#adam-peters

#adam-peters

Nobody was expecting too much from the Washington Commanders during their Christmas Day clash against the Dallas Cowboys. But it was yet another inept defensive display that left far more questions than answers. And it was another glaring indication that general manager Adam Peters' massive $45 million gamble this offseason is not going to yield the desired results. With Pro Bowl defensive lineman Daron Payne missing the game due to injury, the Commanders needed Javon Kinlaw to step up more than ever.

Peters' decision to sacrifice considerable draft compensation to the Houston Texans for Laremy Tunsil was an outstanding piece of business. The Commanders have problems - lots of them - but the five-time Pro Bowl left tackle has been nothing short of exceptional, almost from start to finish. Tunsil is a stone wall on the blindside. In 564 snaps this season, the former Ole Miss enforcer has given up just one sack, seven penalties, and 12 total pressures.

The sixth-year player has started in all seven of his appearances this season. However, the team captain has seen his role reduced over the course of the season. Rookies Barrett Carter and Demetrius Knight Jr. have received the bulk of the team's defensive snaps. Wilson, a third-round pick in the 2020 draft, has been a pivotal member of Cincinnati's defense in the turnaround.

They also knew that if no willing suitor came forward, he'd be released. And yet, Peters still managed to get something back in return. Not for the first time, Peters struck an agreement with his old employers, sending Robinson to the San Francisco 49ers for a sixth-round pick. The third-round selection out of Alabama will back up Christian McCaffrey, providing relief in between the tackles to keep the All-Pro fresh after another injury-plagued campaign in 2024.