to be difficult without so many key personnel, but one cannot view this performance and lack of execution without feeling pessimistic. If their second defeat wasn't bad enough, the Commanders are also reportedly dealing with another possible long-term absence. And it's within a position group that isn't exactly blessed with great depth.

Those personnel problems pose the question: Who exactly is best suited to covering the wide receiver at Mercedes-Benz Stadium? The question isn't an easy one to answer, despite the Commanders still having three competent starting cornerbacks. Rookie Trey Amos is already showing out, while second-year pro Mike Sainristil remains versatile and physical. Still, veteran Marshon Lattimore has yet to return to the form that made him a four-time Pro Bowler with the New Orleans Saints.

Although Dorance Armstrong Jr. has been sensational through the first month of the campaign, the injury to Deatrich Wise Jr., the age of Von Miller, and the lack of intriguing depth showcase a lack of pass-rush talent in the nation's capital. Things will undoubtedly change as boards adjust, sources share news, and the college football season concludes, but here are three early names - on each day of the selection process - Commanders fans should keep on their radar as the campaign progresses.

Commanders general manager Adam Peters and adviser Bob Myers - who will be joined on the committee by sports executive Casey Wasserman, former NFL star linebacker Eric Kendricks and UCLA executive senior associate athletics director Erin Adkins - were part of the team that hired Washington coach Dan Quinn, who took the Commanders to the NFC Championship Game in his first season.

After a rocky start against the Las Vegas Raiders, Washington Commanders wide receiver Jaylin Lane turned what could have been a forgettable afternoon into a performance that shows he deserves more opportunities to get the ball in his hands. Lane had every reason to hang his head early. The rookie, who has only gotten limited chances in the receiving game, dropped a would-be touchdown that would have given Washington a 14-3 lead.