The Washington Commanders had a miraculous season in 2024, far better than anticipated and their best since 1991. They rode the coattails of rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels to the NFC Championship game, earning him Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.
After such a stellar performance, it’s no wonder some are predicting that the Commanders will make a serious run at the Super Bowl in 2025, and that includes NFL analyst Bucky Brooks. Brooks named the eight teams with the biggest Super Bowl window and the Commanders were seventh.
The presence of the 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year gives the Commanders a puncher’s chance against any opponent. Though Jayden Daniels’ magical debut season and run to the NFC title game must be kept in perspective, the Washington star undeniably showed he is a playmaking wizard with the talent and tools to elevate the team around him.
With $75 million of projected salary-cap space at the Commanders’ disposal, Daniels could enter 2025 with a more dynamic supporting cast. Washington can morph from a surprising upstart into an NFC heavyweight by adding speed and explosiveness on the perimeter and bringing in bullies at the point of attack.
The veteran-laden defense flourished in Dan Quinn’s first season, but the unit needs reinforcements to upgrade the speed and athleticism along the front seven. Veterans — and pending free agents — Dante Fowler Jr. and Bobby Wagner were essential to the team’s playoff run in 2024. Still, the Commanders could climb higher on the ladder of contention with an upgraded roster.
Given the salary cap increase announced earlier this week, the Commanders have plenty of capital to work with this offseason. They’ll work to keep the pieces they can and seek replacements for those they can’t or those who simply aren’t working out.
Adam Peters and Dan Quinn got a taste of success in 2024, as did the Commanders’ players. The entire organization wants more of that and will do whatever it takes to make it happen. Expect the Commanders to be just as formidable next season as they were in 2024.