7 Commanders on the hot seat as a franchise-defining offseason begins

"The stakes were always going to be high for the Washington Commanders this offseason. But after winning just five games in 2025, the pressure has been raised exponentially. This season can be best described as demoralizing. Fans were dreaming of going deep into the postseason after reaching the final four. Injuries decimated any slim hope the Commanders had of going one better, but those around the setup over the summer got the sense that something was off."

"Fans were skeptical of these judgments, especially given the team's momentum. However, they were right, and the Commanders took a significant step back just when it looked like the dark days were behind them for good. But this is not like the disastrous days of old. There is a foundation in place. There are ambitious plans gathering pace behind the scenes. And if the right moves are made in the coming months before preparations for the 2026 campaign begin,"

"General manager Adam Peters is the man tasked with turning this key objective into a reality. The Commanders were right to be bold last offseason. They reached the NFC Championship game in Year 1 of this ambitious project, and Peters wanted to see if the same approach, combined with some blockbuster trades, could bring similar success. It didn't pay off, so a complete rethink is needed."

The Washington Commanders finished 2025 with only five wins, producing a demoralizing season after an NFC Championship run. Injuries and underlying issues reversed momentum and revealed organizational problems despite earlier optimism. The roster needs a major overhaul emphasizing youth, dynamism, and explosiveness, with only six 2026 draft picks complicating plans. General manager Adam Peters faces pressure to execute bold trades and strategic changes. The franchise retains a foundation and ambitious behind-the-scenes plans, offering a chance to recover quickly if decisive moves occur before 2026 preparations begin. Nervousness is growing as the offseason becomes franchise-defining, placing seven players and executives on the hot seat.

Read at Riggo's Rag