Commanders' Offseason Moves: A New Era

0:00On May 2nd, the Washington commanders limped to a 5-and-12 record last season, a huge letdown after nearly making the NFC championship the year before. Injuries wrecked their middle-pack roster, but unlike other sports, the NFL lets teams bounce back quick. Now General Manager Adam Peters is flipping the script with smart off-season moves to get them competitive again. Peters went all in on free agency, rebuilding the defense with younger, faster talent, hungry to prove themselves. They grab edge rushers, safeties, cornerbacks, tight ends and linebackers on solid multi-year deals, guys finishing rookie contracts with gas left in the tank. Legendary quarterback Joe Thysman, who won a Super Bowl with Washington, is hyped about it. On a recent radio spot, he said Peters nailed every team need in fresh ways, mixing prove it contracts with long-term bets. Then came the draft, with a snagged prize linebacker sunny styles at number 7 overall, an immediate starter to plug holes up front.

1:01These additions turn a thin roster into real contenders without waiting years. If it clicks, the commanders could be optimistic, not just next year, but for seasons ahead. Peters might just be the guy to make it happen.