Jaden Daniels and the Washington Commanders’ improbable season came to a close Sunday in Philadelphia.
The Commanders lost to the Eagles 55-23 in the NFC Championship Game. Despite the obvious disappointment on Washington’s part, managers should be optimistic about the future of the franchise.
Daniels is the clear favorite to win NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, and Dan Quinn is a candidate for Coach of the Year.
The Commanders finished the regular season with a 12-5 record, an eight-win improvement from 4-13 in 2023. The future is bright for Washington.
What’s next for the coach as he prepares for the 2025 season? USA TODAY Sports finds out.
NFL STATS CENTRAL: Latest NFL scores, schedules, odds, stats, and more.
Commander’s Key 2025 Free Agent
Bobby Wagner, LB
Wagner had 13 consecutive seasons with 100 or more tackles, but in the same category he only tried former Washington standout linebacker London Fletcher, who had 14 seasons with 100 or more tackles. It would be poetic if Wagner joined Fletcher as a member of the command. The 34-year-old linebacker is still a tackling machine.
Dante Fowler Jr., LB
Fowler had a team-high 10.5 sacks, marking the second time in his career that he reached double-digit sacks in a season. The former No. 3 overall pick could have earned another contract in the nation’s capital. He was Washington’s most consistent pass rusher.
Zach Ertz, TE
The veteran tight end turned into a safety blanket for Daniels. Ertz has had his best year since the 2021 season and has found his fountain of youth. He will turn 35 during the 2025 season, but he proved he still has some juice left in the tank.
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edge rusher
Fowler (10) and Frankie Lub (eight) led the commanders in sacks. Fowler will become a free agent. The franchise has yet to replace departed edge rushers Montez Sweat and Chase Young. Dallas Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence is pending free agency. Commanders coach Dan Quinn is familiar with Lawrence from his time as the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator, and it would be good to see the Commanders mention the position in the upcoming draft.
offensive line
Mr. Daniels was fired 47 times. Some of his sacks were the result of rookie growing pains, and others were on the O-line. A strong offensive line will only benefit the presumptive NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. Ohio State tackle Josh Simmons and West Virginia tackle Wyatt Milam are expected to be available in the first two rounds.
wide receiver
Terry McLaurin is the manager’s excellent No. 1 wide receiver. Olamide Zachaeus and Noah Brown are Washington’s next two leading receivers, and both are scheduled to become free agents. McLaurin and Ertz accounted for 20 of Daniels’ passing touchdowns. Managers also need other wide playmakers. Free agent wide receivers Keenan Allen or Chris Godwin would be a good fit in D.C.
Commander’s draft needs
commanders shouldn’t do that
edge rusher wide receiver offensive line
Coaches have seven draft picks in the 2025 NFL Draft:
Round 1 Round 2 Round 3 (From PHI) Round 5 (From NOLA) Round 7 Round 7 (From PHI) Round 7 (From PHI)
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